Help center
How can we help you today?
-
Do you want to join Merchant Navy?
-
Are you already in Merchant Navy?
How can we help you today?
Do you want to join Merchant Navy?
Are you already in Merchant Navy?
Which course are you interested to join?
IMUCET/DNS/B.Sc/B.Tech
GP Rating
ETO
GME
Check your eligibility for IMU CET
Know top colleges for DNS/B.Sc/B.Tech
Get complete information about IMUCET/DNS/B.Sc/B.Tech
Get study material for IMU CET preparation
Check your medical eligibility
Do you still have something to ask?
Bosun
Fitter
Able-Bodied Seaman
Ordinary Seaman
Oiler/Wiper
Steward
Chief Cook
Check if you are eligible to give 3rd officer exams from UK
Check if you are eligible to give 3rd officer exams from India
Get complete information to give exams from UK
Get complete information to give exams from India
Gain financial education to retire early
As a seafarer gain knowledge before buying insurance
Check if you are eligible to give 4th Engineer exams from UK
Check if you are eligible to give 4th Engineer exams from India
Get complete information to give exams from UK
Get complete information to give exams from India
Gain financial education to retire early
As a seafarer gain knowledge before buying insurance
Coming Soon...
Trainee Marine Engineer
4th Engineer
3rd Engineer
2nd Engineer
Chief Engineer
Deck Cadet
3rd Officer
2nd Officer
Chief Officer
Captain
Coming Soon...
Coming Soon...
Marine Engineering is a specialized branch of engineering that deals with the design, development, maintenance, and operation of ships, boats, and other marine vessels. Marine engineers work on the propulsion systems, onboard machinery, and auxiliary systems to ensure smooth and safe sea operations.
To become a marine engineer, students can pursue either a B.Tech/B.E in Marine Engineering, or opt for marine engineering diploma courses like GME (Graduate Marine Engineering) or DME (Diploma in Marine Engineering).
B.E/B.Tech in Marine Engineering (4 years)
Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) – 1 year (for mechanical engineering graduates)
Diploma in Marine Engineering (DME) – 2 years
Pre-Sea Training for Marine Engineers
To apply for a marine engineering course, you must meet the following criteria:
Educational Qualification: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) for B.Tech; Mechanical Engineering degree for GME
Minimum Marks: 60% in PCM
Age Limit: Generally between 17.5 to 25 years (varies by course)
Medical Fitness: As per DG Shipping standards (no color blindness, good vision)
When applying for a marine engineering course, you’ll need:
Class 10th & 12th mark sheets
Birth certificate
Passport
Aadhaar card
Medical fitness certificate
Eye test report
Recent passport-size photographs
The marine engineering syllabus includes both theoretical and practical training. Key subjects are:
Thermodynamics
Marine Electrical Technology
Fluid Mechanics
Heat Engines
Ship Construction
Naval Architecture
Marine IC Engines
Automation and Control Systems
Some of the best institutes offering marine engineering in India include:
Indian Maritime University (IMU) – Kolkata, Mumbai.
AMET University
International Maritime Institute (IMI) – Noida
Indian Maritime University Chennai (IMU Chennai)
Tolani Maritime Institute (TMI)
After completing a marine engineering course, students can join ships as trainee marine engineers (also called Junior Engineer or Engine Cadet). Career progression includes:
Fourth Engineer
Third Engineer
Second Engineer
Chief Engineer
You can work on merchant navy ships, offshore rigs, or shift to shore-based marine engineering jobs later.
Here’s a rough estimate of the marine engineering salary structure:
| Rank | Average Monthly Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Trainee/Junior Engineer | ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Fourth Engineer | ₹80,000 – ₹1.2 Lakh |
| Third Engineer | ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 Lakh |
| Second Engineer | ₹3 – ₹5 Lakh |
| Chief Engineer | ₹5 – ₹8 Lakh+ |
Note: Salaries vary depending on vessel type, company, and experience. Foreign shipping companies often pay higher.
The future of marine engineering looks promising with the rise of:
Green ships and sustainable marine tech
Automation in shipping industry
Offshore energy sector growth
High demand for marine engineers globally
With India being a major supplier of seafarers, job opportunities are set to increase in 2025 and beyond.
The life of a marine engineer at sea involves:
4–6 months onboard, followed by equal time off
Working in engine rooms, ensuring machinery is running efficiently
Maintaining generators, pumps, boilers, air compressors, etc.
Experiencing new countries, cultures, and tax-free income
It’s a rewarding yet challenging lifestyle, best suited for those who love the sea and machines.
Marine Engineering is an excellent career choice for those who are technically inclined and passionate about ships and travel. With the shipping industry growing and evolving, skilled marine engineers will remain in high demand.
Yes, it offers high salary, global exposure, and career growth. However, it requires physical fitness and time away from family.
A fresher starts with ₹25,000–₹60,000 per month, and senior ranks like Chief Engineers earn ₹5–₹8 lakh per month or more.
Take a B.Tech in Marine Engineering or a GME course if you’re a mechanical engineer, pass medical tests, and complete onboard training.
Both are good. Marine engineering has faster salary growth but involves staying away at sea. Mechanical is land-based with broader opportunities.
Disclaimer :- The opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author and may not necessarily reflect those of Merchant Navy Decoded. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided and disclaim any responsibility for it. Data and visuals used are sourced from publicly available information and may not be authenticated by any regulatory body. Reviews and comments appearing on our blogs represent the opinions of individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Merchant Navy Decoded. We are not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on these reviews or comments.
Reproduction, copying, sharing, or use of the article or images in any form is strictly prohibited without prior permission from both the author and Merchant Navy Decoded.
Decoded Discount Alert! up to 50% OFF
