Marine-Engineer-ebook

www.marineinsight.com Marine Engineer's Handbook- A Resource Guide to Marine Engineering Marine Insight© A Resource Guide to Marine Engineering Publication date: June 2013 Author: Raunek Kantharia Editor : Raunek Kantharia Published by: Marine Insight© www.marineinsight.com Graphic Design: Anish Wankhede (copyright symbol) Copyright 2013 Marine Insight NOTICE OF RIGHTS All rights reserved. No part of this book may be rewritten, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or distributed in any form or means, without prior written permission of the publisher. NOTICE OF LIABILITY The authors and editors have made every effort possible to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in the book. Neither the authors and Marine Insight, nor editors or distributors, will be held liable for any damages caused either directly or indirectly by the instructions contained in this book, or the equipment, tools, or methods described herein. Our Other Free eBooks Get All the Free e-Books by Subscribing to Marine Insight here 1. Marine Engineering vs. Nautical Science 2. Engine vs. Deck Department 3. How to Become Marine Engineer ? 4. Hierarchy in Engine Department 5. Important Documents for Marine Engineers 6. Important Courses for Marine Engineers 7. Important Books for Marine Engineers 8. Further Studies for Marine Engineers 9. Marine Engineering Resources CONTENT In order to have a successful career at sea, it is important you make the right decisions at the start. Degrees in nautical science or marine engineering are two ways in which one can get a job on ships. However, choosing between engine and deck departments is one such decision that often bothers students. There have been several cases wherein students have taken up deck or engine side just to realize later that they are more inclined towards something else. It is therefore extremely important that one knows in advance what field they are going to pursue and what job they would be doing later on ships. So what is the difference between nautical science and marine engineering? How would you know which one to choose and what to expect from each? Difference between Marine Engineering and Nautical Science Degrees Marine Engineering Marine engineering is a field that deals with the engineering aspect of the maritime industry. Like any conventional engineering course, marine engineering is a four year course which prepares an individual to become an engineer on ships. Marine engineering is all about machinery on ships, boats, yachts, or any sea going vessel. There are several other technical streams that sprout out from this field. The curriculum of the course focuses on teaching specialized knowledge of both theoretical and practical marine and mechanical engineering. Greater importance is given to impart skills and competencies that are required to operate and maintain machinery on board ships. Marine Engineering Vs Nautical Science www.marineinsight.com1 The subjects taught in the first and second year of the course are almost the same as those taught in conventional mechanical engineering. The main aim is to introduce engineering sciences to the students and make them understand the applications of those sciences in various aspects of marine engineering. The third and fourth years are totally dedicated at imparting marine technical knowledge. Both theoretical and practical aspects of marine machinery are covered with special focus on ship’s operation and maintenance of marine machinery. Practical knowledge through laboratory and workshop training is provided throughout the four years of the program, so that students get hands-on knowledge of dismantling and maintenance of machines on ships. Nautical Science While marine engineering makes an individual a ship’s engineer, nautical science prepares a person to become a deck officer. Nautical science is a three years course after which the student joins a ship as trainee cadet. After completing sufficient time at the sea and clearing required competency exams, promotion is granted considering past performance. Nautical science imparts nautical technology knowledge which is important to become a deck officer on board ships. Theoretical and practical knowledge required for navigation, cargo operation, ship maintenance and operation is imparted during the three years course, along with exposure to some areas of humanities and social sciences. Hands-on training is extremely important as a deck officer and thus detailed procedure and maintenance techniques of important deck machinery is an integral part of this course. Emphasis is also given on providing specialized knowledge on subjects such as seamanship and working in marine environment. www.marineinsight.com MERCHANT NAVY Nautical Science Marine Engineering Deck Department Engine Department 2 People planning to join Merchant Navy often ask what is better – engine department or the deck department? Though there is no specific answer to this question, understanding important aspects of both the sides is very important. Before deciding between engine and deck departments, we ask students to keep these five things in mind before joining merchant navy. Then for anyone who is confused between engine side and deck side, it is important that he or she first understands the difference between Nautical Science and Marine engineering. (People who study nautical science become deck officers and those who study marine engineering become marine engineers). Knowing about various subjects one has to learn in each of these streams helps to get rid of most of the doubts involved with deciding between the two departments. A career in merchant navy is unlike any other career and every person planning a career in the same would know about it. In case you don’t, read them here -Reasons as to why a career in merchant navy is unlike any other. People confused between engine and deck sides, often have queries regarding the following aspects: Salary structure Job profile Future prospects Placement and job availability Availability of shore jobs www.marineinsight.com Engine Vs Deck Department 3 Let’s look at each aspect individually. Salary structure Salary structure of both engine and deck departments is almost the same. This means that officers at corresponding rank in both the departments earn almost equally. The article on average range of salaries of officers on ships would help to resolve the doubt. Job profile Though the job profile and nature of duties of officers in both the department are different, at the end it an individual’s choice as to what side to choose. Work profile in both engine and deck departments is challenging and rewarding. It’s the person’s prerogative to decide between engine side and navigation side. Future prospects A ship cannot run without engine officers and deck officers. Thus the need of both the type of officers will always be there (Unless they come up with totally unmanned ships). Both the sides have bright and respectable futures. Placement and job market This is one aspect which bothers the most especially to those who are just entering the field. Though there are several reasons because of which deck cadets and junior marine engineers are not getting jobs, the situation is expected to improve soon. However, it is to note that employment problems are prominent in every field at the starting level and it’s the same with merchant navy as well. Officers of higher ranks from both engine and deck departments are always in demand. Onshore opportunities For those who also consider on shore job prospects must note that there are several opportunities on shore of merchant navy officers. Experienced marine engineers and deck officers can get jobs in the management department of shipping companies. Marine engineers can take up shore based jobs as Design, Seismic, and Maintenance Engineers. They can also take up the job of trainee surveyors. Nautical officers as well as marine engineers are also required in Chartering / Ship Brokerage firms. However it is advisable to sail for certain years and take good amount of experience before shifting to shore jobs.Those who are interested in future studies can do an MBA in Shipping and improve their job options on shore. Read more here – How to do MBA in Shipping? Thus, a career in both engine and deck department is a rewarding and challenging one. At the end, it is up to the individual to decide what he or she is more passionate and interested about. www.marineinsight.com4 Marine engineering is a job that is very much sought after around the world. The growth of the industry and the continued research and development in the field has rubbed off on the academic study of this engineering field and more people have started to opt for it. The increase in the commercial activities, across the seas also has a positive impact on marine engineering with unprecedented rise in the number of merchant navy vessels and trading. All these have had a positive impact on the job market in this dynamic sector. Certain attributes are pre-requisite for any job in the merchant navy or as a marine engineer, whereas there are other required qualifications which vary for different profiles. There are colleges that offer both degree and post graduate courses in marine engineering. For someone who has ambitions of becoming a marine engineer, this is supposed to be the first base. The eligibility, required to take an admission in these courses is pretty much the same around the world. The length of the graduate course of engineering may vary slightly in some countries, but in general it is 4 years, wherein the student undergoes comprehensive training in both theoretical as well as practical aspects of the science. In some cases practical sessions are conducted in-house and some of the sessions are also conducted at real sites like shipyards or real ships. The theoretical subjects include, apart from English, which is the most widely understood and used language in merchant navy, computer science, applied mathematics, physics, electronics and marine management. Besides these there are several other subjects that are covered and students are educated regarding environmental science, maritime commerce, control systems etc. These trainings are necessary for anyone aspiring to be a marine engineer or who wants a job in the merchant navy as it not only adds to the mental abilities but also inculcates physical attributes. For better prospects in the existing job or How to become Marine Engineer? www.marineinsight.com5 the open job market, a masters degree in marine engineering is definitely advisable. The training albeit enhanced is not that difficult, especially for a graduate student of the same discipline as it comprises mostly of lab hours that put into practice the various principles of engineering studied previously. Creating a portfolio helps anybody trying to climb the hierarchy of seniority in the merchant navy. In any case, the most successful in this field are definitely the ones who had a clear idea of what they wanted out of this industry and which of their characteristics suited it the best. With the recent studies predicting a steady growth in the international trade, this industry is more or less set to keep on progressing. This is because ‘shipping’ is still the easiest and cheapest mode of transportation around the world. Therefore the profile of a marine engineer would remain a center of attraction for the youth for a long time to come. If you are a mechanical engineer and wish to get a job in the merchant navy, then you can do so by becoming a marine engineer using your mechanical engineering degree. Find out how to do marine engineering after mechanical engineering here. Mechanical and marine engineering courses have several subjects in common and this makes it easier for a mechanical engineer to get an additional degree in marine and open new doors of opportunities. A one year Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) course after mechanical engineering would give students the license to enter merchant navy. This one year GME course is all you need to become a marine engineer after doing mechanical engineering. Eligibility Criteria However, there are certain requirements which one should satisfy in order to join the one year marine engineering course. They are as follows: • Graduation in BE (Mechanical) Engineering / Naval Architecture with minimum marks of 50% in final year • Must have minimum 50% marks in English language at 10th or 12th or in Degree Exam • Must not be more than 28 years old and should satisfy all health requirements that are necessary to join the merchant navy. • To know more about the medical health requirements, read Physical Fitness and Medical Requirements to Join Merchant navy. www.marineinsight.com6 The nomenclature of merchant navy ranking system is universally accepted by shipping companies and commercial vessels around the world. However, there can be minor changes in names and duties assigned to specific positions depending on the country to which the ship belongs. The Engine Department • Chief Engineer • Second Engineer/First Assistant Engineer • Third Engineer/ Second Assistant Engineer • Fourth Engineer/ Third Assistant Engineer • Fifth Engineer/ Engine Cadet • Engine Room Rating • Fitter • Motorman • Wiper • Trainee Fitter / Trainee Wiper Chief Engineer: Chief engineer is the head of the engineering department on a vessel. The required qualification for this position is loosely referred to as the “Chief’s Ticket”. Alternatively, he can also be termed as the “The Chief” and usually draws the same payment as the Captain, although the complete responsibility of a particular vessel falls solely on the Captain’s shoulder. The Chief Engineer cannot take over the ship’s charge, unless such a situation arises which has been documented under the safety measures. Chief engineer gives orders for operation and maintenance of ship’s machinery system and is responsible for the entire engine room department. Second Engineer/ First Assistant Engineer: He is associated with the day- to-day activities in the engine room, and is accountable to the Chief Engineer. He stays extremely busy most of the time on board, as he needs to constantly supervise the proper functioning of all engine room machinery systems and also assigns jobs to the other engine officers and crew. The Hierarchy Level in Engine Department www.marineinsight.com7 Second Engineer generally keeps watch on the engine room, during the day time. Third engineer/ Second Assistant Engineer: This is the next position after the Second Engineer, and is assigned jobs to look after machinery ordered by the chief engineer, along with carrying out daily watch keeping. He reports to the second engineer. Fourth Engineer/ Third Assistant Engineer: This is the lowermost operational rank in the engineering department. The Fourth Engineer is concerned with the correct working of the machinery systems assigned to him and also carry our watch keeping. He reports to the second engineer. Fifth Engineer/ Engineering Cadet: Fifth engineer is a trainee under the Second Engineer officer, and he assists and learns while observing and carrying out activities in the engine room. He would accompany a senior officer (mostly second engineer) during the watch duty. Engine Fitter: The engine fitter is responsible for doing maintenance of all pipe and fitting jobs including welding, cutting and other workshop operation as instructed by the engine room in-charge. Oiler/ Motorman: Being a motorman would need you to remain on your alert best to make sure that the overall machinery always remains in working conditions. He assists the watch keeping officer. Wiper: Wiper looks after the cleaning and painting job in the engine room and also does house keeping jobs. Trainee wiper/ fitter: Trainee wiper are sent onboard for training purpose as per the rank appointed and will be assisting wiper or fitter in the daily routines. All the engine room ratings report to the second engineer. www.marineinsight.com Chief Engineer Second Engineer Third Engineer Engine Fitter Fourth Engineer Motorman/Oiler Jr. Engineer Wiper Engine Cadet Trainee Wiper/Fitter 8 For those young engineers who don’t have any immediate association with the Merchant Navy field, the time after graduation from a maritime academy can be rather confusing. Also, in the quest for seeking employment, Engine cadets often forget to get their important documentations ready. It is therefore important that junior engineer do not ignore the necessity to keep all documentations ready, in order that they may produce them to the employer whenever required. Also, prior to seeking employment, during the visits to Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) to get a variety of work done, these documents must be kept assorted in folder at all times. CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate): Perhaps the most important thing for a seafarer, this booklet must be kept handy at all times. The CDC number is always required when filling out application forms for a job, to do maritime courses, for endorsement etc. INDoS (Indian Database of Seafarers): Another important document that must be carried at all times. Read more about INDos number here. Every country has their own system of maritime database and fresh marine engineers must apply for their number as soon as possible. STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping) Certificates: The mandatory STCW certificates comprising of PST (Personal Survival Techniques), PSSR (Personal Safety and Social Responsibility), EFA (Elementary First Aid), FPFF (Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting). All these are mandatory courses which are to be carried out by sea going professionals. Passport: The ultimate proof of identity for seafarers apart from CDC. Seafarers are Important Documents for Marine Engineers www.marineinsight.com9 advised to keep passport always with them when getting documentation related work done. Junior engineers must carry this everywhere. Photographs: It is always necessary to carry a few extra copies of passport sized photographs while going for documentation. Course Completion Certificate: The proof of having completed the tenure of study at college. A certificate of degree/diploma is required for all documentation processes. Xth/XIIth mark sheet: These may be required for proof of age and to verify other important details. As mentioned earlier, a few visits to the MMD is required to get a variety of necessary work done. Following are the procedures to be completed before setting sail for which, the above mentioned documents shall be required: 1.Yellow Fever Vaccination: This vaccination is required for individuals traveling to South American and African countries. The shot can be obtained from the MMD (Mercantile Marine Department) for a fee of INR 300/- (Will vary according to the country). For this, documents required are photocopies of front and back pages of the CDC and Passport. Prior booking for the vaccination has to be done from the office of the Port Health Officer. The vaccination is valid for 10 years. This can be obtained even without an offer le