Marine Engineer

Marine engineers design, construct, operate and maintain engineering systems used in ships and offshore installations. In this multidisciplinary field, marine engineers need to know about naval construction, together with aspects of marine, mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering. In the shipbuilding and ship repair industry, marine engineers are involved in the design, development and construction of ships. In the Merchant Navy, marine engineer officers ensure that machinery, instruments and systems on ships work safely and efficiently. In the Royal Navy, marine engineer officers can specialise in surface ships, submarines or weapons. Finally, marine engineers in the offshore oil and gas industry are involved in the design, construction, modification and operation of offshore platforms and associated systems.

Experienced marine engineers usually achieve either incorporated or chartered status. Broadly speaking, incorporated engineers specialise in applying modern technology, while chartered engineers focus more on research and development or manufacture and installation.

Entry level
Although it is possible to begin training for craft or technician level jobs straight from school with good GCSEs/S grades in English, maths and science, the normal way to train as a professional engineer is to study full time at university or college for a first degree. Entry is with at least two or three A levels/three or four H grades, normally including maths and a science subject, or equivalent qualifications, plus five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3). At many universities, you can take a one-year foundation course if you don't have the necessary background in science and maths.

Graduate apprenticeships in engineering may be available in England, bringing together study at degree or diploma level with structured work-based learning.

You can also train in marine engineering with the Royal or Merchant Navy.

There is a trend for seagoing marine engineers and deck officers, qualified to HNC/HND level, to continue their education after completing their service at sea.

The Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology has a special mature candidate route to registration as a chartered engineer for candidates over the age of 35 with considerable experience as a practising engineer.

Making the grade
To qualify as an incorporated marine engineer, you should, having successfully completed an accredited three-year BEng degree or equivalent qualification, undertake a period of initial professional development, including practical training and professional engineering experience. You would then have to pass a professional review, before gaining corporate membership of the Institution of Incorporated Engineers.

To qualify as a chartered marine engineer, you must have an accredited MEng degree or equivalent qualification, complete a period of initial professional development, which includes training and professional engineering experience, and pass a professional review with an interview, before gaining corporate membership of the Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology.

Personal qualities
As a marine engineer, you would need to have an affinity with the sea, to be interested in science and technology and in finding out how things work. You should have an open and enquiring mind, with a creative approach to problem solving. Teamwork skills are important because co-operation is essential in marine engineering, particularly for engineers who serve at sea. You would need to be good at numerical reasoning and at using computers for your work. You would also have to be able to explain your thoughts and ideas clearly to other members of the engineering team.

Looking ahead
There are opportunities for marine engineers in offshore gas and oil installations, the Merchant Navy, the Royal Navy, plant and equipment manufacturers, shipping companies, and shipbuilding and repair yards.

Once qualified as a marine engineer, you should have good prospects of promotion, particularly if you can combine engineering skills with managerial aptitude. With experience, you can also become self-employed as a contract engineer, consultant or independent marine surveyor.

Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities might include aeronautical engineer, automobile engineer, civil engineer, electrical/electronics engineer, hydrographic surveyor, mechanical engineer, merchant navy engineering officer, naval architect, oceanographer or Royal Navy officer.

Take-home pay
Graduate salaries start around £20,000 a year. Experienced marine engineers earn around £35,000. The average income for a chartered marine engineer is over £40,000.

Effects
You may find that you are away from home for long periods, on a ship, submarine or offshore installation. If so, you may have to work on a continuous watch keeping system, involving 4 hours on/8 hours off around the clock, seven days a week. If you are shore-based, you may work more normal hours, although you may have to work shifts on a construction project.

Sources of information
Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology: www.imarest.org
Directorate of Naval Recruitment: www.rnjobs.co.uk
Merchant Navy Training Board: www.mntb.org.uk
Institution of Mechanical Engineers: www.imeche.org.uk
Engineering Careers Information: www.enginuity.org.uk
Institution of Engineering and Technology: www.theiet.org
Royal Institution of Naval Architects: www.rina.org.uk

CRCI: GG