The Indian Maritime University, or IMU, conducts a Common Entrance Test (IMU-CET) once a year as a computer-based test. It is a national-level examination, and students who clear the exam are eligible for admission to the University’s undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses offered at the IMU Campuses and its affiliated institutions.

The exam is taken by students interested in pursuing courses like B.Tech Marine Engineering, B.Sc Nautical Science, B.Tech Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering, B.Sc Ship Building & Repair, Diploma in Nautical Science, M.Tech Marine Engineering and Management, M.Tech Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, M.Tech Dredging and Harbour Engineering, and MBA programs.

Candidates can join MBA and MTech courses through the IMU CET or apply through the CMAT/CAT/MAT and CUET PG/GATE/PGCET scores. However, preference in admissions will be given to the candidates with IMU-CET ranks.

So, candidates are encouraged to register for the IMU CET. Admission is based on merit through the IMU online counselling process.

Importance of the IMU CET Exam

This exam is important for aspiring maritime professionals since clearing it is mandatory for joining the Merchant Navy. It is the first step in a long journey of becoming a seafarer.

As per DGS Training Circular 12 of 2020, all Maritime Training Institutes regulated by DG Shipping are required to admit students based on their IMU-CET ranking and as amended from time to time. IMU-CET is compulsory for admission to DGS-approved programmes.

Those wanting admission in Pre-Sea Courses Diploma in Nautical Science, B.Sc. (Nautical -Science)and B.E/B.Tech. (Marine Engineering) to any MTI (Govt. or Private- Affiliated with any University) are required to qualify for the IMU-CET.

About Indian Maritime University

IMU, based in Chennai, was established under the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, on 14 November 2008 as a teaching-cum-affiliating university. It promotes maritime studies training and research with a focus on emerging areas such as oceanography, maritime laws, maritime history, environmental studies, search and rescue, and transportation of dangerous cargo.

IMU has 6 campuses at Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai Port, Navi Mumbai and Visakhapatnam. The oldest campus is the IMU Navi Mumbai Campus, established in 1927.

IMU brings out an annual academic prospectus that gives comprehensive information about the university, its courses, admissions, courses offered, eligibility, etc. 

You can access the IMU 2024-25 Prospectus here- Download prospectus  

About IMU-CET 2024

The Indian Maritime University has released the IMU CET application form for 2024. The last date to apply is May 5, 2024. The exam will be conducted on June 8, 2024, across 86 Indian cities in a computer-based test mode.

Candidates can visit the official website to register online for the exam- Click here to register  

Through this exam, admission will be granted to several UG ( B TECH, B.SC, DNS) Programmes, MTech Programmes and MBA Programmes. For IMU Admission 2024, aspiring candidates must complete the IMU CET 2024 registration, download the IMU CET Admit Card and appear for the exam. 

The IMU CET Exam Pattern includes multiple-choice questions, and the duration of the exam is 3 hours. The exam is in English and includes 200 questions for UG programs and 120 questions for PG Programs.

For every wrong answer, a negative marking of -0.25 will be given. The exam syllabus has been released on the IMU website, and students can prepare accordingly.

Questions are asked from Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, General Aptitude and English for all UG Courses, the only exception being BBA. For admission to MBA courses, candidates must also answer questions on topics like verbal ability, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and quantitative ability. 

For MTech, candidates have to attempt questions from Maths, English and subject-based questions ( Mechanical Engineering/ Marine Engineering/ Naval Architecture/Civil Engineering).

IMU CET Exam Date and Schedule

IMU CET 2024 Application Form

Candidates can apply for IMU CET 2024 only online. The link is on the IMU website. 

The IMU CET Online Application Form has 4 Parts:

• Personal Details
• Academic Details
• Uploading Documents
• Payment 

After filling in the personal and academic details and uploading the documents, students will make payment on the portal. Then, the student dashboard will appear, from which they can download their submitted application form for future reference.

Step-by-Step Process to Fill the IMU CET Application Form 2024

1. Fill in the basic details correctly, taking care of the spelling.
2. Fill the personal details in the application form
3. Fill in the Qualification information
4. Upload the scanned images of photographs and signature
5. Pay the application fee through the online payment mode

NOTE- The images should be in jpg/jpeg format only. Upload the scanned images of documents only in pdf/jpg/jpeg format.

Documents required to apply for IMU CET 2024

Applications who register online need to upload the scanned documents mentioned below-

• Passport size photograph
• Candidate’sSignature
• 10th Class Mark Sheet
• 12th Class Mark Sheet
• UG Degree Mark Sheet / Certificate (wherever applicable)
• Category Certificate  (SC / ST / OBC (NCL)
• Economically Weaker Section Certificate (General EWS Candidates)
• NCC Certificate (if applicable)
• Special State / Nativity Certificate (if applicable)
• MEO-I / COC Certificate (Applicable for MTech candidates who are Seafarers)

Application Fees

IMU CET 2024 Eligibility Criteria for different courses

Eligibility for 4-Year B.Tech (Marine Engineering) – Residential

Eligibility for 4-Year B.Tech (Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering) – Residential & Eligibility for 4-Year B.Tech (Naval Architecture and Ship Building) – Residential

 Eligibility for 3-Year B.Sc. (Nautical Science) – Residential

Note: Transgenders are eligible for the B.Tech. (Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering) & B.Tech. (Naval Architecture and Ship Building), given they meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility 2024 for 1-Year DNS course leading to B.Sc (Applied Nautical Science) – Residential

Eligibility for 2-Year M.Tech (Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering) – Non- Non-Residential &

Eligibility for 2-Year M.Tech (Dredging and Harbour Engineering) – Non-Residential

Eligibility Criteria for 2-Year M.Tech (Marine Technology) – Non-Residential

Eligibility for 2-Year MBA (International Transportation and Logistics Management) – Non-Residential & Eligibility Criteria 2024 for 2-Year MBA (Port & Shipping Management) – Non-Residential

IMU CET Syllabus 2024

IMU SET Exam Pattern 2024

The exam pattern of IMU CET 2024 is as mentioned below: 

• Mode: Computer-based test
• Language: English
• Duration: 3 hours
• Type of questions: Multiple choice questions
• Marking scheme: – 0.25 marks for each wrong answer

Exam pattern for all UG courses (except BBA)

IMU CET Exam Pattern for MBA Courses

IMU CET exam pattern for MTech Courses

IMU CET 2024 Mock Tests

The Mock test is released by the Indian Maritime University at imu.edu.in. Candidates can access the IMU CET Mock Test 2024 on the official website. Attempting this test will allow candidates to understand the exam pattern and get acquainted with the computer screen’s layout.

IMU CET 2024 Model Question Papers

IMU CET Model Papers can help the candidate access the difficulty level of the exam, the exam pattern, marks distribution, and question distribution. Model Question Papers are released by the IMU on the official website in PDF Format. They can be downloaded, and candidates can use them to practice for the upcoming IMU CET Exam 2024. 

Recommended Books for IMU CET 2024 Preparation

Below are some of the most recommended books for the IMU CET exam.

Books for IMU CET UG:

• IMU CET Exam Full Package by WAY2SHIP
• Guide for IMU-CET Entrance by Maritime360
• IMU CET Gateway To Maritime Education English by Subodh Kumar
• IMU CET Complete Syllabus Theory Book (Revised and updated edition) by Subodh Juyal
• IMU-CET 2024 Full Package by IMU360
• IMU CET Study Material by 2IMU
• IMU CET 2024 Question Bank With Sponsorship Guide by 2IMU
• Complete Package for IMU CET & Sponsorship Test by 2IMU
• IMU CET Question Bank by 2IMU
• IMU CET Previous 10 Years Question Bank by 2IMU
• IMU CET Entrance Exam Books Full Package 2024 by 2IMU

Books for IMU CET PG:

• A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
• How to Crack Test of Reasoning by Jaikishan
• How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning by Arun Sharma
• Quicker Maths by M. Tyra 
• Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Agarwal
• Shortcuts in Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Disha Publications
• Mechanical Engineering Handbook of Mechanical Engineering by Arihant Experts 
• Mechanical Engineering by S.Chand
• Handbook of Civil Engineering by G.K Publications
• Civil Engineering by S Chand
• Naval Architecture for Marine Engineering by Richard Pemberton

IMU CET 2024 Tips for Preparation

1. The candidates should regularly visit the official website for any changes or updates regarding the exam schedule. 

2. The candidates must get acquainted with the computer-based test by giving mock tests online. 

3. Also, practising more and more using model question papers available at the official website of the IMU will enable them to manage time and maintain a certain speed. They will also get acquainted with the type of questions that can be asked and how much time to give each question.

4. Candidates can prepare a personal study timetable to plan their daily schedule at least three months before the exam. They should cover the entire syllabus and keep separate times for weekly revisions and mock tests.

5. While studying difficult topics, the candidates should take notes as they can be revisited later. Notes also help simplify the topic and help one retain the information better.

6. A week before the exam, candidates must sleep and eat well while devoting time to revising the topics one is less confident about.

IMU Admission Process 2024: Through IMU CET & Other Entrance Exams

IMU CET Entrance Tests are held for admission to the following courses:

• IMU-CET for UG (B.Tech., B.Sc. ,DNS) Programmes.
• IMU- CET for M.Tech. Programmes.
• IMU- CET for MBA Programmes.

Rank holders of the above-mentioned three CETs can seek admission to UG/PG/MBA programmes.

Also, candidates who have qualified in the following exams can seek admission:

CUET(UG): Can seek admission to UG Programmes during spot counselling for the residual seats available after the third List.

However, Candidates with CUET scores will be given preference for admission to BBA programmes. Hence, candidates are encouraged to register for IMU CET.

GATE/CUET-(PG)/PG-CET: Can seek admission to PG Programmes. However, preference will be given to candidates with IMU-CET ranks.

CAT/ MAT/ CMAT/UG Marks: Can seek admission to MBA Programmes; however, preference will be given to candidates with IMU-CET ranks.

Ph.D./Ph.D.(Integrated)/M.S(By Research): Details of the Entrance Test are given in a separate notification.

UG and PG Programs offered by IMU Campuses

• BTech – Marine Engineering (4-year course) Chennai, Kolkata & Mumbai Port
• BTech – Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering ( 4 year course) Visakhapatnam
• BSc – Nautical Science ( 3 year course) Chennai, Kochi & Navi Mumbai
• DNS – Diploma in Nautical Science ( 1 year course) Chennai & Navi Mumbai
• BBA – Logistics, Retailing & E-Commerce (3-year course) Chennai & Kochi
• Apprenticeship embedded BBA – Maritime Logistics (3-year course) Visakhapatnam
• MTech – Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering ( 2 year course) Visakhapatnam
• MTech – Dredging & Harbour Engineering ( 2 year course) Visakhapatnam
• MTech – Marine Technology ( 2 year course) Kolkata
• MBA – International Transportation & Logistics Management ( 2 year course) Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam & Kochi
• MBA – Port & Shipping Management ( 2 year course) Chennai & Kochi

IMU CET 2024 Admit Card

The Admission Authority will release the IMU CET Admit Card online for the candidates who applied for the exam. It can be downloaded using the login credentials. The admit card has details regarding the exam date, exam centre, and other guidelines. Candidates must remember to carry their admit card and identity proof to the examination venue.

IMU CET 2024 Exam Centres

The IMU-CETs will be held in CBT (Computer Based Test) mode in one batch from 11 AM to 2 PM on 08.06.2024 in the following cities.

1. Agra 
2. Ahmedabad
3. Aligarh
4. Allahabad
5. Anantapur
6. Bangalore
7. Bankura
8. Baroda
9. Bhagalpur
10. Bhatinda
11. Bhopal
12. Bhubaneshwar
13. Bokaro
14. Calicut
15. Chandigarh
16. Hissar
17. Hubli
18. Hyderabad
19. Indore
20. Jabalpur
21. Jaipur
22. Jalandhar
23. Jammu
24. Jamshedpur
25. Jodhpur
26. Kannur
27. Kanpur
28. Karimnagar
29. Karnal
30. Kolkata
31. Pune
32. Purnea
33. Raipur
34. Rajahmundry
35. Ranchi
36. Rourkela
37. Sagar
38. Salem
39. Sambalpur
40. Shimla
41. Siliguri
42. Solapur
43. Srinagar
44. Chennai
45. Chhapra
46. Cochin
47. Coimbatore
48. Dehradun
49. Delhi
50. Dhanbad
51. Durgapur
52. Faizabad
53. Faridabad
54. Gaya
55. Ghaziabad
56. Gorakhpur
57. Gurgaon
58. Guwahati
59. Kollam
60. Kota
61. Kottayam
62. Lucknow
63. Madurai
64. Mangalore
65. Meerut
66. Mumbai
67. Muzaffarpur
68. Mysore
69. Nagpur
70. Noida
71. Nasik
72. Palakkad
73. Patna
74. Thrissur
75. Tirunelveli
76. Tirupati
77. Trichy
78. Trivandrum
79. Udaipur
80. Varanasi
81. Vellore
82. Vijayawada
83. Visakhapatnam
84. Warangal
85. Surat
86. Thanjavur

IMU CET 2024 Result

Once IMU releases the examination result, candidates can check for their ranks on the official website and apply for counselling and the admission process. All those who qualify will be able to participate in the counselling.

The IMU CET 2024 Result will be available as a rank list for UG, MBA, and MTech courses separately.

The IMU CET 2024 Rank Card will be published under the logins of the candidates. To access the result, candidates must log in using the required credentials.

IMU CET 2024 Counselling

IMU will hold the counselling process online and in two phases for admissions in six IMU Campuses throughout India.

Online counselling does not cover admissions to affiliate institutes. Those seeking admission to IMU-affiliated institutes or other DGS-approved Maritime Training Institutes affiliated with other universities should directly approach their preferred college or institute after obtaining a rank certificate issued by IMU.

Candidates are shortlisted for counselling based on their IMU-CET results.

The online counselling for IMU will take place in two phases:

In Phase I, candidates can select their preferred programs and campuses. They need to register on the portal and pay a non-refundable counselling fee. If a seat is allotted in any program at any campus, the fee is non-refundable. Otherwise, it will be refunded.

In Phase II, seats will be provisionally allocated to candidates based on their rank, social category, and availability of seats from the options they have chosen. After online counselling, candidates who receive a seat must confirm their seats within the given time frame by paying the program fee through the portal

After the final seat allotment, candidates must appear before the Director of the allotted campus for document verification.

Conclusion

The IMU-CET is a key step for aspiring students wishing to pursue a career in the maritime sector. It is a prestigious exam given by 30,000 to 40,000 candidates every year in the hopes of getting admission into various Maritime institutions across India.

We hope you found all the information you sought in this article.

Marine Insight wishes the very best to all the aspiring students appearing for the IMU CET 2024.

Prepare well, and you are sure to succeed!

Also, do not forget to check the official IMU Website regularly for any updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it necessary to register at IMU Admission Portal-August 2024?

It is mandatory to register at the portal if a candidate desires to get admission not only in various UG (BTech, BSc, DNS) & PG (MTech, MBA) Programmes of IMU offered at IMU Campuses & its Affiliated Institutes but also for admissions to various DGS approved pre-sea programmes (DNS, B.Sc. (Nautical Science), B.Tech (Marine Engineering) in any of the DGS approved Maritime Training Institutes (MTIs) across India.

2. How can I apply/register?

Candidates can apply through Online mode only. The link can be seen on the IMU’s website. (https://imu.edu.in) when the registrations are open.

3. How will the entrance test be conducted?

The entrance exam will be CBT or a computer-based test.

4. Is there any concession/relaxation for SC/ST Category Students?

Yes. There is a concession in Registration Fees and relaxation in educational eligibility criteria.

5. I have completed my SSLC on the CBSE board, and my results are in the CGPA pattern. The fields in the Academic Portion in the Application Form are in Percentage format. How can I convert CGPA to percentage to complete the Online Application?

You can multiply the Grade Point or the CGPA by 9.5 to get the equivalent percentage of marks.

6. I appeared for the +2 Board Exam in 2024, and my results have not yet been declared. How can I complete “Academic Details” in the Online Application Form?

You can choose the “Result awaited” option. However, the Roll No, Board details, etc., have to be filled.

7. Is rounding off the percentage of Physics, Chemistry, Maths, etc., allowed while filling online applications?

No. Rounding-off is not permitted.

8. I made a mistake in my name/ DOB/Marks while filling out the application form, and I submitted the application. Is there any way to correct the mistake?

Once the application form is submitted, there is no way to correct the same. In such a case, the candidate has to apply again with a new email ID and mobile number. Hence, the candidates are advised to exercise caution while filling out the form.

9. How do I know I have submitted the application successfully?

The online application form consists of five steps: Basic Details, Personal Details, Academic Details, Document Upload, and Online Payment. Once the online payment is successful, the candidate’s dashboard will appear, from which he can download the filled-in application.

10. Is it mandatory to submit the hard copy of the filled-in application to IMU?

No. Candidates can download the filled-in application for reference and record, and submitting it to IMU is unnecessary.

11. Can I upload my Digi-locker class 12 result?

Yes, however, the candidates have to bring original documents during Certificates Verification when selected for admission.

12. How difficult is IMU CET?

The difficulty level of the exam is moderate.

13. Who is eligible for IMU CET?

Candidates who have cleared Class 12th with more than 60% in PCM and more than 50% either in 10th or 12th are eligible for IMU CET.

14. Is IMU CET MCQ based?

IMU CET is held in English and has multiple-choice questions. The total duration of the exam is 3 hours.

15. What is the hostel fee for IMU?

The hostel fees for IMU vary based on the campus and room type. For the Chennai campus, the hostel fees range from Rs. 22,000 to Rs. 50,000 per semester.

16. How many students give IMU CET every year?

Nearly 30,000 to 40,000 candidates appear for IMU CET every year. IMUCET is an entry-level examination in various courses related to the Merchant Navy.

17. Is the Merchant Navy a good job?

The Merchant Navy is one of the best career professions you can choose from if you want a good salary and the opportunity to roam the world. However, a career in the merchant navy is not as easy as it looks.

18. Is there a negative marking in the IMU CET?

Yes. IMU has introduced a minus marking of 0.25 for every wrong answer.

19. Can I submit the EWS certificate at the time of admission since it is being delayed by the Government Office?

All category certificates are to be given as per the date allowed. OBC-NCL/EWS Certificates are to be issued within a 1-year date, i.e. the certificate should have been issued on or after 01.08.2023.

20. If the Candidate is eligible for admission to the UG Programme but does not get 60% PCM and scored 80% in English, is he eligible?

No. If the Candidate does not possess the required PCM he will not be admitted, even if the candidate qualifies in CET.

21. Is there any interview after the Entrance Test?

There is no interview. After securing Rank Certificates, for admissions to IMU campuses, the candidate has to apply for Online Counselling for admission to IMU Campuses; while for admissions to Affiliated Institutes and other Maritime Training Institutes, the candidate has to apply to those Institutes with the IMU CET Rank Certificate.

22. I have completed +2 in distance mode through NIOS. Am I eligible for admission to BBA?

Yes. However, students who have completed through the School Boards classified as fake boards by the Ministry of Human Resources are ineligible for admission to IMU.

23. I forgot my Application Number/ Password for the IMU Registration Portal; is there any way to recover the same?

Yes. A link, “I forgot my password/Application Number”, is on the Login (Sign in) Page. Kindly fill in the relevant details on that page. Your application number/password will be sent to the email ID you provided.

24. I have applied for the UG (B.Tech., B.Sc, and DNS) Programme; am I automatically eligible for the BBA Programme?

No. The candidate must apply for a separate online form for the UG (B.Tech., B.Sc., DNS) Programme and a separate Form for the BBA Programme with the requisite fees if they want to apply for both.

You might also like to read-

• 10 Reasons Competency Exams For Seafarers Are More Stressful Than Ever
• The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Exams and What they Mean to an Average Shippy
• Appearing For Merchant Navy Competency Examination Abroad – UK
• Merchant Navy Recruitment Process – Entrance Exam, Salary And Jobs
• A Guide To MBA In Shipping

Disclaimer: The author’s views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used in the article, have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendations on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight.

A Guide To IMU CET Exam 2024 appeared first on Marine Insight - The Maritime Industry Guide

The field of merchant navy involves a certain order of hierarchy with the seafarers holding different ranks on ships. This ranking system ensures smooth coordination of onboard operations and promotes proper management strategies.

Being a line of work that requires a very high degree of professionalism wherein lax performance can result in drastic consequences, the hierarchy is essential to an economically viable model for shipboard operations with a shore-based support framework.

The nomenclature of the merchant navy ranking system is universally accepted by shipping companies and commercial vessels around the world.

The ranks and responsibilities that come with it are somewhat similar across the whole industry with minor changes in names and duties assigned to specific positions varying among shipping companies and the system of the nomenclature they follow. As mentioned above, essentially it is almost all the same.

In general, the ranking system on merchant vessels is mainly divided into the following categories:

1. Deck Department
2. Engine Department
3. Catering Department 

The bridge of a vessel is a hub that is fitted with critical equipment for the safe navigation and watchkeeping of the merchant ship.

Owing to the advanced and specific nature of the bridge equipment, a requisite skill set is imperative for an individual to control all the equipment and thereby safely navigate the ship.

Seafarers under the deck department of the ship are vested with the responsibility of managing ship navigation, along with handling cargo operations and berthing instruments present on the deck of the ship.

Related Reading:

• 10 Important Jobs Deck Cadets Have To Perform On board Ships

Similarly, seafarers working in the ship’s engine room fall under the engine department. This mainly includes marine engineers and ratings responsible for the operation and maintenance of the ship’s machinery.

The engine room houses the part of the ship that fuels/propels the vessel altogether and needless to say, a specific set of skills is essential to the engine room personnel as well.

Related Reading:

• What are the Responsibilities of a Chief Engineer Under SOLAS?

The third department, or the catering department, is responsible for the preparation of meals and general housekeeping for crew and passengers.

The number of people employed in this department (which is under the purview of the Master, as with everything else) varies among ships and obviously, a passenger ship will have far more catering staff than a cargo ship owing to the number of people that need to be serviced.

A vessel thus requires a definite system of merchant navy ranks that would enable the distribution of assignments professionally and formally.

Merchant Navy Ranks 

The Captain

The Captain (or Master) of the ship is the final authority of the ship and is the highest rank that one can achieve onboard. He shoulders total responsibility and oversees all shipboard operations.

The Captain is in command of a merchant ship at all times regulates the proper daily transactions and handles the legal affairs on maritime issues.

In the unlikely event that the Master is not present on board, the Chief Mate is assumed to be interim in charge of shipboard operations.

The Deck Department 

• Chief Officer/Mate
• Second Officer/Mate
• Third Officer/Mate
• Deck Cadets

Deck Rating (non-officers) 

• Bosun (head of the rating staff)
• Welder/Fitter (this rank onboard renders his services to both the deck as well as the engine department)
• Able Bodied Seaman (AB)
• Ordinary Seaman (OS)
• Trainee OS

Chief Officer / First Mate

The chief officer occupies the second responsible position after the Captain of the vessel. He is the executive head of the deck department and executes the order of the Master at the operational level (although the rank itself is a more managerial position).

He supervises the vessel’s crew and looks after the various deck operations which include, but not limited to the daily ongoings of the deck as per the work schedule as well as the cargo operations to be carried out while in port.

Related Reading:

• What are the Duties of the Chief Officer?

The Chief Mate prioritises the security and safe functioning of the vessel and is responsible for the welfare of crew and passengers (if on a passenger ship) on board.

Additionally, the correct working of the hull, the accommodation section, the cargo gearing, the security appliances and the fire prevention equipment is managed by the Chief Officer.

Chief among all of his duties is the safe navigation of the ship for which he is an OOW for the navigational watches between 0400-0800 hrs and 1600-2000 hrs.

Already burdened with a lot of work in the port, the Chief Mate usually does not keep port watches as he is constantly overseeing the cargo work.

Second Officer/ Mate

The 2nd Mate is an OOW responsible for the charts & publications on board and their maintenance. Also, he is the medical officer on board responsible for the upkeep and administering of all medically related services onboard.

Being an OOW, the navigational watch timings for him are 1200-1600 hrs and 0000-0400 hrs while at sea. In port, his watches are from 1200-1800 hrs and 0000-0600 hrs

Third Officer/ Mate

The 3rd Mate is in charge of all the LSA and FFA onboard and is assigned the duty to upkeep and maintain them onboard. Apart from that, he has to handle all the port documents for use by the Master along with handling the bond store onboard.

Being an OOW, the navigational watch timings for him are 0800-1200 hrs and 2000-0000 hrs while at sea. In port, his watches are from 0600-1200 hrs and 1800-0000 hrs

Deck Cadet

The deck cadet is the trainee officer onboard, fresh out of the Institute. His sole job is to learn, comprehend and apply skills for the process of becoming a skilled officer in the future.

Being a fresh candidate, a cadet is assigned tasks that give him a gradual understanding of the ship and her ongoings which come to use when preparing for the “Certificate of Competency” examinations to assume responsibility as an OOW in the future.

Aside from the deck work that he needs to grasp, the major chunk of a cadet learning pertains to assisting an OOW in carrying out a safe navigational watch

Bosun

Bosun is the head of the rating division on deck and carries out the scheduled work on deck in liaison with the Chief Mate

Able seaman

According to modern nautical terminology, an able seaman (AB) possesses a merchant mariner’s document and is eligible to assist the deck department. Know more about the rank of Able Seaman here.

Ordinary seaman

The post of an ordinary seaman, denoted by OS,  serves the vessel’s deck department. An OS is usually busy with tasks such as buffing, scaling, cleaning the deck and occasionally painting the superstructure, above the main deck.

An ordinary seaman can undertake activities like overhauling, splicing ropes, wiring, rigging, etc and conduct repair work on the deck.

It is the Ordinary seaman’s job to ensure the secure handling of cargo gears and loading or dismantling cargo as directed by the Bosun/Chief Mate. A trainee OS is like a cadet but for the rating section. Know more about Ordinary Seaman here.  

The Engine Department 

• Chief Engineer
• Second Engineer/First Assistant Engineer
• Third Engineer/ Second Assistant Engineer
• Fourth Engineer/ Third Assistant Engineer
• Fifth Engineer/ Engine Cadet
• Electrical Officer

Engine Room Rating 

• Fitter
• Motorman
• Wiper
• Trainee Fitter / Trainee Wiper

Chief Engineer

The 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 the “The Chief” and usually draws similar pay as compared to the Captain, although the complete responsibility of a particular vessel falls solely on the Captain’s shoulder. The chief engineer gives orders for the operation and maintenance of the ship’s machinery system and is responsible for the engine room department.

Second Engineer/ First Assistant Engineer

He is associated with the day-to-day activities in the engine room, and he is accountable to the Chief Engineer. Duties include constantly supervising the proper functioning of all engine room machinery systems and also assigning jobs to the other engine officers and crew. The Second Engineer generally keeps watch on the engine room, during the daytime

Also Read: Duties of 2nd Engineer on Ship

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 daily watchkeeping. He reports to the second engineer

Fourth Engineer/ Third Assistant Engineer

This is the most junior rank in the engineering department. The Fourth Engineer is concerned about the correct working of the machinery systems assigned to him and also carries our watchkeeping. He reports to the second engineer.

Also Read:  Duties of a 4th Engineer on a Ship

Fifth Engineer/ Engineering Cadet

The 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.

All the engine room ratings report to the second engineer. The engineering cadet spends his time on board with the chief objective of learning the requisite skills to becoming a competent engineering officer in the future (by clearing the requisite “Certificate Of Competency examinations to obtain the license to be a certified engineer)

The Catering Department 

• Chief Cook
• Trainee Cook
• Steward

Chief Cook

The chief cook falls under the catering department of the ship. He must prepare meals regularly for the crew and passengers. He is also in charge of the food stores. The Chief Cook assists the Third Mate/Cadet in preparing the requisition for any/every food item to be forwarded to the company HQ to be procured onboard. The Chief Cook also inspects the equipment needed to keep the ship clean and uncontaminated in the galley area.

Trainee Cook

The trainee cook assists the chief cook in the preparation of meals and managing the provision.

Steward

The steward, as the name suggests, is assigned tasks that include cooking and serving meals on time, sweeping and maintaining the living quarters of the officers, and stocktaking the stores. It is also the job of a steward to manage the grocery accounts, plan menus, and document the cost control issues.

It is to be noted that a galley on passenger ships would involve several other ranks as well. Read here about galley jobs.

It is important to remember that while the shipboard hierarchy is almost the same across the industry, variations might exist depending on the nomenclature system followed in a specific company as well as the type of ship in question.

Having said that, the above gives a robust idea to the reader as to the existing norms about the hierarchy in every department of merchant ships.

You might also like to read:

• Merchant Navy Recruitment Process: Entrance Exam, Salary And Jobs
• The Ultimate Guide To Join Merchant Navy
• 8 Things to Keep in Mind Before Joining Merchant Navy
• 12 Famous Myths About Merchant Navy People Have
• What is the Difference between Merchant Navy and Defence Navy?

Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight. 

A Guide to Merchant Navy Ranks appeared first on Marine Insight - The Maritime Industry Guide

About a century ago, no one would have heard of marine engineering, but today, it is a profession as established as any other famous one.

Over the last 100 years, engineering as a field of study has developed and diversified far beyond what could have been imagined. Not only that, but it has also branched out into various specialised fields that have achieved significant progress.

Most of these new fields are aligned with any primary engineering branches, such as mechanical, electrical, civil, electronics, computers, etc., and incorporate something from them. One such branch is marine engineering.

Marine engineering is the field of study that deals with the design, development, production, and maintenance of equipment used at sea and onboard sea-going vessels such as boats, ships, oil rigs, etc.

Marine Engineering Job Description 

A marine engineer is a professional who has studied marine engineering (sometimes also called maritime engineering) and is responsible for operating, maintaining and repairing all major mechanical and engineered equipment onboard a ship.

Several mechanical systems help operate vessels, such as propulsion mechanics, electricity and power generation systems, lubrication, fuel systems, water distillation, lighting, and air conditioning systems.

These are all included in the technical responsibilities of a marine engineer.

Duties of Marine Engineers

Some of the essential duties that people who have done marine engineering (maritime engineering) perform are:

Monitoring and maintaining mechanical systems — Engineers of each ship’s rank are allocated specific machinery and systems for maintenance and tracking.

Machinery systems are divided among all engineers, and each engineer must ensure his/her machinery is running at all times. Marine engineers are also required to look after the machinery on deck.

Proper record-keeping and planning maintenance – The engine room department works as a team to ensure all machinery systems are maintained according to the planned maintenance system. Precise record-keeping of various parameters is carried out for official paperwork and reporting.

Fuel oil bunkering — Marine engineers also transfer fuel oil from a bunker station or barge to the ship. This is usually the duty of the fourth engineer, who also takes regular soundings of the fuel oil tanks and reports them to the chief engineer for planning bunkering operations.

Emergency breakdown and repair – The study of marine engineering also teaches how to deal with significant maintenance and breakdown of machinery systems at sea. Though marine engineers are quite capable of the same, there are times when experts might be needed. In such cases, marine engineers must work with the experts to repair and resolve the issue.

Apart from the duties mentioned above, a marine engineer on ships must follow all the instructions of the chief engineer, the head of the ship’s engine room department.

A marine engineer can opt for different types of vessels, depending upon his/her background training and expertise, which can be categorised into:

1. Foreign going dry vessels
2. Foreign going tanker vessels (oil, gas, chemical, etc)
3. Coastal trading dry and tanker ships
4. Passenger vessels
5. Dynamic position vessels
6. Offshore platforms and ships
7. Port assisting boats and ships (Tugs, barges etc.)

The increase in employment opportunities in this field has added to the lure of a job as a marine engineer. Merchants and armed navies offer immense opportunities to students in this field.

In addition, various manufacturing industries and units that produce shipping equipment and machines also hire these professionals to work in their production houses.

In some countries, a marine engineer can switch to the defence navy (after taking physical and medical fitness exams) as a seagoing engineer already achieves the technical qualification requirements.

Also, budding field jobs as trainers and teachers at various institutions are available, and suitable candidates are in demand. Judging by the developments and the interest, it would not be wrong to assume that this field of study would continue to leave an indelible mark on the world.

Marine Engineering Lifestyle 

Life after doing marine engineering on board a ship is physically and emotionally demanding. Though most marine engineering graduates (also called maritime engineers) work onboard ships, a few choose a shore job as well.

A marine engineer’s job on a ship is challenging as the engine room is a complex mechanical system with a hostile environment. Engineers mainly work in four-hour shifts and have to do additional hours of maintenance work.

However, during an emergency, work hours can stretch for hours without any major breaks until the machinery/system is brought back to normal working condition and the ship is not threatened.

When in a port, a marine engineer can go onshore if time permits and after getting permission from the chief engineer and captain.

With the advancement of technology, the amount of time a ship stays at the port has drastically reduced, leaving the ship’s crew with no time to go out on shore leave.

Like any other ship’s crew, Marine engineers work on a contract basis. Shipping companies usually offer four to six months of a working contract, depending on the experience and rank of the marine engineer.

Jobs & Career Path after Marine Engineering

After a four-year marine engineering degree course, a candidate becomes eligible to work on ships (after pursuing required supplementary courses). A fresh marine engineering graduate will join a ship as a trainee or junior engineer for a six-month working contract.

After completing the training and the necessary sea-time, a fifth engineer is eligible to appear for class IV exams, clearing which he or she can join as a 4th engineer.

After gaining a good amount of experience and based on performance, a company will provide a promotion to the third engineer. On completion of the required sea time as a third engineer, one can take Class II exams to become a second engineer.

Similarly, after completing the necessary sea time and gaining a good amount of experience, a second engineer can take the Class I exam to get promoted to chief engineer.

Note that the promotion will solely depend on the company’s decision, even if the marine engineer has experience and a certificate.

The process might also differ depending on the country and company one belongs to.

The above graph provides a brief overview of the hierarchy and job opportunities for Marine engineering candidates. The Shore Job entirely depends on the candidate’s capability/experience and the requirements of the shore company.

After marine engineering, a candidate must take various advanced courses and management studies to opt for a shore job, even if he/she has sailed as a chief engineer.

Marine Engineering Books

If you are a student of marine engineering or just seeking knowledge on the maritime domain, there are some very popular marine engineering books written by some of the finest experts in the industry.

These books have been used for several years now by both maritime students and experienced professionals.

Some of the famous marine engineering books are:

– Introduction to Marine Engineering – D.A. Taylor
– General Engineering Knowledge (Marine Engineering) – H.D McGeorge
– Marine Auxiliary Machinery – H.D McGeorge
– Lamb’s Question and Answers on Marine Diesel Engines – S. Christensen

Read the complete list of marine engineering books here. 

Marine engineering Salary

The salary of a marine engineer depends mainly on the type of ship he/she is working on, the shipping company, and the level of experience.

The salary structure can also vary based on one’s nationality and the country one belongs to.

For. e.g. marine engineers from India have salaries in the range mentioned below ( in USD$/month):

Fifth engineer – $350-800
Fourth engineer – $2500-4000
Third engineer – $3500-5000
Second engineer – $5000 – $10500
Chief engineer -$7000 – $13000

Please note that this is just a rough estimated range and varies according to the factors mentioned earlier.

What is Marine Engineering: Courses, Job Description & Salary appeared first on Marine Insight - The Maritime Industry Guide

3rd Officer or 3rd Mate is an aspirational rank in the merchant navy for many deck cadets who wish to join the merchant navy. It marks the first step for cadets to step into the shoes of officer responsibilities after training and to sail as an officer.

The duties of the Third Officer in the Merchant Navy can vary according to companies and types of ships. To better understand what the Third Officer does in the Merchant Navy, let’s look at the ship’s ranking system.

The top boss is the master, or captain, who is responsible for everything and is first in command of the vessel. Second in command is the Chief Officer or First Officer, who looks after the ship’s maintenance, environment, and safety compliance. Then comes the second officer or second mate, who is responsible for passage planning, navigation, maintaining the medical locker, and the correction and maintenance of charts and publications.

After that comes the Third Officer, also known as the Third Mate, who is considered an all-rounder, as the term ‘third’ implies a three-dimensional role. This means he assists everyone on the Bridge team, playing a crucial role.

So, the primary role of the 3rd Officer in the Merchant Navy is to assist in navigational watchkeeping as an officer on watch (OOW) for the vessel’s safe navigation. They also assist the chief mate in cargo operations and the second officer in correcting and maintaining nautical charts and publications. 

The 3rd Officer is also responsible for maintaining the life-saving appliances (LSA) & firefighting equipment (FFE) and assists the master with routine paperwork. 

The duties of the 3rd officer can be divided into four main categories but are not limited to: 

• Navigational Watchkeeping Duties
• Maintenance of Safety Equipment
• Cargo/Port Watchkeeping Duties
• Administrative Duties

Navigational Watchkeeping Duties:

• 3rd Officer or 3rd Mate is responsible for carrying out independent navigational watches on the bridge to ensure the safe navigation of the vessel, generally from 0800–1200 and 2000–2400 hours, or as directed by the ship’s master.
• 3rd Officer is responsible for assisting the 2nd Officer in correcting and maintaining nautical charts and publications, along with any other duties assigned by the 2nd Officer. This may include tasks such as assisting in passage planning, distance and noon calculations, or any other reporting during his watch.

• Assist in maintaining navigational and meteorological equipment on board, keeping it up-to-date and in operational condition.
• Responsible for maintaining all national/signal flags (as per International Codes of Signal), navigational shapes, and sound signalling equipment and ensuring all required flags are available before reaching the port and displayed correctly.
• Assist in carrying out pre-arrival and pre-departure tests as per company procedure and report all deficiencies found to the second officer and master. 
• Assist in recordkeeping of the ship’s deck logbook, navigational checklists, official logbook, and all events that occurred during the watch.
• Assist the master in sending distress, urgency, and safety alerts via the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
• Assist in training deck cadets or other trainees on board.
• Assist in preparing the bridge for any navigational and third-party audits.
• Assist in Port State Control (PSC) and Vetting Inspections.
• Assist in any other navigational duties as directed by the ship’s master.

 Maintenance of Safety Equipment:

• 3rd officer, under the supervision of the Chief Officer (Safety Officer), is responsible for inspecting and maintaining the life-saving appliances (LSA) and firefighting equipment (FFE) on board. 
• Responsible for maintaining the life-saving appliances (LSA) and firefighting equipment (FFE) maintenance records. 
• Must notify the Chief Officer (Safety Officer) or Master in case any shore inspection, such as annual or 5-yearly shore services related to life-saving appliances (LSA) and firefighting equipment (FFE), is coming due.

• Responsible for carrying out the maintenance as PMS (Planned Maintenance System) and reporting all deficiencies found in safety equipment to the Chief Officer (Safety Officer) and Master.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating the SOLAS training manuals and getting all crew members familiar with them.
• Maintaining inventory of spares required for LSA and FFA equipment, keeping in mind the items expiring in the next few months, and raising requisitions for the same.
• Giving on-signers safety and security familiarisation after their joining.
• Maintaining inventory of all IMO safety posters and company posters and ensuring all are in place and correctly displayed.

Cargo/Port Watchkeeping Duties:

• During arrival or departure in the port, if the third officer is on bridge duty, he assists the master and the bridge team in manoeuvring. Otherwise, when not on bridge duty, the third officer is in charge of the aft mooring station during the vessel’s berthing and unberthing, with the forward mooring station of the ship led by the chief officer. Thus, at any given time, either the second officer or the third officer will be on the bridge, and one of them will be at the aft mooring station.
• In port, the third officer keeps watchkeeping from 0600–1200 and 1800–2400 hours, or as directed by the Chief Officer or the ship’s master.

• The third officer is responsible for maintaining a safe cargo/port watch and ensuring compliance with all international and local regulations. During the watch, the 3rd officer oversees all cargo operations, including ballasting or deballasting, ensuring the ship remains upright, monitoring stress levels within limits, and adequately recording events.
• The third officer is also responsible for maintaining security measures as per the ISPS security level during his watch. Their duties also involve preventing pollution, reporting incidents, supporting environmental policies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering environmental awareness within the organisation.
• Before reaching the port, the 3rd Officer ensures that LSA (lifesaving appliances) and FFA (firefighting appliances) are in order, in place, and ready at all times in case of any emergency.
• 3rd Officer also assists the master in port with customs, immigration, and agent formalities.

Administrative Duties:

• Administrative duties involve assisting the master during crew sign-on and sign-off, ensuring all formalities are completed, and checking crew documents/certificates during joining. This includes verifying the validity and availability of all crew documents, such as passports, CDCs, licenses, STCW certificates, medical records, contract papers, company courses, etc.
• Additionally, the third officer assists the master in article signing, stamping CDC, arranging passports, and maintaining crew documentation, including updating ship certificates and scanning the same.
• Preparing the drill matrix and scheduling drills as per the matrix under the supervision of the chief officer or master, ensuring all drills are conducted within the given intervals. Additionally, ensure that all the company-specific training, such as CBTS, resilience, or reflective learning, is conducted on time.
• The third officer is responsible for maintaining records of the drills and updating the drill records in the relevant deck or official logbook. After the drill is completed, ensure that all safety equipment used in the drill, such as SCBA sets, fireman outfits, hoses, etc., is put back in place and ready to be used in case of an emergency.
• Preparing port papers prior to arriving at the port, including emergency contact sheets and updating crew lists, stowage plans, MSDS in common places, and fire plans as designated by the company or ship’s master.
• Keeping Emergency Muster Plan and Lists up-to-date with all present crew and their duties in emergencies.
• Assisting the master in distributing cash advances to the crew.
• Maintaining bonded/slop chest store on board, including managing the inventory.
• Assisting the crew in processing their claims and any other paperwork.
• Assisting the master in accounts and wage calculations during month end.
• Ensuring that all recommendations from Safety Committee meetings are carried out without delay and regularly participating in BBS and near-miss observations.

I hope you have understood the duties of the Third Officer in the Merchant Navy. We have covered the Third Officer’s duties in detail, but it’s challenging to include everything in one article. If we have missed anything, comment and let us know.

While we have covered most aspects of this article, there are additional duties that may arise. For example, depending on the situation, sometimes the Third Officer may assist the Chief Officer in tank cleaning operations, anchoring operations, receiving stores and spares in ports, or handling additional duties in dry dock.

It’s important to note that in the case of cruise or passenger ships, some duties may differ from those mentioned. The third officer might have some extra duties on passenger ships. 

More specific duties of the third officer can be found in the job description provided by the company. The company’s Safety Management System (SMS) typically includes a section on crew duties, where additional responsibilities unique to the company and the third officer’s role may be detailed.

You might also like to read-

• What is the Difference between Merchant Navy and Defence Navy?
• 10 Reasons Why a Career in Merchant Navy is Unlike Any Other
• A Guide to Merchant Navy Ranks
• A Guide To Merchant Navy Uniform
• 8 Things to Keep in Mind Before Joining Merchant Navy
• Joining The Merchant Navy After Class 12th in India

Disclaimer: The author’s views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used in the article, have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendations on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight.

Duties of 3rd Officer in Merchant Navy appeared first on Marine Insight - The Maritime Industry Guide

Those who want to have a career at sea often have one question in mind – Merchant Navy or Navy? Though careers at both these fields have almost the same base, there are several differences that are to be known before choosing a career at sea.

Both merchant navy and navy have their pros and cons, but ultimately it’s the individual who has to decide according to his or her interest and inclination before choosing one.

In this article, we will try to explain the main differences between the merchant navy and navy and what can one expect from a career in each one of them. Let’s start from the basics!

Getting into the maritime workforce can be done in two ways – either through the naval services of the respective country or through merchant marine services. But while both are marine services, the differences between them are many and need to be clarified in order to decide a career path.

 Differences Between Merchant Navy &  Defence Navy

1. The Basic Difference

Merchant Navy, as the name suggests, is the term for commercial marine services. Such commercial activities include both shipping of cargo and people across various destinations in the world. In other words, it can also be said that merchant marine activities are not indigenous or native to any one country but are spread across nations, worldwide.

Merchant marine as it is known synonymously, however has to adhere to certain rules and regulations framed by governing bodies to ensure stability in the activities carried out. To sum it all Merchant navy is a purely commercial form of sea career and is governed by both private and governmental shipping companies.

Defence Navy, on the other hand, refers to nation’s maritime military wing. Naval ships are those which are used at times of international crises to protect the water boundaries of a nation from getting infiltrated or attacked unduly.

Every nation with a waterline has its own navy service with its code of rules and stipulations. Thus, a career in the defence navy would involve services for the respective country through duty on warships.

Both merchant navy and defence have deals with ships. While the first one is purely commercial, the second one involves careers of high respect and skills.

2.   Eligibility

 Both merchant navy and navy have their own set of eligibility criteria for entering the maritime services. Individuals interested in enrolling for a career in merchant marines need a basic high school certification in subjects like physics, chemistry and math. Alternatively, individuals interested in applying for higher hierarchical positions need to have a graduate certification in science.

The most important requirement of joining a country’s naval services is that the individual applying needs to be a citizen of that country. This factor forms the most important difference between the merchant navy and the navy in terms of eligibility criteria.

Most of the navies of the world have their own entrance and screening exams for choosing the right candidates. However, both merchant and defence navy have the same requirements as far as the fitness and medical condition of the person is concerned.

3.   Pay Scale

 This is one of the most talked-about topics among candidates planning a career at sea. In the merchant marines, the pay scales depend on the standards set by international institutions like the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).

The pay-scales are set as per the hierarchy of the jobs in merchant marines and each individual is entitled to receive the same.  The merchant marine is already famous for high salary packages and a glamorous life on ships.

By contrast in the navy, the pay scale depends on the position of an individual and his total work experience. The pay scale is set as per a nation’s laws and differs from country to country.

It is to be noted that though the salary of merchant navy officers is always a talk of the town, a career in the defence navy is something that comes with the highest level of respect and pride.

4.  Ranking structure

Both merchant marine and navy have their hierarchical systems. Jobs in the merchant navy can be in the technical department, pertaining to the deck zone or in the servicing area.

Individuals with the right aptitude and skill set can join any of the three specialised criteria.  Moreover, sometimes, the ranks of professionals also depend on the company and the type of ship. But the basic structure remains the same.

Sea jobs in the Navy, on the other hand, start at the lieutenant level – which is the lowest rung in terms of ranking. The rankings assigned to navy servicemen differ in each country, thus making them singular in their own right. Just like in the Merchant Navy, each rank in the Defence Navy comes with great responsibility and honour.

Jobs in the Navy and the merchant marine require a huge level of commitment and dedication on the part of individuals as both have extended service periods.

In the case of the former, the threat of infiltrators looms large while in the case of the latter, the requirement of commercialisation makes shorter trips impossible.

Despite their differences, however, the most common similarity between the two maritime services is that they offer high levels of satisfaction to the individuals engaged in the professions.

Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight.

What is the Difference between Merchant Navy and Defence Navy? appeared first on Marine Insight - The Maritime Industry Guide

The most common perception people have when introduced to the field of ocean engineering is that it deals with ships, floating bodies or the ocean.

While this is not wrong in its entirety, it is easy to mistake ocean engineering for several other fields, such as naval architecture, naval engineering, marine engineering and other maritime courses. In reality, ocean engineering is an exclusive area of study that is exclusive in its own right.

These varied courses have different aspects about them that make each one unique. Right from the conception of an idea to the day when the ship or boat is finally decommissioned from a fleet, these marine engineers and naval architects work in tandem to ensure that their work is of the highest standard.

However, what each of these fields offers is very diverse and is generally mutually exclusive. To be a successful engineer, it is important to understand the key differences between these fields.

What is Naval Architecture?

When an idea for a ship or a boat is first conceived, generally by fleet operators such as Maersk or GPO, or by the navies of various countries, it is the naval architects who step in to flesh out the ideas provided to them.

They work in several stages to provide a comprehensive plan regarding the design and production techniques to ensure the timely delivery of the vessel. The delivery of the ship plans and any added adjustments that need to be made are handled by the naval architects assigned to a particular vessel.

Related Reading: What is Naval Architecture: Careers, Courses And Jobs For Naval Architects

As such, naval architects require additional courses and qualifications to oversee the manufacturing and actual production procedure. They can make changes from time to time based on updated design structures and innovations and provide these suggestions to the naval engineers who handle the manufacturing process.

Related Reading: What Do Naval Architects Do?

However, their work is not completed by simply handing over the design of the ship. They are required to conduct extensive sea trials with the prototypes to ensure that safety standards and vessel specifications are met.

Related Reading: 10 Important Books On Naval Architecture 

Generally, they are provided with information such as the required top speed, cruising speed, turning capabilities, expected deadweight, etc. Before the design phase is over, they must carry out preliminary calculations. However, after the lightship (ship with only the essential components, without outfitting) construction is completed, they may need to recalibrate the design to meet the specifications in the contract.

Related Reading:  Different Career Options In Naval Architecture 

What is Naval Engineering?

Naval engineering is a discipline closely related to the construction and maintenance of all floating structures that have to move under their own power.

This includes conventional ships, cargo carriers, submersible vehicles, and submarines (rigs fall under the purview of ocean engineering). Naval engineers are highly sought after to oversee the construction and other operations of these vessels.

However, they require additional courses and training to be able to sail on a ship as an onboard engineer. Their main responsibility is regarding the management of the manufacturing, outfitting and repair processes concerning seaborne vessels.

They can suggest changes and updates to the naval architects who design the vessels but, similarly are required to undergo additional training in order to be considered qualified to design a ship and its associated structures.

In today’s world of military dominance and might, naval engineers are tasked with the deployment of several naval vessels, which could range from small boats such as the Coast Guard patrol vessels to the behemoths of engineering- the aircraft carriers.

For such vessels of national importance, naval engineers are required to take on the management of the procurement, manufacturing and production stages so that they are all completed in a timely manner while ensuring that they meet the standards meant for the navy.

What is Marine Engineering?

One of the most popular fields in today’s transport industry is marine engineering because of the rising demand for cargo carriers and naval warships or submarines.

Marine engineers are qualified to design ships while working with naval architects and can oversee construction of the vessel alongside naval engineers.

In addition to this, they conduct the major portion of the sea trials and have extensive experience in other fields of engineering, such as electrical, electronics, and mechanical engineering.

Since they specialize in multiple aspects of the naval world, they are often required to work closely with naval architects and naval engineers to ensure that industry standards are met and that schedules are kept.

Related Reading: What Is Marine Engineering: Courses, Job Description & Salary

Marine engineers can also specialize in offshore work such as oil rigs and energy production devices. In such cases, they work hand-in-hand with ocean engineers, researchers and scientists in an effort to utilize the ocean resources to the fullest.

What are maritime courses?

Maritime courses stand apart from the other fields of study, based on the fact that these maritime courses qualify an individual to man the ship and its associated machinery. By completing these courses, one can serve onboard ships as an engineer.

An important point to keep in mind is that individuals from other fields of marine and naval courses are also qualified to serve as the chief engineer on board vessels, with a certain amount of training. However, to serve as the officer of a ship, one must complete maritime courses.

Maritime courses train individuals to handle vessels and instruct them in the basics of naval engineering and architecture. Components of a ship, such as the propulsion, navigation, and steering systems, fall under the control of these officers.

With such a course, a person is qualified to sail any type of vessel that they have taken a license for. They work closely with other engineers and architects to be able to ensure safe and efficient handling of the vessel.

Related Reading: Difference between nautical science and marine engineering 

What is Ocean Engineering?

Briefly put, ocean engineering is a field that deals with the construction, maintenance, design and functionality of structures that are used to harness the power of the ocean and its resources for non-conventional uses.

These include, but are not limited to the production of energy through tidal research and the adoption of unorthodox transportation methods along inland rivers and water bodies.

Ocean engineers are often tasked with ensuring that they design offshore structures which are competent with modern safety standards, and achieve the set target with maximum efficiency. They are qualified to handle projects such as government defence undertakings, desalination plant operations, oil rig construction, and sustainable, safe port designs.

Land reclamation is an upcoming field in ocean engineering, owing to the increasing population density in most parts of the world. Moreover, with the rapid depletion of lithospheric oil fields, oil rig deployment and maintenance are other fields of growing importance. Similarly, another modern research area in ocean engineering is the study of silt deposition around structures floating in the ocean.

The importance of ocean engineering

With vast swathes of oil fields being depleted, thanks to the frequent drilling operations undertaken by several private and government entities, future generations are faced with the prospect of not having sufficient oil to power transportation and industrial machinery. Moreover, as fossil fuel deposits have reached an all-time low, there is an urgent need in the market for an alternate source of energy.

The oceans provide an entirely new area to explore for alternative resources, and operations are underway to harness both tidal energy as well as oil deposits below the ocean floors to meet energy demands. In addition to this, ocean engineers are increasingly being consulted for the development and deployment of underwater submersibles, either for research purposes or for defence operations.

Related Reading: Difference between ocean engineering and naval architecture 

Unlike the other industries dependent on oil prices for their fortunes, ocean engineering is a new discipline, with several exciting opportunities yet to be explored. From advanced desalination techniques to the efficient construction of offshore structures, ocean engineering is a sustainable and alternative route to meet rising global energy and resource demands.

In addition to this, ocean engineering is slowly branching out to work in collaboration with oceanographers so that research expeditions can go into the depths of previously unexplored ocean sectors. By doing so, new inroads can be made not just into ocean bed studies and underwater current tracking but also into evolutionary patterns that were previously unknown.

What can we conclude from this?

When provided with so many options to pursue in the engineering field, it can often be mind-boggling to select a single course to move ahead with. To compound this problem, people are generally not clear about the differences that arise between such courses.

Besides, without properly assessing the shifting global trends based on burgeoning oil prices and transportation costs, it is common for individuals to stick to the tried and tested fields of naval architecture or engineering. However, ocean engineering provides a different route to achieving the same goals.

Moreover, for prospective students and experienced industry specialists, a clear and proper understanding of what each field offers is of utmost importance since it provides clarity regarding what you will be qualified to handle after an investment of several years of effort and dedication.

While all these courses are varied and diverse, they each contribute to producing efficient, seaworthy vessels and other associated projects. Irrespective of the route one finally takes, it is important to positively contribute and create innovation in their chosen area of specialization.

Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight.

Naval Architecture vs Naval Engineering vs Marine Engineering vs Ocean Engineering appeared first on Marine Insight - The Maritime Industry Guide

Ocean engineering is a field of study that can be vaguely defined as an advanced part of other marine technology studies like maritime engineering, offshore engineering, or marine electronic technology. If defined in detail, it would be mentioned as a branch of technological studies that deals with the design and operations of artificial systems in the ocean and other marine bodies for solving complex engineering problems.

However, it should not be confused with oceanography. This is because oceanography studies the natural aspects of the oceans and their dynamics, but not the artificial influence.

What Can Students Expect if they take up Ocean Engineering?

There are different ocean engineering degrees for undergraduates and holders of bachelor’s degree-seeking higher studies and research projects. However, both are required to have a basic understanding of oceanography, effects of waves, ocean acoustics and the capabilities to apply engineering principles in consideration of public health, safety and welfare, and economic factors. They should be able to communicate with different audiences and use engineering design to revolutionise the field of social sciences.

If one decides to study ocean engineering, he must be ready to take up ethical and professional responsibilities and make informed judgments by understanding the impact of engineering solutions on the world. Students must be prepared for a lot of classroom work and participation in seminars. They must also gain practical experience, apply new knowledge in the real world and even work at remote locations for longer periods for experimentation and research.

Students can expect to do basic courses, including statics, the strength of materials, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and electrical engineering, along with marine-specific topics.

Who is an Ocean Engineer?

The ocean engineers get to know the details about the ocean policies, the areas of concern for modern navigators, and the technological requirements for further establishment of engineering wonders across the seas. Various new products and technologically advanced systems are developed under the guidance of ocean engineering departments in multiple countries across the globe. Underwater navigation, communication, and positioning have long been active research areas in this technology branch. In addition, developing and creating an unmanned underwater vehicle is on the priority list of companies and firms all over who deal in this engineering field.

As in any other field of study, ocean engineering has grown over the years and has a vast compilation of data and its representation. The introduction of advanced computers and other electronic systems made the task of research and analysis a lot easier. This was of the utmost value and importance for a younger engineering branch. This field also causes the best use of all the electromagnetic equipment. This is evident in the strong structures and designs of all offshore technical platforms, advanced sea vessels, and even submarines.

Many organizations that deal with this subject appoint engineers to study the ocean’s environment to understand its impact on marine structures. Also, the reverse effect needs to examine, and this is again a forte of this branch of research. The department of ocean engineering also looks into the significant impact of man’s activities on the natural environment of the oceans. This involves research on the sensors and the acoustic and non-acoustic sensor predictions concerning the environment. Ocean Engineering also deals with the energy resources available in the ocean and the means to tap them.

Over the years since its establishment as a separate branch of engineering, this field has seen a rapid increase in the number of students who have enrolled in the courses, so much so that the governments in many countries had to establish a different university that deals with the various details of this fascinating subject. And the interest has multiplied since then. Ocean engineering professionals are in huge demand, which augurs well for the industry and the world.

What Do Ocean Engineers Do?

Professionals who take education and training in ocean engineering are called ocean engineers. They have the technical expertise and skills to find solutions to ocean-related problems. Technically, ocean engineering is a combination of different types of engineering, such as mechanical, civil, chemical etc., about the oceans.

Ocean engineers work closely with marine biologists, oceanographers, geophysicists, etc., to find solutions and create tools to help in research. Some of these devices by ocean engineers are used to study underwater activities, oil and gas exploration, seismic research etc.

Ocean engineers are often required to work marine vehicles, ships, sailboats, tankers, rigs, autonomous underwater vehicles, submersibles, and aircraft carriers in harsh weather conditions like severe storms. They are mainly hired by the government, oil and gas companies, ocean research organisations etc. Their work especially involves designing, constructing and maintenance of equipment and systems ocean for marine environments.

For instance, coastal engineering is an increasingly important part of ocean engineering. Coastal engineers are needed to provide efficient solutions to the problem of coastal erosion, development of coastal structures, waste disposal in coastal cities, etc., through appropriate experimentation while suggesting the efficient use of the ocean’s resources.

Like the interests of oceanographers have given rise to design skills, the technical expertise of ocean engineers and innovative equipment design has revolutionized oceanography and opened many doors for future development in the field. Also, the invention of several instruments and devices has changed how ocean engineering students and oceanographers study the world’s coasts, coastlines, and ocean resources.

The inventions by ocean engineers have broadened the reach of the field of oceanography. It has also changed the way oceanographers work. They can go farther offshore and deeper into the seas and oceans for long periods. Due to their contribution, the development of ocean energy resources has been possible. Also, many new underwater discoveries of unique geological formations and marine species have been made.

 Types of Ocean Engineering Jobs

There are plenty of career options when you decide to pursue ocean engineering. Most jobs would have you working in the vast ocean or underwater. Ocean engineers can expect to work in dangerous conditions. Passion is just as important as knowing when to become an ocean engineer. The work done by these people has saved lives, so there is a lot of responsibility on their shoulders.

Ocean engineers will be knowledgeable of ocean policies and information that pertains to ocean navigators. They also continue to learn about innovative means and technologies to establish other technology across the seas. Ocean engineers across the globe are overseeing several projects where new products and pieces of equipment are being developed. Their innovation can help ocean navigation, ocean studies, and environmental safety.

Underwater navigation, communication, and positioning are actively researched technologies where ocean engineers have made great progress. Many companies are devoting their resources to research on the design and development of unmanned underwater vehicles.

The field plays a huge role in other fields like oceanography, transport, oil and gas, international trade, underwater exploration and even national defence. Ocean engineer can also use their expertise to work as mechanical engineers and environmental engineers. They have many possibilities when it comes to career choices.

If you pursue ocean engineering, you have the option to become an:

• Ocean Engineer
• Naval Architect
• Marine Engineer
• Environmental Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Petroleum Engineer

Jobs like naval architects and Marine Engineers are related to the core subject of ocean engineering. The main and basic task of the engineer will be around the design and construction of ships, dams and other marine-related structures. However, other options like environmental, mechanical, and petroleum engineering are related to ocean engineering but are also influenced by other subjects. An environmental engineer will be tasked with researching and developing environmentally safe products and monitoring the environment concerning the ocean. Petroleum engineers will be tasked with the construction of oil rigs along with identifying and extracting oil.

There are plenty of organizations willing to hire ocean engineers. These companies oversee the research and development of many marine technologies, demanding the best workforce for their teams. The work as an ocean engineer can be of many sorts. They can either be directly involved as designers or construction supervisors. Or they can work as consultants in regulation, surveying and overseeing. Research and development teams are another great option for an ocean engineer that wishes to put their knowledge to make strides in the field. Experienced engineers can turn to education and training as well.

Ocean engineers can take up work with private industry or even work with the government. In practice, their work could be related to remote sensing, monitoring changes in the climate, protection of environmental bodies using engineering principles, and building marine transportation on the surface and underwater.

These are some of the popular organizations that hire ocean engineers

• Rockwell Aviation
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• National Science Foundation
• Northrop Grumman
• Boeing
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection
• S. Environmental Protection Agency

How much salary do ocean engineers get?

Websites like payscale.com cannot ascertain the entry-level salary for an ocean engineer because of their specialized nature. It mainly depends on the project you work on, the team you are working with, etc. However, the entry-level salaries of other similar engineering jobs can give you an idea of what you will be starting with.

Mechanical Engineer: $60,100 – $91,900

Environmental Engineer: $47,900 – $89,700

Petroleum Engineer- $55,347 – $124,611

In 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary of an average ocean engineer with sufficient experience was around $92,000 per year or more than $44 per hour. In 2016, they reported that the median salary of a marine engineer is approximately $93,350. In the lower income range, marine engineers and naval architects that got paid the least claim a yearly income of $72,600 which is among the 25th percentile salary.

Seventy-five per cent of engineers make more than that amount. The 75th percentile salary is $120,210 as of 2016. The 2016 report also shows that more than 8200 people were employed as marine engineers and naval architects in the United States. So while the median salary has not changed drastically, it is steadily rising. An ocean engineer can be expected to pay a hefty amount. The experience and roles they take within their companies can guarantee a much higher annual salary.

Ocean Engineering’s Colleges Around the World

We’ve comprised a list of the best colleges worldwide that can provide you with the skills required to succeed in the profession. These universities are among the most internationally known and nationally ranked in the quality of their course.

• Massachusetts Maritime Academy
• The United States Coast Guard Academy
• Texas A & M University
• Florida Atlantic University
• University of Rhode Island
• The University of Hawaii at Manoa
• California Maritime Academy
• Marine Engineering and Research Institute (MERI)
• Australian Maritime College
• Dalian Maritime University

Future Prospects of Ocean Engineering

A master’s degree after graduation is a great way to solidify your skills, learn further about the field and prepare yourself for the responsibilities your work will put you into. There are multiple master’s programs offered by the universities mentioned above that you can enrol in.

• Master in Hydrodynamics for Ocean Engineering
• Master’s degree of Engineering in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Water Management
• Master of Science in Ocean Engineering (SMOE)
• Master of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (SMNAME)
• Master of Science in Oceanographic Engineering (SMOGE, joint MIT/WHOI degree)
• Naval Engineer’s (NE) degree
• Master in Offshore Engineering

A master’s degree will help you specialize in your field and give you the expertise required to excel at your work. They also open the doors for all the marine engineering-related jobs and senior roles within the company you work for.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the responsibility of ocean engineers?

Ocean engineers devise smart, effective solutions for building systems to monitor and control coastal environments. They learn about the technical functioning of offshore structures and marine vessels and work in harsh environments.

2. Is Ocean Engineering a good career option?

While pursuing this field of study might be difficult since it requires a lot of hard work and perseverance, it pays off well. Students have enormous options, and the demand for ocean engineers is increasing daily. One can also go for defence sector jobs that not only pay well but are also very prestigious.

3. Where do most ocean engineers work?

They primarily work on submersibles, ships, oil rigs and offshore platforms under harsh conditions. They are hired by private companies, the government, oil and gas companies, and even think and research tanks.

4. What do ocean engineers do daily?

They oversee the testing, design and proper functioning of various maritime equipment onboard the vessel they are working on. Others work in offices and use advanced computer software to develop innovative engineering solutions and designs for new projects.

5. What is the difference between oceanography and ocean engineering?

Ocean engineering is an engineering field and requires expertise in handling maritime machinery. It is much like chemical engineering and mechanical and electrical engineering. However, oceanography is earth science or a study of the oceans’ physical, chemical and biological features.

You may also like to read

• What does an ocean engineer do?
• The Ultimate Guide To Higher Studies For Mariners – Part 1
• The Ultimate Guide To Higher Studies For Mariners – Part 3
• The Ultimate Guide To Higher Studies For Mariners – Part 2
• How to find Maritime Jobs Using “Linkedin”? 

Disclaimer: The author’s views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendations on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight.

What is Ocean Engineering: Education, Colleges, Jobs And Salary appeared first on Marine Insight - The Maritime Industry Guide

Studying for a marine biologist career involves specific requirements and following many protocols. Since a degree in marine biology allows a person to gain knowledge about marine fauna and flora, getting an education in the field involves a lot of steadfastness and dedication to not only complete the necessary qualifications but also come out as a professional and dedicated marine biologist.

It is a long and arduous journey to becoming a respectable marine biologist. To take up marine biology, one must choose subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology during your undergrad years. A degree in marine biology is the safest way to reach your career goals.

You will be able to learn all the necessary subjects surrounding marine biology, which involves zoology and other aspects of biology. Your life as an undergrad biology student will already give you an idea of how arduous the journey will be.

Also additionally, a person aspiring to take up marine biologist education must be proficient in terms of his writing and communication skills.

Writing skills are relevant in the context of a marine biologist education because a marine biologist must draft extensive notes and observations about the area he is studying and researching so that others also learn crucial and significant things from the same.

Responsibilities of a Marine Biologist

Marine biologists have various roles and responsibilities in management and leadership. They have to manage agencies and oversee that the environmental regulations are being followed regarding the ecosystem in question. They must formulate proposals to receive funds for research and fieldwork, not to mention scientific papers. They also have to do many internships and monitor the natural habitats of endangered species and marine mammals like dolphins and seals.

They must present their findings at conferences in front of stakeholders and policymakers. They are responsible for making people aware of the impact of human activities on marine animal behaviour, issues like climate change and excessive fishing.

Marine Biologist Degree

An important thing to consider while taking up a marine biologist degree is the university that offers marine biology courses. When choosing a university, the candidate must look out for universities that provide practical training and the necessary theoretical know-how.

A marine biologist must pursue vigorous education to become eligible to work. The starting point for any student who intends to choose this career path is an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree. As an undergrad, you can pursue biology or zoology or choose marine biology.

It isn’t necessary that you must choose marine biology during your undergraduate years to become a marine biologist. It is also advisable for undergrads to pursue engineering, mathematics or computer science courses in addition to natural science education. These subjects can assist your career greatly and give you more options to apply in various situations.

Students that pursue a biology program will study subjects such as cell biology, biochemistry, ecology, evolution, etc. They will be able to choose elective courses that can help them learn about subjects related to their majors, like marine zoology or marine ecology. Biology programs also rely heavily on laboratory practicals. This will give the students experience working with lab tools, conducting correctly in a lab environment, and following research protocols.

Graduates with bachelor’s degrees in marine biology can find jobs, but career advancements require higher education.

Students will also fail to keep up with their more educated peers unless they put in the extra effort. Pursuing a master’s degree is a wise choice for students to gain confidence in the subjects’ proficiency.

Oceanography, biostatistics, marine chemistry, ecosystems and geology are some choices that can help students specialize in their field of study. The master’s programs will also have electives to choose from, which can further help the students improve their skills.

They will also be able to specialize in their subjects of interest like particular marine organisms, for example, fish, mammals, corals, and other marine wildlife. Graduate students must also focus on independent research and coursework for their thesis and publish scientific papers. This will act as the gateway to their journey as marine biologists.

Research and documentation are two essential requirements for a scientist. Later, students may even opt for PhD programs to further develop their research skills and knowledge. A PhD is not necessary, but having one is very commendable, and the quality of your dissertation will significantly influence your potential employers.

Marine Biologist Jobs

Some of the critical organisations that hire marine biologists in the United States are:

1. NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
2. Fisheries and Oceans Canada
3. California Department of Fish and Wildlife
4. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
5. NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
6. EnviroMatrix Analytical, Inc. (EMA)
7. AquaBio Environmental Technologies, Inc. AquaBio Environmental Technologies, Inc.
8. Nautilus Environmental

An individual can look up similar organisations in their respective country to know more about opportunities for marine biologists.

Different Career Options After Pursuing Marine Biology

After gaining an education in the field of marine biology, one can take up different kinds of jobs, as mentioned below:

• Marine ecologist and dive operations manager
• Consultant in marine ecology
• Marine biotechnologist
• Fishery data manager
• Environmental engineer
• Marine policy expert.
• Reef restoration project manager
• Marine biology technician
• Research Assistant
• Professor in marine ecology
• Postdoctoral fellow
• Oil spill response specialist

A marine biologist has several career options, all of which can provide fruitful compensation and great satisfaction from work. However, to advance in the career domain of your choice, you will need to specialise in a particular field. Reef ecology ( studying coral reefs), fisheries biology, marine pollution, molecular biology, biodiversity, marine science, ethology ( studying the behaviour of deep sea creatures) and coastal management are some of the popular choices for a marine biologist to specialise in.

Your success as a marine biologist depends entirely on your experience and achievements within the field of choice. Education only plays a partial role by helping you break your way into the area. Like other scientific careers, a marine biologist can expect tons of competition. Hard work and commitment are the only answers to success in this field.

Marine Biologist Education Requirements

As mentioned earlier, a marine biologist does not have a specific blueprint for education requirements besides a bachelor’s degree in a related science. Further education will be a bonus and add more value to the biologist.

Best Marine Biology Colleges

Some of the famous colleges providing courses in marine biology are:

• Duke University in Durham, NC
• ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
• Boston University in Boston, MA
• The University of Maine in Orono, ME
• The Australian National University
• University of Cambridge

Important Books for Marine Biologists

If you are a marine biologist or are planning to become one, then the following books would be beneficial:

• The Unnatural History of the Sea – Prof. Calum Roberts
• Mapping the Deep – Robert Kunzig
• Spirals in Time – Dr Helen Scales
• Vanished Ocean: How Tethys Reshaped the World – Prof. Dorrik Stow
• The Empty Ocean – Richard Ellis
• Voyage of the Turtle: In pursuit of the Earth’s last dinosaur – Prof. Carl Safina
• Reflections on a Summer Sea – Prof. Trevor Norton
• Narwhals: Arctic Whales in a Melting World – Todd McLeish
• Flotsametrics and the floating world – Dr Curtis Ebbesmeyer & Eric Scigliano
• A Life Underwater – Dr Charlie Veron

Marine Biologist Salary

Though there is no detailed data on the salary of marine biologists around the world, according to payscale.com, marine biologists across different levels have a salary range as mentioned below:

Entry-level

Experience plays a huge role in the success of your career as a marine biologist, but your early days will not have a low salary either. An entry-level marine biologist with less than five years experience can expect an average salary of $49,000. This is a significantly high amount to earn for someone starting their way on the field. You can make more with overtime work, extra projects, etc.

Mid-level

A marine biologist that has been in the field for more than 5 to 10 years can expect an average salary of $51,000. This isn’t all that different from the average entry-level salary, but you can find plenty of top companies that pay higher than this amount. You will easily find more demanding work if you have the talent and achievements.

Experienced

An experienced marine biologist with 10 to 20 years of work experience can expect an average salary of $60,000. This is also relative to your achievements and the company you work for.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What exactly does a marine biologist do?

A marine biologist studies and observes marine life in their natural habitat. They also assess their living conditions, record their physiology and behaviours, and the human impact on their lives and ecosystems.

2. Are marine biologists paid well?

Marine biologists are well-paid in many countries of the west. An entry-level position can get an average total consumption of 250,000 dollars, including bonus, overtime pay, tips etc. Marine biologists make the most in San Francisco, California.

3. What are the disadvantages of being a marine biologist?

The job of a marine biologist pays well. However, it is very demanding and also dangerous. One should be physically fit and know how to deal with marine species. It requires stamina to operate heavy equipment, dive deep waters and examine marine animals.

4. Who is known as the first Marine Biologist?

Aristotle was the first person to record his observations on marine life. Hence, he is called the father of marine biology and the world’s first marine biologist. Charles Darwin is also considered one of the first marine biologists as he studied coral reefs extensively, which helped to develop his initial ideas about natural selection and evolution.

5. What is the demand to be a marine biologist?

Marine Biologist is not a popular job in most developing countries which do not undertake marine research. However, it is a prominent position in western nations like the UK, the US and Europe. According to the U.S Bureau of Labour Statistics, the employment of zoologists, marine biologists and wildlife biologists can be expected to increase by 5 per cent between 2020 to 2030.

You might also like to read.

• Choosing the Career of Marine Biologist
• A List of Unique and Interesting Marine Careers
• Top 10 Marine Biology Books You Must Read
• Ocean Engineering: Education, Colleges, Jobs And Salary
• The Unexplained Mystery of the Sea Serpent

Disclaimer: The author’s views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used in the article, have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendations on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight.

How to Become a Marine Biologist: Requirements and Necessities appeared first on Marine Insight - The Maritime Industry Guide

Supply chain management aims to control and streamline the link from the process of production to shipment, and finally to the distribution of the products, helping companies to cut costs and deliver products faster to the consumers.

Every supply chain leader’s priority is continuous education so that they can stay on top. This can be done by reading books of supply chain management and clubbing it with your experiences so that your strategies can be improved.

Out of all of the options available, we have given a list of top 10 supply chain management books that will narrow down your choices.

1. SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: A LOGISTIC APPROACH

Written by John J. Goyle, This supply chain management book is a logistics perspective that focuses on the blending of logistic theory with practical application.

With an insight to real-world companies, applied examples of managerial experiences, each chapter are accompanied by short cases on what knowledge has the students acquired in the given chapter.

The availability of supply chain technology boxes helps the students to relate to technological developments, concepts of supply chain management, also considering the global changes that take place.

Sale

Supply Chain Management: A Logistics Perspective

• Hardcover Book
• Coyle, John J. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 672 Pages - 03/01/2016 (Publication Date) - Cengage Learning (Publisher)

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2.ESSENTIALS OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT (ESSENTIAL SERIES)

Written by Michael Hugos who is also the co-founder of Supply Chain Management Globe, this reference book is a bestselling guide to the field of supply chain management. It provides coverage of necessary detail from a real-world perspective with practical examples.

Published in its fourth edition, an easy to use supply chain management book, it serves as a reference for managers in search of tips and techniques that can change a supply chain into a source of competition at its maximum efficiency.

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Essentials of Supply Chain Management (Essentials Series)

• Hugos, Michael H. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 368 Pages - 03/13/2018 (Publication Date) - Wiley (Publisher)

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3. SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT – STRATEGY, PLANNING, AND OPERATION

This reference book is best suitable for courses of MBA, engineering master, or undergraduates in the field of supply chain management. This supply chain management book is written by Sunil Chopra, whose one of the research interests lies in supply chain and logistics management. Reaching its seventh edition, this book provides readers with all the necessary practical tools needed to solve supply chain problems while using a strategic framework.

The case study examples given in this book provide knowledge on both the good and bad effects of supply chain management.

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Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation (What's New in Operations Management)

• Hardcover Book
• Chopra, Sunil (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 528 Pages - 01/03/2018 (Publication Date) - Pearson (Publisher)

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4. PRINCIPLES OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT -A BALANCED APPROACH

This reference book provides you with a step by step guide of the supply chain management activity sharpening your management skills with the help of cases, problems, questions, and practices given in this book.

Written by Joel D. Wisner who has given improved strategies in the field of the supply chain and a number of his articles have been published in journals. Students are taken through a well-balanced approach in the field of supply chain management. Important processes beginning from the operations, purchasing, logistics up to process integration can be reviewed.

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Principles of Supply Chain Management: A Balanced Approach

• Hardcover Book
• Wisner, Joel D. (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 576 Pages - 01/01/2018 (Publication Date) - Cengage Learning (Publisher)

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5. STRATEGIC SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: THE FIVE CORE DISCIPLINES FOR TOP PERFORMANCES, SECOND EDITION

As the name of this book suggests, this book is ideal for today’s economic environment by providing a good strategy for the supply chain management. Published in its second edition, this supply chain management has been popular among new companies that have helped their supply chains to become flexible, agile, and resilient.

With the given strategies, leaders can distinguish their business goals, learn to build beneficial relations with other leaders, and how to get the greatest values out of their supply chain.

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Strategic Supply Chain Management: The Five Core Disciplines for Top Performance, Second Editon

• Hardcover Book
• Cohen, Shoshanah (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 320 Pages - 06/14/2013 (Publication Date) - McGraw Hill (Publisher)

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6. LEAN SUPPLY CHAIN AND LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT

This book is written by Paul Myerson, who has more than 25 years of experience in the operations, strategies, and systems of supply chain management and has improved companies such as Unilever, General Electric, and so on. The book is a practical guide to organize your supply chain and logistics function, also providing advanced lean tools and lean implementation methodology. The implementation of these factors is assured to give you success.

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Lean Supply Chain and Logistics Management

• Hardcover Book
• Myerson, Paul (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 288 Pages - 02/27/2012 (Publication Date) - McGraw Hill (Publisher)

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7. LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT ( FIFTH EDITION)

Stepping into its fifth edition this book is considered as the UK’s bestselling logistic and supply chain management book. This book contains all the necessary topics integrated to supply chain management that can help a business to prioritize its customers and cut costs from other unnecessary sections. Students and professionals can read this book to take your supply chain to the next level with the help of ideas, processes, and tools.

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Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Logistics & Supply Chain Management

• Christopher, Martin (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 328 Pages - 02/26/2016 (Publication Date) - FT Publishing International (Publisher)

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8. OPERATIONS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: THE CORE

This reference book focuses on the core concepts and operations in the field of supply chains, with the help of analysis of data to solve all business problems. The core of every business is its operations and supply chain management, this book tackles all your needs in this field.

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Operations and Supply Chain Management: The Core

• Hardcover Book
• Jacobs, F. Robert (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 544 Pages - 02/04/2016 (Publication Date) - McGraw Hill (Publisher)

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9. SUPPLY CHAIN LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT

This book deals with the complete management of supply chains that are segregated into for parts beginning from the foundation, the strategies, and challenges related to administration and operational integration of logistics. This book also contains case studies, illustrated examples and questions that will help you enhance your business.

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Supply Chain Logistics Management

• Bowersox, Donald (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 03/29/2019 (Publication Date) - McGraw-Hill Education (Publisher)

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10. SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT FOR DUMMIES ( BUSINESS AND PERSONAL FINANCE)

This supply chain management book connects all the pieces of your business, from sales and marketing to purchasing. This resource book will help you join the dots and meet the needs of your suppliers, shareholders, and customers, which will help everyone impact the supply chain and give positive outcomes. Basic techniques and key concepts are described that will keep your business running smoothly.

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Supply Chain Management For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance))

• Stanton, Daniel (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 368 Pages - 11/29/2017 (Publication Date) - For Dummies (Publisher)

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Grasping all the available knowledge will help you improve your business. Every minute spent on reading these books will be worth it. These books have case studies, real-world examples, converting all the aspects related to supply chain Management that will reboot and make you a successful leader.

You may also like to read – Top 7 Books On Warehouse Management 

Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight.

Top 10 Supply Chain Management Books appeared first on Marine Insight - The Maritime Industry Guide

Shipyards take great care in designing and building ships, with regular inspections. They know every mistake will cost them heavily in terms of delays and fines.

Once the construction of a ship is finished, the shipowners must then ascertain that the vessel meets the standard laid out in the building contract.

Although most organisations employ in-house specialists, they ensure that the vessel meets the benchmark, and an independent inspection may sometimes be required for the same.

Third-party inspectors may need to survey a vessel separately. Generally, marine insurers might require an assessment of the condition of a ship before some legal arbitration. Or standardisation bodies might need people qualified to ascertain a ship’s seaworthiness before being registered. In all these scenarios, specialists with enormous maritime experience and knowledge often handle the situation.

These specialists who inspect and monitor various ships using advanced inspection methods are known as “Marine Surveyors”. Considered to be one of the most prestigious vocations in the industry, it demands a great deal of technical know-how. A marine surveyor should know how to inspect a vessel’s hull, marine engines, electrical system, and other electronics, check for water intrusion, proper functioning of the heat and airconditioning etc.

This article will dive into marine surveyors’ world and analyse their responsibilities, qualifications, and skills.

What are the Duties of a Marine Surveyor?

Marine surveyors conduct inspections of vessels of all types, including commercial vessels, cargo vessels, passenger vessels, barges, tugboats, warships, ferries and pleasure yachts that are under 20 meters, all the way up to tankers measuring over 200 meters. They also inspect marine cargo and facilities like drydocks, canals, docks and oil rigs for pre-purchase evaluation, insurance claim resolution, regulation compliance and marking insurance eligibility.

A good surveyor can work with most vessels and help the buyer ascertain the long-term suitability of his asset.

To ensure proper functioning and disbursement of duties, there are several different responsibilities that these surveyors are required to fulfil.

The primary responsibility of a marine surveyor is to conduct thorough and extensive surveys of a ship. Before delivery, a complete analysis of the entire vessel must be carried out, as this determines the initial seaworthiness of the ship.

While playing an important role in maritime arbitration and insurance, it also lets the shipowner know that the vessel they are receiving is in the best possible condition.

Various surveys are carried out during the vessel’s life for different reasons. These could be annual surveys used to study vessel performance yearly. Or there could be interim surveys intended to inspect specific parts of a ship. Special surveys can also be conducted in case of registration or other formalities.

Another responsibility of a marine surveyor is to ensure that machinery and equipment are functioning as required. This includes essential components such as engines, communications and navigation. It also needs emergency and safety equipment to be checked under realistic operating conditions. The surveyor must witness the tests and ascertain that any generated reports fall within acceptable standards.

Along with inspections, surveyors must ascertain the load regulations and limits calculated for a vessel. Gross tonnage and deadweight tonnage (DWT) are to be cross-checked with the values stored in the stability handbook of the ship. Checking the load lines and draft markers is also required, as some companies may attempt to overload their boats. The surveyor assists in load line assignments and checks weight distribution as well.

The next duty that surveyors are required to perform is the investigation of maritime accidents. This could be part of insurance institutions or from the shipowners’ side when claiming marine insurance; ascertaining the ship’s condition before the accident is essential.

Determining the extent of the damage is also required. For this, marine surveyors consult reports of the vessel before the accident. In case of being submerged, salvage operations may be necessary. Before commencing a salvage, surveys may also be conducted to ensure that the wreck can be safely moved without damaging the vessel and the surrounding biosphere. Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance companies can also employ these marine surveyors as third-party specialists for ascertaining damage compensation.

In case of an accident, a marine surveyor will be required to investigate the occurrence from an official capacity as deemed by a relevant maritime law court. They report to the court in all matters about the condition and performance of the ship. They also act as expert witnesses who can depict the ship’s condition. In case of any deaths, the surveyor may have to assist the coroner in ascertaining probable causes and locations of demise. Thus, marine surveyors also play an important role in maritime law and serve as advisors to a court of law.

Lastly, surveyors can also be tasked with a fair and unbiased evaluation of maritime assets. When buying a ship from another party, it would be wise to engage a marine surveyor to determine the condition of the boat that you are receiving. In case you wish to sell a ship, surveyors provide a realistic figure for the ship’s market value, known as the Fair Market Value, from an unbiased analysis. During damage reports or component replacements, marine surveyors may also determine the expected costs to be incurred while accounting for various factors in the industry.

Some of the other duties that marine surveyors can perform include:

1. Marine warranty surveys
2. Charter surveys
3. Flag state surveys
4. Offshore structural surveys
5. Hull and equipment surveys
6. Cargo surveys

The Different Types of Surveyors

Since this industry is incredibly diverse and vast, different surveys are carried out by specialised surveyors who are experts in their respective fields. This section will look at the various types of surveyors and the organisations they fall under.

There can be two main types of surveyors depending on their primary objectives- proactive and reactive surveyors. Proactive surveyors aim to identify problems before they occur. They are generally responsible for assessing vessels before purchase or during routine checks.

In case any flaw or damage is located, a potential mishap is averted. Hence, the surveyors are considered to be proactive. On the other hand, reactive surveyors are called in after some incident has occurred. They include insurance, arbitration, and claimant surveyors. Since they assess the vessel as reacting to some occurrence, they are referred to as reactive surveyors.

Cargo surveyors are specialists hired by a charterer or organisation transporting cargo bulk. The cargo owner entrusts the surveyor with ensuring that the cargo is loaded and unloaded appropriately. In addition to assessing the cargo operations, the surveyor calculates the permissible loads and maximum and minimum drafts and cross-checks the manifest with the loaded cargo.

In the case of loose goods carried in bulk carriers, there may also be necessary to ensure sufficient provisions to prevent cargo from shifting during the journey. For expensive and high-value goods, the surveyor may be required to oversee the loading and unloading operations personally. When transporting goods prone to contamination or infection, the surveyor is responsible for ensuring that precautions are taken to secure the goods safely. As the name suggests, the cargo surveyor is responsible for all cargo-related operations and inspections.

Classification surveyors are representatives of the classification society and ensure that a vessel adheres to pre-set regulations. A classification society is a standardisation body responsible for ensuring that ships are built and operated safely. They may impose restrictions on boats based on the vessel class and require the ship to maintain these standards to retain their registration under the society.

The Lloyd’s Register, Bureau Veritas, and Indian Register of Shipping are prominent classification societies. These surveyors must inspect a vessel and its machinery to ensure it meets the set standards. They also serve as representatives of the vessel’s flag state to ensure that domestic statutes are adhered to. A flag state refers to the country’s flag under which a ship operates. This surveyor checks a vessel’s construction, outfitting, maintenance, pollution levels, etc., and passes a recommendation to both the flag state and the classification society. If there are any issues, a window of time is provided to correct the problem. These surveyors usually work alongside government surveyors.

Government surveyors are officials representing two main points of interest- a flag state representative and a port state representative. The flag state official ensures that a vessel registered under its country meets satisfactory requirements to continue its registration. In case of any prolonged and uncorrected issue, the flag state has the power to suspend or revoke a registration. This prevents the ship from entering any port, as it no longer has any affiliation. On the other hand, the port state official reports to the government of a country where a particular ship is docked. They are tasked with ensuring that all incoming and departing ships satisfy the requirements of that specific port. In addition to surveying vessels, they can also be responsible for ensuring that the draft limits of a port are maintained.

A yacht and small craft (Y&SC) surveyor is responsible for inspecting and monitoring a small boat. They check the various equipment and machinery onboard. Since most of these vessels are for personal pleasure, the owners hire surveyors to inspect their vessels. Although some surveyors operate under organisations, the vast majority of these hires are independent surveyors.

An insurance and warranty surveyor inspects vessels for insurance and P&I purposes. Either party in an insurance claim can hire them. For instance, insurance companies often hire staff surveyors to estimate the damage and determine whether it falls under a valid insurance claim. On the other hand, the claimant would employ a surveyor to conduct a private inquiry and may use their report in a court of maritime law. Although insurance companies often suggest that claimants hire a surveyor to run their analysis, both parties prefer involving an unbiased third party. It is illegal for an insurance company to force a particular surveyor on the claimant.

Lastly, an independent surveyor is an individual who carries out surveys independently, without being associated with any organisation. They are usually hired to run private third-party reports on a vessel’s construction or incident. They offer their services in pre-purchase surveys, evaluation, draft surveys, confidential insurance enquiries etc. Independent surveyors rely mainly on goodwill and publicity to increase their customer base.

Training, Qualifications and Accreditation

Being a marine surveyor requires several skills that need to be certified by official bodies. The training and certification phase is critical as it creates a foundation for being a successful surveyor. Working in that field for several years can be helpful to show expertise in specific skills.

For instance, to be a surveyor for container ships, having worked onboard a ship or at a port, a terminal can serve as a certification prospective clients wish to see. On the other hand, if you want to survey a domain with no valid experience, being certified by some third party is possible. Taking specific courses is relatively easy, as there are a large number of bodies that conduct them. These include Lloyd’s Register, Maritime Training Academy, and Det Norske Veritas Germanischer Lloyd (DNV GL). It is interesting to note that most standardisation societies provide certification on many maritime courses.

Regarding certification for Marine Surveying itself, there are relatively few options available. This may be because surveying is a skill learnt with extensive experience and is not something that can be picked up overnight with a classroom course. Reputation is king in this industry, and no amount of certification will bring in clients unless you possess certain vital qualities.

Nevertheless, there are specific international organisations providing certification in this surveying. These include Lloyd’s Maritime Academy, the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS), the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS), and the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS). Members of SAMS, known as Accredited Marine Surveyors (AMS), hold valid certification and represent a large group of surveyors who establish precedents and maintain standards for all members to follow. Most societies suggest getting direct experience under a marine surveyor after completing their courses. However, one can also directly approach an experienced surveyor first instead of joining a class.

The primary skills that prospective clients look for in a surveyor are subjective. Generally, well-spoken and confident individuals portray a positive image. However, anyone who can prove their expertise in this field is quickly given opportunities. A candidate must be able to write reports compact yet detailedly. Since survey reports are the first impression of any surveyor, they must stick to mutually acceptable standards. In addition to these skills, having prior experience in any field of the maritime industry is preferred. Training under an experienced surveyor is the best method to pick up essentials and valuable skills.

Salary and Perks for Marine Surveyors

The enormous responsibility of determining the condition of a ship is by no means an easy job. Livelihoods, industries, and large amounts of money hang in the balance waiting for the marine surveyor’s approval. Being thorough is a necessity, as any error on their part can affect the global shipping industry. Thus, being adequately compensated for their skills is also a must. The marine surveying industry has specific standards that ensure its members are provided with adequate benefits.

Marine surveyors usually require a minimum of experience in the various industry domains they are tasked to handle. The more the experience, the higher the package they can expect to receive. In addition, certifications from prestigious institutes can also go a long way in ensuring that clients value your opinion. Although starting your career as an independent surveyor will ensure you receive your entire fee, you will lack in terms of other perks and benefits organisations can provide you.

The annual salary for a marine surveyor in the USA ranges between $60,426 and $81,974, with the average salary coming in at $70,089. This salary can depend on the size of the vessel to be surveyed, its location, costs you may incur to prepare a report, the cost of travelling etc. Also, enjoying goodwill amongst reputable ship-owning companies will provide you with a good client base. When estimating the average fee or commission per survey, it is crucial not to follow a ‘one size fits all strategy. The perks and benefits enjoyed by surveyors engaged with organisations include medical insurance, rent allowances, travel allowances etc. It also provides them with a network of like-minded individuals involved in the same field.

Report preparation is considered a tricky subject in the marine surveying industry. It can be the make-or-break component in any surveyor’s career. A well-written and detailed report would increase their client base through word-of-mouth marketing. On the other hand, a poor report could also effectively tank their prospects. Thus, most marine surveyors go to great lengths to learn the skill of report writing.

The essential points to look out for include language that is easy to comprehend, a detailed analysis of the various areas of the vessel, photographs or other visual media to emphasise a particular finding, and concisely preparing a report. Most clients find reading bulky and oversized reports to be counterproductive. They prefer to avoid surveyors who use too many words to convey a simple concept. Writing succinct reports that even laypeople can understand will go a long way in attracting more customers.

The marine surveying job also features benefits that go beyond the monetary aspects. It is a prestigious occupation that allows you to utilise your skills even after you retire from active sailing. It is also an opportunity to pass on knowledge to other individuals and actively connect with them.

The bottom line is that this industry presents a fantastic chance for motivated individuals to face new daily challenges that put their skills to the test. Based on your marketing and performance, you may be able to make much more than the industry average. It is essential to realise that this field has no fixed salary or income, unlike other industries. Although the above figures are based on extensive studies and research, the actual values may differ depending on your expertise and geographical location.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the job of a marine surveyor?

The primary responsibility of a marine surveyor is to conduct thorough and extensive surveys of vessels. Before the delivery of a new ship, such surveys are essential to ensure the proper functioning of all onboard systems and guarantee the vessel’s seaworthiness.

2. How do you become a US Marine Surveyor?

Marine surveyors are needed to have a certain amount of experience in the several industry domains they are trained to handle. The more experience and projects are completed, the better the salary package. Additionally, maritime institutes’ certifications can help get clients’ trust.

3. What are some of the surveys conducted by marine surveyors?

Some of these surveys include marine warranty surveys, charter surveys, flag state surveys, offshore structural surveys, hull and equipment surveys and cargo surveys.

4. What is AC and V Survey?

A repurchase survey is conducted when someone is thinking of buying a vessel. It is quite a comprehensive ‘Condition and Valuation’ or C&V Survey that incorporates operational testing of all the onboard equipment and includes a sea trial of the vessel in question. Also, the ship is inspected thoroughly, both inside and out.

5. What is the need for a marine survey?

A marine survey is essential for determining what repairs or upgrades are required so a vessel might operate under safe conditions at sea. Marine surveys ensure that all systems onboard vessels run smoothly, so there are no accidents, loss of life or property at sea. They also help to know the actual value of a boat or vessel.

You might also like to read.

• Different Types of Marine Insurance & Marine Insurance Policies
• 50 Marine Careers Essential Guide
• How to Become a Hydrographic Surveyor?
• What is Marine Asbestos Survey?
• Interview: Job Of Claims Executive In The Maritime Industry

Disclaimer: The author’s views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendations on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight.

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If cruise ships look like giant palaces or flashy kingdoms afloat on the ocean, adorned with all their glitz and glamour, it wouldn’t be an overstatement that the captain in command of these ships is undoubtedly the king of these floating kingdoms.

The captain undoubtedly, as it is in the case of cargo ships too, has the overall and overriding responsibility of everything related to that ship across departments and holds the highest office on the ship.

Unlike cargo ships though, cruise ships have multiple departments, divided across deck, engine, hotel and entertainment. Although each department has its own leader, they all have to report to the captain ultimately.

Related reading: Engineering Department Onboard Cruise Ships – A Detailed Guide

Therefore, the role of the captain becomes much more diverse and complex than on cargo ships. A cruise ship captain needs to excel in leadership, management, multi-tasking and decision-making skills in order to be able to successfully preside over the everyday operations of the cruise ship.

While the position of a cruise ship captain is an extremely lucrative, honourable and prestigious rank to hold, it is not without its share of responsibilities. The captain is responsible and answerable for every operation & incident that occurs on the ship under his command.

From manoeuvring the ship in and out of ports, narrow channels, rough seas and heavy weather to overseeing guest comfort and satisfaction, hygiene, quality, food, safety and security, managing ship and shoreside staff, steering committee, managing surveys and coordinating with departmental heads for everyday operations, the captain has to be capable to do it all.

The responsibility of a captain is so huge that they are directly answerable even for mishaps and accidents involving their ships.

Related Reading: How Are Cruise Ships Powered?

Failure to effectively manage crisis situations, make quick & informed decisions and prioritize the safety of lives can be detrimental to the career or in the worst case, the future life of the captain.

The above was highlighted in the case of the captain of the cruise ship Costa Concordia, which met a terrible fate in 2012.

The above vessel capsized after hitting rocks near the island of Giglio near the Italian coast on 13th January 2012. This occurred when the captain ordered the helmsman to steer the ship closer to the island for a maritime salute, a manoeuvre which although the ship had done successfully many times previously was to prove fatal on that night.

Reportedly due to miscommunication between the captain and the Indonesian helmsman, the ship steered closer to the island than usual and by the time the captain realized this and ordered course correction, the ship hit a rock which caused a 174 ft to tear on the port side.

The ship, thereafter started taking in water rapidly and 5 compartments including the engine room got flooded, the ship lost power and started drifting.

Due to wind, loss of propulsion and steering and rapid flooding, the ship changed direction, ran aground and also started listing severely to the starboard side.

The captain, who even after realizing that the ship was flooding, did not immediately call for evacuation or help. In fact, on being contacted by the coastguard, he gave inaccurate information that the ship was only experiencing a loss of power and requested tug assistance.

The result was that by the time he finally gave the order for an evacuation, the ship had started listing severely. In fact, crew members on realizing the grave situation and the captain’s indecision had already launched many lifeboats.

The captain’s indecision, mismanagement of the crisis and concealment of information, in this case, caused the loss of 32 lives as due to the increasing list, more lifeboats could not be launched.

To make matters worse, he fled from the ship even when more than 300 people still remained on board, while it started listing. This included passengers and many crew members.

Despite repeated calls and even orders from an Italian coast-guard officer reminding him of his responsibilities as the captain and for him to return on board, he did not return and shirked from his responsibility of ensuring the safe evacuation of all crew and passengers.

Although with the help of the coastguard and other ships, almost all the remaining persons were eventually evacuated by the next morning, the captain was charged with dereliction of his duties and responsibilities, abandonment of the vessel along with his crew, causing the accident and the death of so many people.

He pleaded guilty despite initially denying and calling himself a scapegoat and was sentenced to a 16-year prison term.
Therefore, through the above case, we can understand that how critical the captain’s responsibilities are.

It’s clear that how so ever rosy a captain’s chair and his paycheques may seem, it’s still a highly responsible job as he is accountable for not only his own actions but the actions of other crew-members as well on board his ship.

Qualifications required to become a cruise ship captain

The qualifications required to become a cruise ship captain are not much different from that of merchant ship captains.

A degree or diploma in Nautical Science is followed by onboard training as cadets or apprentice officers lasting several months.

Thereafter, the aspiring candidates are considered eligible for the 2nd Mate examination, on passing which they are qualified to work as 3rd Officers onboard cruise ships.

Further qualifications are acquired by passing subsequent Nautical examinations for Chief Mate and thereafter, Master although there could be some differences in the rules and procedures from country to country.

A Nautical officer on cruise ships too rises through the ranks subject to passing these examinations and also onboard promotions, which depend on performance and experience.

The journey from a Third Officer to a Captain can take several years (usually 15-20 years) as an officer may have to serve at many intermediate ranks for considerable periods of time.

The intermediate ranks are namely Second Officer, First Officer-Navigation, First Officer-Environmental (in many cruise lines this rank is specifically known as Environmental Officer), Chief Officer, Chief Officer-Safety (This rank is also known as Safety Officer), Staff Captain and Captain.

Brief description of ranks on Cruise Ships

Captain: In-command and overall in-charge of the ship. Assumes total responsibility and overriding authority, especially in the matters of safety, security and environmental protection.

Staff Captain: Second in command on board and in charge of the deck/nautical department. Serves as deputy to the captain and should be ready to step into the captain’s shoes in case of unavailability of the captain, emergencies & unforeseen circumstances.

Chief Officer (Safety): Overall in charge of all safety-related equipment, plans, procedures, training and drills onboard.

Chief Officer: Overall in charge of deck operations and maintenance.

Environmental Officer: In charge of overseeing all environmental operations viz. garbage segregation, waste collection & disposal, documentation (ensuring upkeep and updating of environmental record books), upkeep of company environmental policies, local laws of the port state pertaining to environmental protection, environmental training and drills.

First Officer (Navigation): The senior watchkeeping Officer in charge of the Navigational watch on the bridge. Responsible for all navigational and watchkeeping related issues and upkeep of documentation pertaining to them.

Second Officer: Also, an Officer in charge of a navigational watch.

Third Officer: First assistant to the senior watchkeeping Officer in charge of the bridge i.e., First or Second Officer. He reports to the First/Second Officer during a navigational watch on the bridge.

Cadet: Trainee navigational officer, usually a degree or diploma holder, fresh out of a maritime navigational training institution.

Apprentice Officer: Usually a trainee who is undergoing his onboard training as part of a maritime curriculum where the training forms a compulsory part of his degree/diploma course.

The above is a general description of the various ranks of the nautical/deck department and their duties and responsibilities, onboard passenger ships. This is only to give an idea and these ranks and/or duties may vary slightly from company to company.

Related reading: A Guide to Merchant Navy Ranks

Lifestyle and salary of a cruise ship captain

The captain undoubtedly, enjoys a status of a king on board passenger ships, being the ship’s supreme commander, as we have seen and therefore, enjoys many perks and benefits.

These may include five-star accommodation onboard akin to deluxe passenger suites, room-service, company-sponsored first-class flight travel, short contracts of about 2 months and paid vacations, amongst others.

The salary that a cruise ship captain earns is usually in the range of 15000-25000 USD per month, depending upon rank experience, seniority and company pay scale.

To conclude, it would just be fair to say that although a cruise ship captain enjoys a high pay package and many perks and facilities, and is valued as a prestigious position, what comes along with all that glitter is a mountain of responsibility and accountability not only towards his own work but also towards the actions of each and every crew-member on the ship he commands.

He has to lead by example and epitomize excellent management skills in a multifaceted, multi-skilled and multi-disciplinary cruise ship, which has many hundreds of crew-members and thousands of passengers at any given time, as all the crew will look up to him as an inspiration.

He has to ensure that he runs a tight ship by coordinating efficiently with each department on board and the company shoreside.

He also has to make sure that the ship is up-to-date with all the inspections and certifications, is in compliance with all international, flag state and port state rules and regulations.

Most importantly, he should be capable of handling extreme pressure, as he may have to tackle accidents and sudden emergencies (like what happened to the Costa Concordia) and will have to make quick decisions that may impact thousands of lives onboard.

And finally, if after everything, he is unable to salvage his vessel, he will be the one to make the decision to abandon ship and ensure that each and every soul on board is evacuated to safety before himself, because as the captain, he should be the last person to leave the ship, unlike in the case of the Costa Concordia.

Therefore, the crown of the captain may be engraved with many precious jewels, but there is no doubt that it sits heavy on his head!

You might also like to read:

• The Ultimate Guide To Join Merchant Navy
• Watch: Merchant Navy Salary: How Much Do They Earn?
• Joining The Merchant Navy After Class 12th in India
• 8 Things to Keep in Mind Before Joining Merchant Navy
• 10 Reasons Why a Career in Merchant Navy is Unlike Any Other

Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendations on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

How To Become a Cruise Ship Captain: Qualification, Lifestyle & Responsibilities appeared first on Marine Insight - The Maritime Industry Guide

Marine engineering is a job that is very much sought after in recent years. 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 had a positive impact on marine engineering with unprecedented rise in the number of merchant navy vessels and trading. All this has had a positive impact on the job market in this dynamic sector. Certain attributes are pre-requisite for any job on the merchant navy or as a marine engineer, whereas there are other required qualifications which are different 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 and that is senior secondary certificate.

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 the practical sessions are conducted in-house and some of the sessions are also conducted at the real sites like shipyards.

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 also many other topics that are covered and students are educated regarding environmental science, maritime commerce and control systems etc. These trainings are necessary for anyone aspiring to be a marine engineer or want a job in the merchant navy because it not only adds to the mental abilities but also inculcates physical attributes. Practical training of the aspirant includes Magnetic and Gyro compasses, electronic navigational aids like the Radar, Decca etc, Chart work, practical navigation and astronomy.

For better prospects in the existing job or 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 youths for long time to come.

You may also like to read – 10 Things Maritime Academies Don’t Teach

How to Become a Marine Engineer? appeared first on Marine Insight - The Maritime Industry Guide

Having chosen a marine career (good choice!) as your field of work, here is some information to help make your search wider. You are determined to find a job at sea then we offer you a suitable option for that- an electro technical officer.

An electro technical officer is one of the most important people on a vessel, especially when it comes to his/her expertise of handling electrical equipment of the vessel.

For those who are interested in maritime jobs, a ship officer handling the electrical supervision of the vessel can be a suitable career choice. As an electro technical officer, your main duty would be to ensure functioning and maintenance of electrical equipments on vessel.

What does an electro technical officer do?

An electro technical officer handles several responsibilities on vessel mainly related to electrical systems. Like most jobs at sea, as a ship officer handling electronics on a vessel, you are most likely to work under a chief engineer who supervises everything on a ship. And while under a chief engineer, your ship jobs would include the following things.

• Maintenance and working of electrical equipments on board

• Working of electrical parts like engine rooms, radio communications, electronic navigation needs like echo sounders, Gyro compass, Weather Fax, auto pilot, RADAR system, Broadcast and internal aerial system, telephone and talk back system and satellite communications

• Look into basic electric needs like refrigeration, bridge systems and control rooms

• Maintenance of emergency systems including emergency switches, fire alarms and detectors

• Vessel’s electrical components like navigational lights, battery backups and electrically operated propelling machinery

• Assist chief officer in handling routine works especially related to electrical handling

• Coordinate work with on shore technicians

• During emergencies, an electrical officer plays important role like every other ship officer. You would be required to handle the emergency situations and ensure all the equipment needed for safety is always ready

• An electro technical officer looks into electrical and technical aspects on a vessel. Hence working of computer controlled machinery would be supervised by an ETO.

• An electrical officer is immensely important on cruise ships and passenger vessels which have huge electrical requirements and unmanned technology handling them. Everything from refrigeration to air conditioning on such vessels would come under your supervision as an electro technical officer. 

What are the knowledge and skills needed to be an ETO?

An ETO can be seen as a higher version of anelectrical officer. The qualifications and qualities needed to become an ETO are

• A foundation degree in electrical/engineering/electrical engineering/marine engineering  field

• An electrical engineering degree- a minimum Bachelor’s level qualification

• Electro technical training like STCW 95 basic safety training course including fire fighting, fire prevention, elementary first aid course training

• ENG1’ seafarer’s medical certificate and/or certification for physical and mental fitness

• Training for handling electrical, navigational and communication equipment

• A course in Electro Technical engineering (optional but not necessary but may come as an added advantage)

Besides a simple Bachelor’s degree in engineering, as an aspirant of an ETO post, you can also take up additional short term diploma courses of full Bachelor’s courses dealing with electro technical handling and maintenance. Besides these qualifications, for a person seeking careers at sea, you must possess following qualities too.

• Physical strength to handle heavy duty on board work

• Mental fitness

• Ability to stay away from family for long intervals

• Ability to work under pressure

• Ability to handle practical situations

• Independent decision making capacity

• Task prioritization and organization

• Ability to keep calm and not panic under emergency situations

• To be able to work under a senior while maintaining a team of your own

• Flair for circuits and wires ( a must) 

What is tentative remuneration?

Like most jobs at sea, the salary of an ETO greatly varies with the experience you own, the kind of responsibilities you handle and the rank that you work on. However, even with so many variables, ETO remains a highly paying job among all careers at sea. As an ETO, you can expect a salary of $3000 to $5400 per month. Those working on bigger cruise ships can expect even up to $10000 per month depending on the size of the cruise ship and the duties handled.

The biggest advantage with this particular option among all maritime jobs is that it is a new field. Since electrical aspect and IT on vessels has combined on recently, not many people have been duly trained to handle them both together. With increasing need for such people, there are immense opportunities for people to make use of their knowledge and skills. Work handled by an electrical officer now needs expertise of an ETO now. Considering that, it seems viable that this option among all marine careers should be seen as a highly lucrative choice by most mariners.

References: sstg , maritimeskills

Career of Electro Technical Officer on Ship appeared first on Marine Insight - The Maritime Industry Guide

In laymen’s language, a ship chandler is a person (or sometimes a group/agency) that totally deals in supplying required commodities for a shipping vessel and its crew. They work somewhat similar to the grocer, who supplies all the required food grains to households. A ship chandler supplies all the necessary and requisite commodities to a ship when at port.

The job of a ship chandler is very unique because it caters specifically to only one line of business, therefore, allowing a complete exclusivity to both parties – the seller as well as the client. By approaching a ship chandler directly, it so happens that a ship’s crew can avoid the middlemen when it comes to a business transaction and thus save a lot of money which could be used in other productive areas.

Origin and Importance of Ship Chandelling Services

Ship Chandelling services is not a new concept. Such services originated centuries back to the days when boats had a dire need of certain commodities for their long journey of months together. These requirements were necessary to keep the boat sailing safely for a long period of time.

In the very beginning of Ship Chandelling Services, a ship chandler was most probably used to provide only items such as ropes, sail cloths and other such details to the crew of that ship.

In the middle ages with the advent of global navigation, there was a high sophistication in the business of ship chandelling services on the basis of newer technologies. So, the job of ship chandlers is not new but reached its peak in the last two decades.

Nowadays the business of ship chandelling services has become an important aspect of all the ports and shipping industries around the globe.  Today a ship chandler’s role is very significant, graceful and revered as he/she not only provide essential commodities such as ropes, sail cloths, etc. but also attends to other requirements such as maintenance tools, food supplies, chemical compounds, cleaning equipment and many other items.

The government and the shipping Corporation provide the license to the eligible chandlers to give their services.

Ship Chandlers play a job of high esteem and serve multipurpose in a ship. Following are some importance of Ship Chandelling Services:

• Ship chandlers should supply all the necessary commodities (like food, oil, lubricants, spare parts, etc.) to the ship prior to their usage.
• Ship chandlers are not there to meet only the most essential requirement by the captain or crew, but it must cater all the minute nuances of requirements of the ship and its crew.
• These ship chandlers not only help in supplying commodities which are required by the ship and its crew but also help the new buyer in buying ship by providing the buyer with exclusive details of the exact condition of the ship. Thus, save a buyer from experiencing a great loss in buying a damaged ship.
• Along with supplying commodities ship chandlers are also expected to provide certain services like repair and maintenance services, cleaning arrangements, etc.
• Ship chandlers provide their services effectively in both the cases viz. when the ship is anchored at the port and when the ship is on its voyage. More precaution should be taken for the supply in the latter case. During voyages ship may require foodstuff for the rest of the journey, fuel or gasoline for the ship, necessary spare parts or repair services; all these requirements are handled with intensive care by the Ship Chandlers.

Though of such importance, there is a limitation for ship chandlers as they are not in direct contact with Captain and its crew. There exist certain middlemen who are supposed to abridge the gap between the Chandler and the client and fix all the rates for the chandelling services. But the middleman wants his/her own remuneration so the cost of commodity or service which the client has to pay poses an extra burden of middleman’s share.

When it comes to a ship’s supplies, in the absence of a ship chandler, it so happens that there are a lot of people involved. The more the number of involved people means a lot of time for transit and consequentially a lot of delay in the transit process.

When a ship’s crew approaches a ship chandler, because of the naturalness of a ship chandler, a ship’s crew can get the necessary commodities directly from a one-person source. This point adds to the aspect of high level of discount as since the ship chandler is the only person involved in the sale, he/she can afford to procure the best deals for a ship’s crew at the right prices thus allowing him to give a high return to his client in the form of rebate or discount.

 Approaching the Ship Chandlers:

As briefed under there will be a number of benefits for the captain and crew of the vessel, if both of them approach directly to the Ship chandlers for their requirements.

• By directly approaching the ship chandlers, the captain, as well as crew, will be able to get all the required commodities from a single supply source. Thus, can get maximum discount or best deals for essential commodities.
• When the supply of essential commodities of ships is directly from a chandler it will save a lot of people from getting involved in this process.
• Direct approach eradicates the problem of unwarranted delays in supply, thus saving a lot of time and huge efforts from being wasted.

In short, we can say a direct approach to Ship Chandler for requirements reduces overall cost, saves time, reduces the chances of mess and confusion and is the best approach to get the requirements meet.

This is precisely the reason why ship chandlers are held in vogue. As the shipping industry has developed and peaked over the centuries, the job responsibilities of a ship chandler have also increased. Competition has always been high in the shipping industry but in modern times there is not just competition from within a country but also internationally.

 Ship Chandelling Industry Scenario

As the Ship chandlers have to serve an exclusive purpose on board they become an essential part of the shipping industry. The requirements of ship chandlers have peaked to higher levels from the very beginning of the shipping industry. The job of ship chandler is of high esteem and reverence.

But with the technological advances in the development of shipping vessels, the requirements of a ship has grown substantially. Thus the responsibility of ship chandlers has also witnessed substantial growth. Like all other businesses the business of ship chandelling services also have intense competition. But this competition has improved the quality of services provided by ship chandlers in the last two decades. Today all the ship chandlers are trying international flavours and improved their services. Most of the ship chandlers are flexible regarding payment options; they accept payments usually in any form of currency.

This high level of competition also ensures that a well-learnt and experienced ship chandler earns a high rate of clients and thereby a huge remuneration even after providing with the necessary discount and rebate.

Requirements of Good Ship Chandlers

For starting the business of ship chandelling services one must obtain clearance from Government as well as Shipping Corporation of that country. The essential characteristics a good chandler should possess are as follows:

• They should have extensive knowledge about the nuances of all the necessities of the ship and its crew members.
• As Ship chandler has to serve to ship as well as its crew, so they must supply necessary commodities in time to quench the essential requirements.
• They should have to be acquainted with long voyage requirements and should facilitate the prior supply of items such as fuel and lubricants, repairing and servicing of the vessel, food items, etc.

Generally no one other than ship suppliers or marine contractors can be more familiar with shipping requirements, so they can serve as good ship chandlers.

Though the role has digressed and transformed, a ship chandler still is one of the most important necessities when one thinks about shipping and naval vessels. Without the services of a ship chandler, a ship and its crew cannot be assured of quality commodities required in a ship. In a world of changing thoughts, actions and priorities, a ship chandler’s responsibility and duty, however, has managed to remain very constant and absolutely relevant.

In nutshell, we can say that the Ship Chandlers are an integral part of the Shipping Industry and are single entities which serve all the requirement of a shipowner, captain and crew.

Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight.

Who is a Ship Chandler? appeared first on Marine Insight - The Maritime Industry Guide

Choosing a career is certainly a difficult task. When doing so, one has to go through a lot of research, consult people and offices involved in the profession, understand the nature of work, and ultimately look for every single scrap of information available.

If the chosen career is Merchant Navy, this task is even more difficult because such information may not come in handy. The mind of an aspiring mariner is often filled with uncertainties, doubts, fallacies and certain myths that prevail in and around the merchant navy profession. In order to make a positive decision to choose Merchant navy as a career, it is absolutely necessary to replace these doubts and fallacies with actual facts.

Please Read This >> 12 Myths People Have About Merchant Navy 

The following are 10 of the most common questions asked by fresher aspirants wanting to join the Merchant shipping.

 1. I have tattoo/ piercing, can I join merchant navy?

Of course you can. Merchant navy has no restrictions on tattoos and piercings. In fact sailors are the pioneers of nautical tattoo culture.

However, since the maritime academies implement high disciplinary standards and expect officer like qualities, they will be less than friendly to funky piercings and offensive tattoos.

Visible tattoos depicting offensive messages and symbols might also create troubles while traveling abroad as several countries do not encourage them.

It’s always preferred if the tattoos are not easily visible.

2. I have colour blindness, can I join merchant navy?

No, you cannot join merchant navy as an officer with colour blindness. The ability to distinguish colours is so important that both deck and engine department courses require candidates with no colour blindness.

Related reading:

Physical fitness and medical requirements to join merchant navy

How is Ishihara color blindess test?

3. How Difficult is the Pre sea Training and Exams?  (India)

Regardless of the stream chosen, pre-sea trainings and exams associated with it are no piece of cake. As it is for every other profession, good dedication and commitment is required. Upon successful completion of cadetship (including onboard training), individuals are required to pass the Certificate of Competency (COC) exams conducted by Mercantile Marine Department (MMD). This requires thorough preparations and outstanding knowledge levels in theoretical and practical sides.

Related Reading:

4 Ways to Become a Deck Officer

How to Become Marine Engineer?

4. How is the College life during pre-sea training?

College life in Maritime academies is definitely enjoyable. But if you are looking for the fun of roaming around in the cities, and late night parties then you might be disappointed. Pre-sea programs are fully residential courses with very professional training. The maritime academies implement and practice semi-military (or full) discipline and activities such as physical training, parade march, swimming, sports, boat rowing, etc. The fun and life will be limited to the college campus. It is possible to go out from college campus during certain specified days and time, however it cannot be certain and depends on the college. The degree of the discipline, rules and regulations vary according to academies.

Related Reading: 5 Things to Keep in Mind Before Joining Merchant Navy

5. Do I join as Officer after college?

No you don’t.  After academic pre – sea training, deck graduates join as Deck Cadets or Trainee Navigating Officers and Engine graduates join as Engine Cadets or Trainee Marine Engineer. Once they complete the required sea-time as a cadet they will be eligible to appear for the COC examinations conducted by MMD (in India). Upon completing the examination and receiving the Certificate of Competency, an individual is eligible to join as Deck/Engine officer onboard the ship.

6. How Hard is it to Get a job?

In the last few years shipping industry witnessed an economic gloom which resulted in the lack of demand of maritime professionals especially new-joiners. Even though Industry experts claim that this scenario will change in not more than 5 years of time, presently the lack of job opportunities for cadets is an irrefutable fact. Big shipping companies still hire cadets and sponsor their sea-time upon valid agreements. Many companies also offer completely sponsored in-house trainings. Maritime academies offer placement platforms where companies will come and select cadets.

Related Reading:

7 Reasons Deck Officers and Marine Engineers are not getting jobs

 7. How fast will be my career growth?

Career growth largely depends upon an individual’s performance and hard work. Sometimes it also depends upon the company, as some companies encourage early promotions and some others give it sometime. Let’s say for a highly motivated individual with fair environment, it takes at least 8-10 years for a career growth from Deck/Engine Cadet to Master/Chief Engineer. New joiners should  be aware of the fact that different promotion levels requires appropriate shore based training and examinations to obtain Certificate of Competency(COC) for the required higher rank. Additionally, a routine up gradation of certain other advanced courses are also necessary.

Related Reading:

A Guide to Merchant Navy Ranks

8. What is the kind of work we do onboard the ship?

As for trainee officers/engineers (cadets) the primary responsibility is to assist respective officers and to learn the job. There will be a ‘designated training officer’ (DTO) onboard who is responsible for cadets training. As the least experienced individuals, cadets should be ready to do any work assigned to him by the DTO.

Deck cadets can expect bridge watches, cargo watches, deck jobs, mooring operations etc.

Engine cadets will be involved in E/R watches, routine maintenance of machineries along with senior engineers.

9. Can I Go out and Roam around in Ports?

Yes, you can. Seafarers will be issued ‘shore pass’ at ports, with which they can go ashore and roam around.

However, It should be clear that there is no such thing like an allotted’ free-time’ for the ship’s crew to go ashore and enjoy. Shore leaves must not be mistaken for a small vacation after a long sailing. Every individual have work and duties even in ports and they will have to make use of their rest hours after work to get a glimpse of the shore. When vessels tend to have longer port stays, it will be more convenient to find enough time to spend ashore without sacrificing rest hours.

Related Reading

Everything You Wanted To Know About Shore Leave

12 Famous Myths About Merchant Navy

10. What kind of entertainment is available onboard the ships?

It is a common belief that seafarers have limited access to the world and lead boring lives onboard. Although facilities can vary from ship to ship, most of the cargo ships have facilities like home theatre with a DVD library, a gymnasium, books and magazine library, swimming pool, video games, indoor games like table tennis, football.

Barbecue parties are another common recreation onboard.

Nowadays, most of the companies provide Internet access onboard helping better communication and active social media participation for sailors. However, their access is very restricted.

These are some of the main questions asked by young, aspiring maritime professionals.

Note – Pre-sea training, exams and career growths are explained as applicable to India.

Maritime training and examinations might be different in other countries.

Do you have more questions? Let us know in comments and we will try our best to give you the answers.

Note: Please do note that the above mentioned rules are pertaining to rules and regulations for Merchant Navy Professionals from India. Kindly refer your country’s official website for questions specific to particular nation.

10 Common Questions Asked by Aspiring Merchant Navy Professionals appeared first on Marine Insight - The Maritime Industry Guide