Marine Engineer
Runs, maintains and repairs all the major equipment on board a ship, and helps design vessels.
Overview
A marine engineer is responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of all major equipment onboard a ship. They work with naval architects to design and build everything from small yachts and fishing boats to submarines and aircraft carriers.
Where they work
- All kinds of ships such as ferries, cargo ships, and hovercrafts, cruise liners, military vessels, submarines and so on
Work environment
You will work in shifts, which are likely to be of 8 to 12 hours, for 5 to 6 days per week. However, you have to remain alert throughout the day. Your work may involve some amount of traveling.
Opportunities for differently abled exist in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You enjoy Science and Maths
- You like help people solve their problems
- You like working with numbers
- You have an analytical mind and can think critically
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics).
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree (B.E./B.Tech) in Marine Engineering/Naval Architecture and Ship Building/Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree, followed by a Master's degree in the same field
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree and pursue a Diploma in Marine Engineering.
Forms, exams and applications
For admissions, you must qualify entrance examination conducted at national level (JEE Main, JEE Advanced etc.) or state level (WBJEE, AP EAMCET etc.) or institute level (VET, IP etc.). Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Marine Engineering. The list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- The Institutions of Engineers India, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Marine Engineering and Research Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Indian Maritime University, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Indian Maritime University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Indian Maritime University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Karaikal, Puducherry
- Indian Maritime University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- College of Engineering, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- CV Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- School of Engineering, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, Kerala
- Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu
- Srinivas Institute of Technology, Mangaluru, Karnataka
- Mohamed Sathak Engineering College, Kilakarai, Tamil Nadu
- Coimbatore Marine College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies, Pune, Maharashtra
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Trainee or Junior Engineer
- 2Fifth Engineer
- 3Fourth Engineer
- 4Third Engineer
- 5Second Engineer
- 6Chief Engineer
- 7Technical Lead
- 8Technical Manager/Superintendent
Related careers to explore
Mechanical Engineer
Designs, develops, builds and tests mechanical devices, tools, engines and machines.
Aeronautical Engineer
Designs, develops and builds safe, fuel-efficient aircraft, satellites, missiles and spacecraft.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science, Maths.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to building.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Sonali Banerjee — India's first woman maritime engineer. She pursued a B.E. in Marine Engineering at Kolkata's Taratala-based Marine Engineering Research Institute (MERI). She was later selected by Mobil Shipping Co. for a gruelling six-month pre-sea course. This hands-on training took her to ports in Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Hong Kong, Fiji and Australia. On August 26, 2001, Sonali made history when she boarded a Mobil Shipping Co. vessel and officially became the first Indian woman to take charge of a ship's machine room.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 505 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Marine_Engineer/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.