For a rewarding career in the marine industry, it is important to make the right choices when choosing a course. The two most popular choices include nautical science and marine engineering. While it may come across as just two similar terms to the common man, they vary significantly.
A question that most students worry about when starting their preparation for having a career at sea is which course out of these should they opt for. Several BSc Nautical Science Colleges in India offer three-year courses to individuals looking to become deck officers. Marine engineering, on the other hand, is a four-year course designed to train students in handling and maintaining marine equipment.
Skills required for a career in the marine industry
Before learning more about the type of courses available, you need to be sure if you can have a career at sea. The following qualities make an individual eligible to have a career in the marine industry:
- Physical fitness
- Mental strength
- Ability to perform under pressure
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving ability
Why choose a career in the marine industry
The reasons why people choose to take up a career in the marine industry are:
- It is extremely rewarding and offers a decent salary package.
- It is ideal for people who want to have an adventurous lifestyle.
- If you wish to explore the world, you can do so by joining the Navy.
The course that you choose will determine the kind of position that you will hold and how successful you will be.
Nautical Science
If you want to be a deck officer in the Navy, a degree in nautical science is the right choice for you. The course duration is three years. After the training is completed, you will join as a deck cadet or a trainee cadet officer. The main duty of a nautical officer is to handle technological and navigational equipment and plan routes.
The topics that are taught during the three years of nautical science training at BSc Nautical Science Colleges in India are:
- Naval architecture
- Navigation
- Collision prevention
- Ship maintenance
- Handling operations and stability
- Basics of navigation and seamanship
- Handling cargo, storage
- Marine signalling
- Handling deck machinery
After the completion of the course, you can join a ship. Once you have gained enough experience at sea, you will be eligible to join the ship as a Navigation offer after getting certified by the relevant agencies. A promotion after this will get you the position of junior officer or Third mate.
Marine engineering
A course that teaches you the maintenance of the ship, and the working of various equipment associated with it is marine engineering. A course that prepares you for engineering in the marine industry is called marine engineering. If you wish to become a marine engineer, you have to complete a B.Tech degree in marine engineering. This deals with the mechanical aspect of the construction, operation and maintenance of a sea vessel.
Several reputed institutes offer marine engineering courses that train students in handling marine equipment on the ship. The various topics that are taught to marine engineers include:
- Mechanical engineering of ships, yachts, boats
- Operating marine machinery
- Study of propulsion systems
- Manufacturing and assembling of machinery
- Understanding the chemistry of fuels
- Naval defence
- International trade
The students are providing hands-on training in laboratory and workshop exercises. They are taught to deal with various machinery and equipment. If engineering is your calling and nothing excites you more than machines, this course is the ideal fit for you.
The topics taught in the first two years of the course resemble that of the mechanical engineering curriculum. The last two years are dedicated to specialized training in the marine industry and how it functions.
Choosing a course out of the two mentioned above will help you form a career in a discipline that you like. Consider your skillset and what you aspire to do when choosing between marine engineering and nautical sciences. While some aspects of both may overlap, the type of duties performed by a navigation officer and a marine engineer vary significantly. Keep this information in mind while selecting the ideal course for yourself.
The type of training that you undertake determines the kind of career that you will have. Therefore, it is crucial that you make the right choice from the beginning. Both the courses involve teaching the students about survival and safety information when onboard a ship. These include personal safety training, fire prevention and control, first aid and other important skills required to be safe on a ship. It is essential to undergo training from a well-reputed institution to gain access to the most advanced curriculum and latest technologies. Choose a well-trusted maritime institute for your marine engineering coursesto prepare yourself for an advanced and reputable career in the marine industry.
