Mehsana: Ganpat University has announced the commencement of 4 Year Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) residential program in Marine Engineering. This will be a pioneer institute for Marine Engineering course in the state of Gujarat approved by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India. It was a long felt need that an institution to offer a Degree leading to a career at sea as an officer in the Merchant Navy, be established in this state with longest coast line of 1600 kms in Gujarat.
This led to the signing of MoU with Gujarat Maritime Board (Government of Gujarat). Hence the department of Marine Engineering is set up in the existing U V Patel College of Engineering which is a constituent college of Ganpat University. The Institute of Marine Engineers(Inida-Gujarat Chapter) has expressed their whole hearted support for this program.
A Marine Engineer is in-charge of operation and maintenance of all machinery on board merchant ships. Today's ships are technologically highly advanced and the engineer needs to understand various disciplines including mechanical, electrical, electronics, structural and naval architectural concepts. The Shipping has come a long way and is developing continuously to meet the challenges of harmonizing security and environmental aspects with safe and efficient operation at sea.
About Merchant Navy
The Merchant Navy is a non-combatant commercial fleet, which deals with transporting cargo and occasionally, passengers, by sea. Its fleet is therefore composed of passenger vessels, cargo liners, tankers, bulk and container carriers, as well as other special types of vessels. A career in this field is full of challenges and long voyages to distant places. Above all this, the attractive pay and fast promotional opportunities make the career lucrative and exciting in spite of all the hard work and long absence from family and home.
On board a merchant ship major tasks performed are in three basic areas - the Deck, the Engine and the Saloon Department. There are thus, many career options that are available for any youngster who has dreams to join the merchant navy. The deck officers include the Captain, Chief Officer, Second Officer, Third officer and other junior officers/Cadets. The engine department consists of the Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, Third Engineer, Fourth Engineer, Electrical Officer and junior engineers. The saloon department manages the kitchen, laundry and other services.
Job Prospects
Merchant Navy is the backbone of international trade, carrying about 90% of the cargo by volume across the globe. Without the merchant navy, much of the import-export business would grind to a halt. Therefore trained personnel are required for various departments of the ship and this widens the scope for employment in this field. Jobs are available with shipping companies in India and other countries.
Role of Marine Engineers
Marine Engineers have the complete responsibility of the ship's technical management. The head of this department is the Chief Engineer who ensures safe and economic running of all engines, boilers, electrical, refrigerating and sanitary equipment, deck machinery and steam connections aboard the ship. He supervises the work of the engine-room crew and is assisted in his duties by the Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Engineers and other junior personnel. Second Engineer looks after the day to day work in the engine room. Third engineer is in charge of the main engine, its spare parts, all purifiers, boilers, compressors etc. Fourth engineer is in charge of the numerous generators onboard ship as well as other auxiliaries like pump, pipe line etc.
Promotions
Ministry of Surface Transport, Government of India, conducts competency exams through the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS). These 'Certificates of Competency' awarded by the DGS, are needed for promotion to the higher positions. A candidate joining as Engine cadet/ Fifth Engineer officer/ Junior Engineer after finishing Bachelors in Marine Engineering is eligible to appear for class IV examination on completion of 6 months of sea time for promotion to the fourth Engineer or in some cases as Third Engineer. After completing further 18 months of sea time, the candidate can appear for class II examination for promotion to Third Engineer or Second Engineer. Again on completion of 18 months sailing time candidate can appear for Class I examination for promotion to Chief Engineer officer. More details in this regard can be seen on the website of DG Shipping - www.dgshipping.com. Thus five years after the B.Tech. degree, a Marine Engineer can get promoted as chief engineer of a merchant ships.
Remuneration
The starting salary for a trainee marine engineer varies between Rs 35,000 to Rs 50,000 a month. A class IV certified Marine Engineer receives Rs. 1.25 to 1.75 Lac per working month.Foreign companies pay higher. The salary rises as per promotions and Chief Engineer gets in the range of US $ 7000 to US $12000. A person gets a variety of benefits such as free food, accommodation, paid leave and two-way free passage. In other words, one can save most of one's income on board. The perquisites include bonus, holiday travel and other annual benefits.
GANPAT UNIVERSITY
Ganpat Vidyanagar,
Mehsana-Gozaria Highway
Mehsana - 384012, GUJARAT, INDIA
Phone :+91-2762-286080
EMail: info@ganpatuniversity.ac.in
