Marine Engineer

Running, checking and repairing the main engine, boilers, pumps, generators and other machinery on a merchant ship. Standing watches in the engine room, keeping logs, carrying out maintenance and handling emergencies at sea or in port.

A day in the work
A marine engineer on a ship works in shifts, called watches, usually in the engine control room. The day includes checking temperatures, pressures and fuel and oil levels, and logging readings. Engineers also carry out planned maintenance, repairs and safety drills, and sometimes deal with a sudden breakdown at sea. Between tasks, they eat with the crew and rest when the watch is over.

1. Step 1 · Class 10–12Build a strong base in Physics, Chemistry and Maths. Aim for at least 50% in English in Class 10 or 12, and at least 60% in PCM together in Class 12.
2. Step 2 · Class 12Register for the IMU CET. The test covers Physics, Chemistry, Maths, English and General Knowledge. The 2026 exam was held in May.
3. Step 3 · After Class 12 resultsGo through IMU counselling online, choose a campus and course, pay the seat fees and submit documents. A passport is needed to join, and you need a medical certificate from a DG Shipping-approved doctor. (reported — check with the official body)
4. Step 4 · Years 1–4Study B.Tech Marine Engineering. Topics include marine engines, thermodynamics, electrical systems and ship automation, with workshop, lab and simulator training. (reported — check with the official body)
5. Step 5 · About 12 months after the degreeComplete sea training as an engine cadet on a ship. Sea service is recorded in your Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC). (reported — check with the official body)
6. Step 6 · After sea timeClear the DG Shipping engine certificate exams. Then move up through the engine room ranks, such as 4th Engineer, 3rd Engineer, 2nd Engineer and Chief Engineer, over several years. (reported — check with the official body)

• B.Tech Marine Engineering through IMU CETThe main route after Class 12 PCM. Seats are at IMU campuses and affiliated DG Shipping-approved institutes, chosen by IMU CET rank.
• BE Marine Engineering at private DG-approved institutesA 4-year degree at some private colleges. Entry may use IMU CET or a JEE Main or state engineering exam, and fees are often higher (reported).
• Lateral entry after a diplomaDiploma holders in mechanical, marine or electrical engineering can join a later year. A minimum of 55% in the last year of the diploma is usually required (reported).
• GP Rating after Class 10A non-officer route for crew who support engineers in the engine room. It does not lead to the marine engineer officer post by itself (reported).

Fees from: Indian Maritime University, admissions page (fee notice to check) · Merchant Navy Decoded, IMU Mumbai (MERI) B.Tech fee figure (reported) · IMU CET 2026 registration instructions (IMU PDF) · HIMT College B.Tech Marine Engineering fee page · DG Shipping (DGMA) nautical officer career page. Fees change every year — check the college's own fee page before you pay.

Pay for a marine engineer depends on rank, sea time, certificates, the shipping company and the type of ship, so starting pay is much lower than pay at senior ranks.

Marine engineering courses at IMU are open to both boys and girls. Reservation rules apply to seats, and age limits and some medical or English-mark rules are relaxed for some categories (reported). Specific openings for students with disabilities were not confirmed in my search.

• Class 7–9Watch free videos on how engines work and how heat turns into motion. Write a short note on one engine you have seen, such as a bus or a pump.Open link ↗
• Class 10–12Look at the IMU CET subject list and try one sample paper from the IMU site. Note which Physics and Maths topics you find hard, and practise them each week.Open link ↗
• College or afterTake a free NPTEL course on thermodynamics or internal combustion engines. Use it to check whether you enjoy the subject before you join a marine course.Open link ↗

• The institute once called DMET is now known as MERI (Marine Engineering and Research Institute), with campuses in Kolkata and Mumbai under IMU (reported).
• Age at admission is usually 17 to 25. Upper limits are higher for reserved categories and some other rules apply, so check the year's notice (reported).
• Medical fitness is strict. Eyesight standards apply, and colour blindness is not accepted.
• Deck officer (Nautical Science) is the other officer path after Class 12 PCM. Choose between engine and deck work early.