What are the future prospects of doing a Btech in marine engineering from Indian Maritime University?

Thanks for A2A First of all, congratulations on the rank. please pardon my language skills. Lets come to the answer part!. Its gonna be a lengthy answer! like the question itself! :P 1) Mr.anon , You have gathered information well enough for deciding your future yourself . But, I can see the dilemma here!. 2)Your  Father's opinion about the college is true, IMU has been brought by a  Indian parliament act in 2008. And started to function since 2009.  Except that the university is in the budding stage. I'm an Indian  Maritime University-chennai passed out candidate and I'm proud to say,  that I belong to the very first batch. 3)Yes,  Its a Central University, but, I have been told that the university is  self-funded . That should explain the high-fee structure. 4)Things are getting better in IMU. And I expect better future, for aspirants joining this year! 5)Now,  coming to the part of "your cup of tea" , you should know some facts  about marine engineering also called myths. I think, this might help  you. here, http://www.marineinsight.com/careers-2/8-myths-to-be-cleared-up-before-joining-merchant-navy/ 6)And you have said it correct, Job is not tourism in marine engineering. at least not after the twin tower attack in USA. 7)  You need not train hard like the ARMY or MARCOs . You are not a secret  agent nor a soldier. You are only trained to what it takes to be fit for  the sea. It also includes ragging, which is inseparable part in the  curriculum of a marine engineer. Because , obedience and respect towards  one's senior is the only thing which lets you to grow in this field.  And ragging is often misunderstood by people. The ragging in IMU-chennai  can't be compared to the ragging in other engineering colleges. You  will get to know if at all you decide to join in IMU. 8)  Presently, talking about the placements , the only thing everyone is  considered about , they are less compared to the private institutes, the  reason is, Govt colleges don't pay the placement fee to the companies  to recruit cadets. So, whats the benefit in joining govt college? . the only answer is the degree you gonna hold will have a great value. 9)It's a practical field-  Marine engineering is not like one of the other engineering subjects!.  You have two different phases of learning in your life. One is in the  college, where you will be just familiarized about the engineering at  sea, and the other at sea. Where, your seniors teach everything you  need. Practical hands on experience is needed to grow in this field.  Hours at sea are not just leisure time spent watching movies or singing  some bawdy songs, or gaping at waters. There's something called  watch-keeping, where you are allotted some machinery to watch over,  according to your rank. You will be guided in their breakdown, repairs,  maintenance, etc.when you finish your hours at sea, then you will be  tested by Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) for the issuance of next level Certificate of competency (COC). So, my point is , If you have passion about machines and machinery, I suggest you to take marine engineering. 10)Reason why you should be paid a 7 figure salary!- This  is a bit interesting! as everyone knows, captain is the next owner of  the ship. and there's a saying ," with great power comes the greater  responsibility" I would extend it a bit. "with great responsibility  comes the greater risks" . Many captains are sued and jailed abroad for a  little oil spill or a oily discharge. You  are expected to follow all IMO regulations. The engineer especially the  CHIEF engineer. who has a similar pay band of the captain, has control  of all pollution controlling devices on board. If anything should go  wrong , Chief engineer will be imposed heavy fines!,and also jail  sometimes. The American and European countries take sea-pollution very seriously!. That's one part, now coming to the other, each ship has two main departments. A) Engine dept B) Deck dept Deck  dept deals with the manoeuvring of the vessel, and navigation using the  charts and I don't know much about that dept, and has 1)captain 2) chief mate 3)2nd mate 4) 3rd mate 5)Deck cadet while Engine department is always below the deck also below water line!. and has same number of staff like on the deck. 1)  chief Engineer 2) 2nd engineer 3) 3rd engineer 4) 4th engineer 5) 5th  engineer or Trainee Marine Engineer or Junior Engineer or Engine cadet. now,  you can see how many people work under the respective chief's  guidance!. And by means, each mistake done by the staff reflects chief's  inability!. Also the mistake is rectified by the chief. no doubt in  that. Because Chief are made so! -They are supposed to take cargo safely and securely -They will be breakdown also. Marine Engineers believe that maintenance done is breakdown avoided. -And also the fact that no one is ready to take these risks and stay away from home, they also lure you with bonuses! -There are Dangerous cargoes to be carried from port to port so people demand more money! 11) In case of career change- Don't even think about it!. Marine engineers are tailor-made for this profession. You can't fit into other professions and like wise, other ppl in marine engineering! at least not in the starting level of your career. You need to be atleast 2nd engineer or chief to stop going to sea and start a career on shore. You can get some opportunities by doing MBA , but who does MBA after spending so much for B;tech!. at least I think like wise!. And last year in 2013, Marine Engineering and Naval architecture have gained eligibility for GATE . But the questions asked in exam will be of Mechanical engineering. so , be prepared. Further studies after B.tech in marine Engineering have limited options in India. But a chief engineer is also unofficially considered as having a M.tech degree! And it takes almost 10 years to be a chief , if you are sharp enough and lucky enough ( luck also plays a great part in clearing MMD exams) , you may finish it in 7-8 yrs. There are PGDME programmes by various universities and Institutes.If you are interested. 12) where to join?- That, I leave it to your discretion . As mentioned earlier, IMU's certificate has it's weight , if you choose to go for govt jobs, on graduation eligibility. while, private institutes have more benefits like guaranteed placement , hands on experience on running engines, good workshop. etc. But now that IMU is also in the race, government has also taken shipping as a challenge to boost up our economy,there are broad chances for IMU to be a "feather in the cap" . I'm pretty sure I haven't covered all the questions, but I have sincerely tried to. Plz inbox me for further queries. I will try to  answer them.

About Marine Engineering. BE Marine. 4-year residential course. Will cost 13-14 lakhs. Tolani, MERI and MANET have best campus placements. Life at a hostel will be challenging and fun. If you have never stayed away from home or at a hostel, then this will be a very important transition in your life. You will have a heavy wolfpack and will not face trust issues with them. Clearing the air around topics: 1. NRE status No big deal, doesn't make you a king if you are having a NRE bank account. You have to schedule your sailing contracts to ensure that you complete 183 days (~6 months) on ship(s) in a particular financial year to fulfill the criteria for obtaining a NRE status which will make your earnings for that financial year Tax-free. 2. Travel a lot. Depends on type of vessel you sail and the routes your vessel does. I know people who have sailed all their 5-6 months doing the west African coast without any opportunity to go and visit places. Oil/chemical tankers, gas carriers, container ships have quick operations and hence shorter port stays. 3. Exams You will have to study and give exams (written and verbal) for clearing 3 stages of your Marine Engineer Officer level. The first two set of exams - i) MEO Class IV ii) MEO Class II will/can require multiple attempts and will/can take time upto one year or more. The last set of exams - MEO Class I should be done within 4-6 months. Life onboard will not be easy: Once onboard a ship you cannot do much about the rough weather that you will face during your tenure. You might feel down due to sea-sickness at times. You will have to go through this and eventually you will learn to get over it. You will be working in an environment which will offer: 1. Temperature ~40 deg cel 2. Noise ~100 dB Your work timings can get odd due to unwanted machinery breakdowns and during your Trainee contract period. You will have economical phone calling options onboard and mostly free internet to use. Your accommodation, food, laundry, flights to join ship all these are taken care by the company at their expense. You can save 100% salary if you wish to. (This is an extensive topic to cover and FAQs on this will  be endless, feel free to ask questions) ___________________ About me: I have sailed on merchant vessels a a Marine Engineer, been promoted through ranks and cleared my respective exams. I am married for over 2 years now. After sailing on multiple vessels and having generated specific study related interests, I have taken up a Master's degree program at a US university for Fall 2014. I am happily ending my shipping career (for now, you never know when there might be a need to go back) with a vote of thank to my company who has supported my decision for further studies. I have no regrets from this field or my job, its just that I choose to purse my newly found interests. ________________________________ You will have to dive into some or the other course to see how you feel about it, you will never be entirely sure of anything until you surrender yourself to it. You cannot play too safe in life and expect your journey to be smooth. Do good research about the courses and focus on your interests. Good Luck. (Kindly suggest edits)

Thanks for the A2A. I apologize that I won't be able to be of much help regarding Marine Engineering. But if you intend to pursue your higher studies in CS, you should at least be good in programming. Giving your GATE paper in CS domain will help you achieve the same.

Mr.Anonymous See, I never knew about this side before joining this college....That time I got this college through JEE (I got very very low rank, about 13k), but now i m in love with this sailing and all... Ur question is very long...I have not read it all...But I know what is going in ur mind I too wanted to take CSE but my ambition was to take a Govt.College...which I did not get My last chance was joining MERI which is very prestigious college...And u know what... I m enjoying this life We are not in that stage in which we can decide that what is our dream.or What we are good in. If u join this side,select a good college...I assure u that u would never regret on ur step. Otherwise..U have got whole world of opportunities.... Go and snatch'em. And one last thing is that...Its really a Man's job... U have to be gutsy and strong hearted to do this. If u r searching for the real engineering experience in which u have to repair machines by urself...U should join it,otherwise its not for u.

You are feeling exactly what I think I should have felt, thought and acted upon 5 years ago when I was looking for colleges for my undergrad. I am a graduate from Tolani Maritime Institute, but I can't call myself a Marine Engineer as I havent gone through the dreaded MEO class IV exams. Honestly I never developed sheer passion for being a sailor before, during or after my stint at TMI. I even went for 4 months onboard training with a fairly decent company. But nothing. This is true for 80% of the people who are "stuck". No one would admit it but this job is not to everyone's taste and potential. You cannot develop interest for this field. If you have it from the beggining then you are set, if you don't then you have chosen the wrong field my friend. I would not dwell on the facts about marine engineering about what it is,  whether you will get a good salary or the competition is less because they are all myths. You need to make your parents aware of this fact because in reality the grass is not as green as it looks. I have seen people getting fired for simple mistakes because the companies have enough manpower to replace them. I just want to conclude by saying that if you are interested in CS then go for it. Don't look at the university rank or tags. The brand of IMU or any other maritime college is worthless unless you get a job, and when you do, the brand is still worthless because no one cares what college you graduated from or how much you scored. All that matters that you should have practical knowledge and have ability to work under constant stress. Talking from the other perspective, yes, marine engineering can be quite an interesting career. It's challenging and every penny you are paid is worth the work. If interested in it, it is hard to match. And contrary to popular belief, there are several paths other than that sailing job after you graduate. But If you go in marine engg just because your father says so and not out of your interest, then you are making a BIG mistake and you will repent for the rest of your life. good luck!

Hello, Ok I let me first let you know that I am a Marine Engineer and I did my course (4 years) from Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune. currently sailing with an International Shipping Company (Oil Tanker). I will try to answer the question in point form.1) A centrally funded university is no good, rather a private Institute is preferred because the facilities are excellent and the companies that come for placement are of international repute, so you get a good package.2) The 7-8 figure salary dream feels great when it credits to your bank account, but that would only happen of you perform well through out your course and get placed in a good company (which would prefer private Institutes for placements).3) Do not go for the cosy government job because all the government run companies including SCi or the Shipping corporation of India. The salaries are late, the safeties onboard are horrible and the living standards are bad. Also the salary is very low. People are trying to go for foreign going vessels. 4) Well you do get to travel, I have already circumvented the world, twice. But that also depends on many things, the work load, the type of ship, your seniors etc.4) That is a valid point. You get NRI status. So no tax. No hassle. 5) Trying to club a few points here. The job of a marine engineer is VERY physically demanding. Unlike the nautical guys which navigate the ship in AC. They have their own problems. Engineering are soaked in sweat and have grease between their nails. Thats the truth. You would be earning way more that ANY of your friends for a start. Keep that as a motivation. Engineers from IIT are nerds, they are excellent at what they do agreed, if you want to go there then do that. But if you want a life where you can share with your friends how you had a chance to roam around in the market on havana, instead of sitting in an AC cabin in an MNC in mumbai then Merchant Navy is where you go.6) GOOD student concept is over-rated. I was an average student through out. AIEEE score 38. CET score 98/200. Didnt go for engineering, went for marine engineering instead. I have a BITS degree. I think that should asnwer your question.7) Yes the training for 4 years if tough, but you have your friends to support you. It has its own problems and benefits. After the degree, you have a wonderful life. You have to wake up at 6 EVERY day. Physical training, short hair, and a tough academic routine. 8) A very good doubt, the reason you are paid so much money for this job is because the job is EXTREMELY demanding, physically and mentally. The pressure of remaining away from your family, friends and your girlfriend for SO long is very challenging (6 months). If you have the capacity to do that, then go ahead. Else you would hate your job like hell. 9) Go for RL Institute Madurai or Tolani Maritime Institute, both offer BITS degree. Good companies come for placements there. Keep your CGPA above 7-8 and you would be good.10) Let me make it clear, if you go for Nautical Science, you go for the navgation part, so your ultimate goal is Captain. If you do Marine Engineering then you become Chief Engineer. The captain and Chief Engineer are the heads of the Nautical and Engine side respectively but the overall head is the Captain. Becoming a Captain is no cake walk my friend. It takes lots of efforts and time to become one. An average guy can become a Captain in 10-12 years of sailing experience. The Captain has overall responsibilty of the ship. He is the owner's representative to the ports. It is a very tough job and you will be promoted to that level only when the company feels you have acquired the required competency and PRACTICAL experience. Theory is equally important since you need to pass exams also.11) To become a Marine Engineer you must have a mentally tough mind. If you have a girlfriend, chances are she would leave you after your first sail. BELIEVE ME. 12) To secure a good job, you have to be an all rounder in your college days. i will tell you an insider secret of candidate selection. The cadets (as you are called in your college days) who are average CGPA, between 7-8 get placed very quickly. If you have a CGPA too high or too low you would be in trouble. You must be thinking whats the problem of too HIGH CGPA? I will tell you, the companies dont want smart asses. PERIOD. They want workers, who would stay loyal to the company, long term assets. The smart ones always leave the company later and go for an MBA to get a shore job. This is the normal pattern and the companies know that. So keep your CGPA above 7 and below 8.5 You will do good.13) IMU is useless. Do it from TMI. The fee for the course is a bit steep. But you will cover it up with a few sails, so relax.14) Please know that the faculties are all ex-Captains and Chief Engineers. They do their job of teaching you. Some of them are simply excellent at what they do and some are hopeless clowns. But either ways it is YOUR job to shape your future. They are not obligated to you in ANY way. They have filled their bank accounts to the brink and now they have stopped sailing due to age or family reasons. They dont need you dude. YOU NEED THEM. Always remember that.15) The degree of Marine Engineering is only usefull at sea. It is useless on shore. Maybe be you can get a job in some shipping company office, but thats not for sure. Get your priorities straight before taking the plung.16) If in case you become unfit for sailing in the near future. You are screwed. Simple. Try to do MS from US or something and get a shore job at some naval shipyard. Try MS in Naval Architecture, its a high income field.17) Life of a marine engineer is very tough and challenging. You have to be away from your family and everyone you love for months at a stretch. There is no signal on the phone (few companies offer onboard wifi). You have to do everything on your own, keeping your cabin clean, mopping, ironing, laundry. The seniors maybe be good or bad, a lot depends on that. Most importantly, you have to LEARN the job. The practical skills. VERY IMPORTANT.The countries I have been to: Galle (Sri Lanka), Khor Fakkan, Mina Abdullah, Oman, Dubai, Jabel Ali, Fujairah, Cape Town, Mauritius, Sao Sabestiao Brazil, Singapore, Malaysia, Ningbo China, Taiwan, Chiba Japan. So its a great field if you want an International Exposure. Hope this help. If you need anything else then do let me know. CheersEDIT: TMI is no longer affiliated with BITS. New applicants who join from 2016 batch and onward would be awarded IMU degrees. PS: I didnt go to Havana, but i did go to Sao Sabestiao Brazil. Just to have some beer. That level of freedom is priceless. No MNC can offer that, at least not to a fresher.

You may now have the answers for the life you are going to have as a marine engineer. But you have mentioned IMU so I will give you an idea about college life in IMU. Marine engineering course: It is not like any another B.E./B.tech. it fully specializes you to work on ship at sea. Ship's engine's proper working and monitoring its working status that is mainly their work on ahip apart from many other job-tasks that are considered dangerous in our day to day life . job is risky life will be risky . Now the four years in IMU that is also important It is costly than other engineering even in IMU its 2.25 lacs per year (IMU is a central govt. University) . Other than that you may not get a chance for a happening college life because mostly this course is joined by the boys and there is a scarcity of girls in all IMU campuses (generally). So no girls in college. But plenty of time for you to focus on yourself gyming , sports and other extra curricular activities. There is a saying in IMU that "its not a college its an academy" IMU is all about discipline you'll have to lose your long/stylish hairs and no beard at all .... Clean shaved everyday in college . You'll be central govt. University student so no problem of electricity and food. You will have to learn to swim. If you are interested in the course no problem but there are no girls in IMU and also its a residential course you will have to live in hostel. You cannot live outside the college. It has a bright future ahead in this field. You'll learn alot here. If you are concerned about that IMU(Indian maritime university) is genuine or not? Well it is 100% genuine DG shipping registered Best IMU campus for b.tech. m.e. is IMU , Kolkata ( previously knowned as MERI Calcutta ) I think my may help you a little in your decision making.

I am studying Btech marine engineering at indian maritime university i don't have a nice personal experience you can contact me of fb maybe http://www.fb.com/deeppriyam The field is good college doesn't have proper faculties and amenities Ragging is pretty much here Placement also isn't fixed :-( But if u are hard working you can make your life 20 years from now if you join the college :-)

And in the current market situation getting jobs is not easy..if you really wanna persue marine engineering go for mechanical then you can shift to marine anytime in future..it will cost less also