Marine engineers: ruling the waves of trade

Updated on: Tuesday, October 26, 2010

We had seen the structure of the central university for marine training, and the main features of Training Ship Chanakya that trains navigation officers. There are other significant units offering educational programmes that help develop engineer officers in merchant navy.

MERI, Kolkata

Marine Engineering and Research Institute, Kolkata, is the pioneer in marine engineering training in India. It was established in 1947 to meet the growing need of marine engineers in the country. MERI was originally known as the Directorate of Marine Engineering Training (DMET), under the Ministry of Shipping. It was renamed Marine Engineering and Research Institute in 1994.

Marine Engineering and Research Institute (MERI), P-19, Taratalla Road, Kolkata 700 088. Ph : 033 -2401 4673; e-mail: [email protected]

After a chequered history stretching over six decades, MERI Kolkata is regarded as a prominent marine institute at the global level. It has fine infrastructure for delivering quality training of marine engineers. The institute fulfils the requirements to conduct STCW-95 convention of IMO courses. It trains candidates for the four-year B.Tech. degree course in marine engineering of the Jadavpur University.

The curriculum covers areas such as mechanics of machines/ materials, advanced mathematics, advanced computer science, electronics, fluid mechanics, and other engineering/ technology subjects. In addition to this, there are subjects like administrative services, management, and entrepreneurship. Training is given in physical exercise, parade, housekeeping, swimming and outdoor games, in order to ensure that every trainee acquires the mental and physical attributes essential for development as a marine engineer.

Currently there are 246 seats in the B.Tech. degree programme. The course is residential. Normally, all the graduates secure jobs through campus recruitment.

The selection of candidates for the degree programme is made through the joint entrance examination held by the IITs. The academic qualification for entry is the same as that for the B.Sc. (nautical sciences) degree in TS Chanakya indicated earlier.

On successful completion of the programme, the candidates will be able to carry out safely the watch keeping duties of an engineer officer on board a ship. He will be fully conversant with the maintenance and operation of machinery and equipment fitted on board.

For the initial appointment as a junior engineer officer as well as for promotions, he will have to acquire appropriate Certificates of Competency through the examinations conducted by the Ministry of Surface Transport. The following examinations are being held periodically at different centres:

Extra First Class Engineer

Marine Engineer Officer Class I

Marine Engineer Officer Class II

Marine Engineer Officer Class III

Marine Engineer Officer Class IV

National Maritime Academy, Chennai

This unit of Indian Maritime University also conducts the four-year B.Tech. in marine engineering programme. Selection of candidates is through the IIT JEE along with that of MERI Kolkata. Contact: National Maritime Academy, East Coast Road, Uthandi, Chennai 600 119; Ph: 044 2453 0343; e-mail: [email protected]

MERI, Mumbai

Tracing the history of MERI brings out interesting developments. The Mumbai unit of MERI has played a significant role in maritime education in the country. In view of the great demand of qualified merchant navy professionals, MERI started a one-year training programme to adopt graduates in mechanical engineering / naval architecture to become marine engineers. The course duration of one year was converted into six months in college plus six months on board. The next step was remarkable — the introduction of the three-year polyvalent B.Sc. (maritime science) degree course at MERI Mumbai in 2003, with a new philosophy. The selection of candidates to this programme is also through the IIT JEE.

The polyvalent officer has the combined knowledge of both the fields — nautical science and marine engineering. MERI Mumbai runs such a dual certificate polyvalent course.

In other words, the skills developed in MERI Kolkata and TS Chanakya programs are combined in the polyvalent package.

The content has the right mix of nautical and engineering branches. Indeed, there are common areas. Further, appropriate practical training develops all the required skills.

The course has the approval of Directorate General of Shipping and the affiliation of the University of Mumbai. On completion of the B.Sc. (maritime science) degree course, the cadet should attend 18 months approved on-board structured training program (12 months nautical plus six months engineering).

After completion of 18 months of structured onboard training, cadets may appear for the 2nd Mate (Foreign Going) Certificate of Competency written and oral examination of the nautical stream, or Class IV Part 'B' Certificate of Competency written and oral examination of the engineering stream. The cadet has the option to appear in both the examinations and obtain Certificates of Competency of both the disciplines.

Since the cadets possess the B.Sc. (maritime science) degree, they are eligible for exemption from Part "A" examination of Marine Engineer Officer Class IV Certificate of Competency, as well as the foundation course for Second Mate (Foreign Going) Certificate of Competency. They are also exempted from the preparatory course requirement for Second Mate (Foreign Going) and Marine Engineer Officer Class IV Part 'B'. Contact: Marine Engineering & Research Institute (MERI) , Hay Bunder Road, Mumbai - 400 033; e-mail: [email protected]

LBS

The Lal Bahadur Shastri College of Advanced Maritime Studies and Research, Mumbai, established in 1948, is one of the largest marine training institutions in the world, with over 1200 students, offering nearly fifty post-sea courses that meet IMO standards.

It offers a comprehensive range of training programmes for merchant navy officers, in tune with the regulations of DG Shipping. The high quality education develops sound professionalism that has helped numerous Indian officers to excel in their career in foreign ships as well.

It is fully equipped to meet all the needs of professional training up to the highest level in nautical science and marine engineering for merchant navy officers. The “extra master's course” started in 1984, and the “extra chief engineer's course” started in 1994 are outstanding features of the college, even by global standards.

It has seven state of the art simulators:

LNG-LPG full mission simulator

Liquid cargo handling simulator

Engine room simulator

Ship manoeuvring simulator

Radar simulator

Radar, ARPA and navigation simulator

GMDSS

Contact: Lal Bahadur Shastri College of Advanced Maritime Studies and Research, Hay Bunder Road, Mumbai 400033; e-mail: [email protected]

Marine engineers: ruling the waves of trade

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