Every ship has to be built in a proper manner before it can be released onto the sea. Theories concerning ship design, manufacture, safety, and ability to sail must be considered when enabling a ship to properly operate.
This is where marine engineering proves to be of so much importance. Those who have studied marine engineering will be able to manage the design, development, production, and maintenance of ships and the equipment used aboard them. In this way, they will be of great aid to a ship’s ideal operation.
Becoming a Qualified Marine Engineer
To become a qualified marine engineer, a person will first have to complete a certified and accredited degree or diploma programme. Most marine engineers would have completed a marine engineering course. However, some graduates of other courses such as ship science or marine technology may also become qualified marine engineers.
After graduation from a relevant course, the graduate will usually be required to complete a period of on-the-job learning. Typically, this period is followed by an assessment which judges the candidate’s technical and managerial competence. Once all authorities involved are completely satisfied with the candidate’s results, the candidate will be deemed to have succeeded and thus become a qualified marine engineer.
Those who have begun working as a qualified marine engineer may take up employment in various different fields. Some work in merchant or defense navies. Others take a job in shipyards, boatyards, or marinas. Still others find employment in marine consultancies or classification societies. Regardless, no matter where they work, all ensure that the ships with which they work will be able to function to the best of their abilities.
A Marine Engineer’s Tasks and How They Improve a Ship’s Operational Quality
There are several marine engineering tasks which every qualified marine engineer must complete. Each of these tasks improves the operational quality of any ship. One of these tasks is the monitoring and maintenance of the ship’s mechanical systems. All mechanical systems aboard a ship are allocated according to each engineer’s individual strengths. Marine engineers are to ensure that their assigned machinery operates properly at all times.
Fuel oil bunkering is another primary responsibility of a marine engineer. Fuel oil bunkering is the transfer of fuel oil from a bunker station or barge to the ship. In most cases, the marine engineer who is in charge of the fuel oil tanks’ regular sounding is tasked with this duty. Marine engineers who manage matters related to fuel oil bunkering must also provide the chief engineer with reports. By doing so, the chief engineer will be able to plan bunkering procedures.
Another important marine engineering task is the making of repairs and adjustments as are required by the ship. By analyzing trend readings, a marine engineer will be able to ascertain if the ship is operating at the best possible level. If such is not the case, the engineer should make adjustments which would facilitate an improvement in the ship’s operational quality.
Should any of the ship’s auxiliary equipment be found to be defective, a marine engineer ought to attend to this problem and repair the defective equipment as soon as possible. Ships will be much more able to operate well if there are no defects in any of their equipment.
Why Proper Ship Operation Is Important
Those who are skilled in marine engineering are tasked with a truly colossal responsibility as they ensure proper ship operation. This is because the global shipping industry is responsible for transporting around 90% of all internationally-traded items. Around 55,000 cargo ships are involved in international trade. If ship operations were not properly maintained by qualified marine engineers, global trade would collapse, leading to the complete breakdown of the world’s economies.
Additionally, proper ship operation ensures that ships will be as environmentally-friendly as possible. Ships tend to emit large quantities of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. However, marine engineers who understand how to keep a ship energy-efficient while also maintaining high operational standards can ensure that pollution emitted by the ship will be reduced, thus protecting the environment even as those aboard the ship perform their daily duties.
Proper ship operation also protects everyone on the ship in the event of an accident. Marine engineers will work on a ship’s safety devices to ensure that they will function as needed. If these safety devices are not completely functional, one or more people aboard the ship could suffer severe injuries or even lose their lives. Thus, a qualified marine engineer could potentially save a life or even multiple lives.
Ranaco Education & Training Institute’s Diploma in Marine Engineering
After reading all of this, you might have become interested in studying marine engineering. If you are, Ranaco Education & Training Institute provides the highly-recommended Diploma in Marine Engineering programme. Students will learn much about important topics ranging from engineering design to marine control and automation to marine electrical practice – and many others besides.
This diploma programme lasts for eight semesters which cover three years. Students will also receive ample industrial training during the course. After completion of the programme, a graduate will be a step closer to become a marine engineer.
The life of a marine engineer can be a challenging one – but it is undoubtedly a rewarding one as well. To find out more, please contact us at Ranaco Education & Training Institute. We’re always ready to accommodate any prospective students.
