What are the Benefits of Completing Graduate Marine Engineering?

If you aspire to make a successful and lucrative career in marine engineering, it is imperative that you complete the graduate marine engineering (GME) course. It is a one-year pre-sea training programme that has received approval from the Directorate General of Shipping. You can seek admission in it if you have completed B.E. (Marine) engineering or naval architecture and aspire to become a marine engineer.

What is the GME Course?
The GME programme is a one-year course where the following areas of marine engineering are addressed:
• Marine machinery
• Marine electrical & electronics systems
• Naval architecture
• Marine engineering drawing
• Hydraulics
• Marine safety engineering
• Communication skills

Once you successfully complete this course and gain experience of 6 months on sea as a junior engineer, you will be placed as a fourth engineer. You can also become eligible for merchant navy admission. More experience and subsequent examinations can help you get promoted to the rank of chief engineer. 

Even when you are employed as a marine engineer, you can engage in training programmes and course. You can appear in exams and enhance your competency. 

Career Prospects for GME Students
Once you complete the course, you can find employment in a wide range of industries. This includes:
• Shipping
• Steel industry
• Ship building
• Power sector
• Consultancy

Your primary job is going to be to design, develop, and build nautical equipment. Once you successfully complete the course, you can look forward to opportunities in both private and public shipping companies. These different areas include:

• Ship designing & building firms
• Engine production companies
• Research institutions
• Navy

Once you complete the course and 6 months of sea training, you will get appointed as the fourth engineer or third assistant engineer. It is one of those rare professions that give you the chance to travel the world. You can find job opportunities with both Indian and foreign companies.

Job Positions
Those who complete the graduate marine engineering course can look forward to get positioned in a wide range of job positions. This includes the following:
• Marine engineer
• Marine surveyor
• Marine outside sales engineer
• Marine sales manager
• Coastal marine engineer
• Structural engineer

Scope & Earnings
Once you are out of school after your certification you can get placed in the Merchant Navy or other marine sectors. You can expect to rise through the ranks based on your performance. This is one of the rare few fields that give you the chance to earn in five digit figures from your very first job position. Your next move up the ladder can allow you to earn more than double your starting salary.

Even when you retire, you can find many lucrative positions. For example, you can find opportunities as instructors in maritime institutions. Another option can be to become an independent consultant.
Thus, there are many benefits of completing GME and pursuing a career in marine engineering. It is rewarding, challenging, and gratifying, all at the same time.