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One of the oldest industries in the world is the maritime industry that dates back thousands of years! Fast forward to the 21st century, and 90% of global goods continue to be transported via seaways. It can be inferred that the maritime industry is not only among the most thriving, it is also a significant contributor to the world’s economy. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate in this field is expected to grow by 4% in the years from 2021 to 2031.
There are multiple reasons the maritime industry continues to thrive with technological advancements. Shipping is one of the safest modes of transportation in modern times, besides being the cheapest. They also have staggering weight capacities. Hence, allowing the transportation of millions of tonnes worth of goods across the world!
There is, therefore, a continual increase in the demand for qualified and experienced marine engineers. But what does being a marine engineer entail? Let’s find out!
What is marine engineering?
Marine Engineering (ME) is an excellent branch based on the principles of Architecture and Science. This field combines the principles to design, construct, operate, and maintain ships. Some primary responsibilities include-
- Anchoring
- Steering
- Cargo Handling
- Ventilation
- Heating
- Air Conditioning
To make this learning process worth your time let’s look at 5 colleges that can give you the best education.
5 best colleges for marine engineering programs
There are a number of reputed ME colleges abroad for those seeking exposure to the global academic scene. These specialized colleges also offer excellent programs that can help develop relevant knowledge and skills.
So, let’s learn about the 5 best colleges abroad for ME programs-
Canadian Coast Guard College, Canada
The Canadian Coast Guard College offers a marine engineering training program. This program trains you to become an officer who is responsible for the safe operation of equipment and structures onboard Canadian Coast Guard vessels.
The marine engineering program helps you learn about different engineering systems, in turn allowing you to demonstrate your leadership skills. There are different topics the course syllabus covers, some of them include-
- Thermodynamics
- Electronics
- Mechanics
- Hydraulics
- Electricity
The marine engineers at sea are required to perform crucial operations. This course trains you in-
- Steam Propulsion and Heating Systems
- Compressed Air Systems
- Fresh Water Generation
- Piping Systems
- Rapid Diagnosis of Equipment Problem
- Watchkeeping
University of Southampton, United Kingdom
The University of Southampton has a dedicated Maritime Engineering and Ship Science department. This department is focused on the study and investigation of engineering systems in the maritime environment. The university ranks among the top 12 universities in the UK, according to The World University Rankings 2023.
Two of the most popular courses offered in this department are the B. Eng Ship Science program and the M. Eng Ship Science program. Additionally, the University of Southampton offers a foundation year program that gives you an introduction to subjects such as-
- Electronics
- Electricity
- Computer Programming
- Data Science
- Mechanics
- Mathematics
- Principles of Engineering
Applied research on marine structures is the focus of academic efforts in marine engineering. This includes the prediction of wave-induced motions and the build-up of loads on mono and multi-hulled vessels.
Australian Maritime College, Australia
The Australian Maritime College offers a reputed Bachelor of Applied Science in marine engineering degree. This program is designed to equip you with the skills needed to undertake the operation and maintenance of marine engineering systems.
The program is structured in a manner that integrates short courses with training at sea. Therefore, you will not only receive a bachelor’s degree but also a certificate of competency. The latter is issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
The syllabus of this undergraduate program includes training on-
- Shipboard Safety
- Marine Survey
- Marine Legislation
- Vessel Management
- Cargo and Passenger Transport
- Operations
- Vessel Structure and,
- Marine Engineering Systems
You will also develop a wide range of soft skills that are key to functioning effectively while at sea. These include effective communication skills, decision-making, and critical thinking.
Dalian Maritime University, China
The Dalian Maritime University is the largest and only specialized university under the Ministry of Communications in China. This university enjoys an excellent global reputation as a pioneer in maritime education.
It owns a number of maritime sciences buildings that contain adequate facilities and functional equipment. Additionally, there are resources such as-
- Libraries
- Planetariums
- Swimming Pool
- Survival Training
- Research
- Maritime Training
The Dalian Maritime University also has a training dock with more than 40 laboratories for research, training, and teaching. These laboratories include an engine room simulator and a full mission ship-handling simulator.
State University of New York Maritime College, United States
The ME academic program offered by the State University of New York Maritime College is focused on a wide range of concepts. These include-
- Problem-solving
- Electrical engineering
- Mechanics
- Mathematics and,
- Fluid Sciences
An important aspect of the marine engineering program is the U. S. Coast Guard license program. Receiving this qualification allows you to work onboard marine vessels. Students will not have to display proof of military service.
The objectives of this dynamic program include training and converting you into an engineer who has the right focus. You will build skills to operate, design, and service marine and industrial power systems.
To take up leadership roles and responsibilities you need to have an extensive and knowledgeable background. We hope you were able to pick the best college for you to pursue marine engineering. If you have any more questions click here to reach out to us.
Key Takeaways
- The maritime industry is among the oldest industries in the world. And to date continues to contribute to the world’s economy.
- Marine engineering is a niche within the dynamic field of engineering that is focused on the operation and maintenance of ships.
- Marine engineers are tasked with the responsibility and technical know-how of working with and managing marine vessels.
- Pursuing a reputed marine engineering course from a recognized university abroad is key to developing relevant knowledge and skills.
Learn more about different courses in our blogs. If you have any doubts you can get in touch with us now! Don’t forget to comment below and share your thoughts!
FAQs
Q1. What are the top job profiles to consider with a marine engineering degree?
Answer – The best job profiles to consider include Chief Security Officer, Maintenance Engineer, Navy Personnel, Design Engineer, and Chief Electric Tech Officer.
Q2. What are some postgraduate research degrees in marine engineering?
Answer – Some postgraduate research degrees in marine engineering include MPhil, PhD, and an Engineering Doctorate (EngD).
Q3. What is the fee for the program from Dalian Maritime University?
Answer – The fee for Dalian Maritime University’s program is CNY 24,000 to CNY 30,000 per year.