Why I joined Marine Engineering even after clearing my JEE Mains?
First let’s understand what Marine Engineering is, and then, why I chose marine engineering.

Marine Engineering:
It is a field of study that deals with the design, development, production, and maintenance of the equipment used at sea and onboard a vessel.

Why marine engineering?

• You get to become financially independent at a very young age.
• Lucrative packages throughout the working period.
• Has faster promotions when compared to other fields.
• Explore the world.
• Always has a scope to keep growing and getting promoted.
• Can retire at age of 40-45.
• It is a very diversified field. Has a lot of scope in other areas like electrical and mechanical too and any other onshore projects and shipyards.
• Can get placed even before you join the course. Some international companies offer placements before you join the course. And once you get placed you will get the placement letter.

 How to join Marine Engineering?

Eligibility:

• A minimum of 50% of marks is mandatory in English in class 10 or class 12 board exams. A minimum of 60% aggregate is mandatory in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in class 12.
•  Qualifying for a national level examIMUCET(Indian Maritime University CommonEntrance Test)  is compulsory.
• No colorblindness.
• Eye sight  6/6 in both eyes.

 I think now you understood how and why to join the merchant navy, let's get to know the best Maritime Colleges in India.

Which college to join?
There are around 47 Marine Engineering colleges in India. Out of the total Marine Engineering colleges in India, 79% are Private colleges and  21% are Public/Government colleges.
Here, I am mentioning the names of some of the best maritime training institutes, the fee structure, and the website link of the institute.

TOLANI MARITIME INSTITUTE : 
Located in Mumbai. One of the best  Maritime training Institutes with more than 80% of placement every single year. It is a private university.
The fee structure of this university is high. It costs around  6 lakhs per annum per year including the hostel fee.
https://tmi.tolani.edu

INDIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY
It is located in Kolkatta. It is the best  Government Maritime Training Institute in the country. It has a placement of record of  more than 80%., and sometimes even 100%
The fee structure is quite reasonable. It is 2.25LPA  including the hostel.
https://www.imu.edu.in/

SAMUDRA INSTITUTE OF MARITIME STUDIES.
It is a private university. The fee structure is 5lakhs per annum including the hostel
https://www.samundra.com

 ACADEMY OF MARITIME EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
It is a private deemed to be a university. The fee structure is 3 to 3.6 LPA and it includes hostel and mess charges.  The total fee is 11.6 lakhs for  4 years.
https://www.ametuniv.ac.in/index.html

 VELS INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, and ADVANCED STUDIES.
http://www.velsuniv.ac.in/

ANDHRA UNIVERSITY.
It is a government university. Located in Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatanam.
ttps://www.andhrauniversity.edu.in/

Challenges for Marine Engineers

• Once we complete our 4 years of the course and get placed, we will have to stay away from family for about 6 to 9 months.
• Isolation from family and friends.
• Sometimes the sea becomes soo rough and unpredictable.
• That is it from my side. In the end, I want to conclude by saying that if we sacrifice and join this field in return we get FORTUNE and WEALTH.

 Written by
MOHAMMED NAYEEM
Currently pursuing Marine Engineering at  AMET University - Chennai

Note: Opinions expressed by authors are their own.
Title Pic credits: Pixabay