How to Become a Marine Engineer, Career Options After Marine Engineering in India (2025): Scope, Top Employers & Salary Insights
Are you fascinated by ships, engines, and the vast ocean? A career in marine engineering might just be your calling. As we step into 2025, the demand for skilled marine engineers in India and globally continues to rise, thanks to rapid globalization, technological advancements in marine transport, and expansion of offshore industries. This blog will guide you through how to become a marine engineer in India, explore the career options after marine engineering, the scope of marine engineering in India, top recruiters, salary expectations, and much more.
What is Marine Engineering?
Marine Engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of ships, submarines, and offshore structures. Marine engineers are responsible for the internal systems of these vessels, including propulsion, electrical, refrigeration, and steering systems.
How to Become a Marine Engineer in India?
To become a marine engineer in India, you must follow a defined educational and training path:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Complete Class 12th with PCM
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (minimum 60% marks).
A good score in English is also mandatory. - Appear for Entrance Exams
Some common exams include:- IMU CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test)
- JEE Main (for some affiliated institutions)
- MERI Entrance Exam (used by Marine Engineering and Research Institute)
- Enroll in a Marine Engineering Program
- B.Tech in Marine Engineering (4 years)
- Graduate Marine Engineering (GME) – 1-year course for Mechanical Engineering graduates.
- Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune
- Indian Maritime University, Chennai
- Marine Engineering and Research Institute (MERI), Kolkata
- Mandatory Onboard Training (Sailing Experience)
Post-degree, you must complete a 6- to 12-month shipboard training as a trainee marine engineer. - Obtain a Certificate of Competency (CoC)
Issued by the Directorate General of Shipping, Govt. of India after clearing the MEO Class-IV exam.
Career Options After Marine Engineering in India (2025)
After becoming a certified marine engineer, there are several exciting career opportunities for marine engineers in India:
🔹 Ship Engineer Roles:
- Third Assistant Engineer
- Second Engineer
- Chief Engineer
🔹 Offshore & Onshore Jobs:
- Oil & Gas sector
- Port and Harbor Engineering
- Marine Surveyor
- Design Engineer – Shipbuilding
- Technical Superintendent
- Naval Architect
🔹 Government & Research:
- Indian Navy
- DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation)
- NIOT (National Institute of Ocean Technology)
Scope of Marine Engineering in India (2025 & Beyond)
The scope of marine engineering in India is steadily expanding with growing international trade and India’s “Blue Economy” policy. By 2025, Indian ports are expected to handle over 2,500 MMT (million metric tonnes) of cargo annually, creating immense opportunities for marine professionals.
Key Growth Areas:
- Smart Ports and Automation
- Green Shipping Initiatives
- Offshore Wind and Renewable Energy Projects
- Underwater Robotics and Marine AI Systems
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, India has over 150 active maritime training institutes, making it one of the world’s largest sources of marine officers.
Top Employers for Marine Engineers in India
Here are some of the top marine engineering recruiters in India in 2025:
- Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)
- Anglo-Eastern Ship Management
- Great Eastern Shipping Company
- Maersk Line India
- Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement
- Indian Navy
- Cochin Shipyard Limited
- L&T Shipbuilding
- ONGC (Offshore Platforms)
Marine Engineer Salary in India (2025)
Marine engineering is one of the highest-paying engineering jobs in India, especially for those sailing onboard vessels.
| Experience Level | Job Role | Average Monthly Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Trainee Marine Engineer | Training on ships | ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Fourth Engineer | Onboard duties | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| Chief Engineer | Top management on vessel | ₹5,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 |
| Onshore Technical Jobs | Design, Survey, R&D | ₹6,00,000 – ₹15,00,000/year |
Source: India Today Salary Report
Pros & Cons of a Marine Engineering Career
Pros:
- High salaries
- Global exposure
- Tax-free income while sailing
- Fast promotions and career growth
Cons:
- Long periods away from home
- Physically and mentally demanding
- Risks at sea (though safety has improved)
Future Trends in Marine Engineering (2025)
- AI & Automation in Ships
- Decarbonization of Marine Engines
- IoT for Ship Performance Monitoring
- Hybrid and LNG-powered Vessels
- Cybersecurity in Maritime Industry
FAQs: Marine Engineering in India (2025)
❓ What is the eligibility to become a marine engineer in India?
You must complete 10+2 with PCM (60% aggregate), clear IMU CET or similar exams, and complete a B.Tech in Marine Engineering or GME.
❓ Is marine engineering a good career in India in 2025?
Yes, with India’s maritime expansion and the global shipping industry’s revival post-COVID, marine engineering offers lucrative and stable job opportunities.
❓ Which companies hire marine engineers in India?
Top recruiters include SCI, Maersk, Anglo-Eastern, L&T Shipbuilding, Cochin Shipyard, and ONGC.
❓ What is the salary of a marine engineer in India?
It ranges from ₹25,000/month (trainee) to ₹8,00,000/month (Chief Engineer). Onshore jobs also offer ₹6–15 LPA.
❓ Can marine engineers get government jobs?
Yes, marine engineers are hired by DRDO, Indian Navy, NIOT, and various port authorities.
Final Thoughts
If you’re passionate about engineering and the sea, a career in marine engineering can offer adventure, excellent salaries, and a prestigious professional life. With increasing global maritime trade and India’s push toward a blue economy, career opportunities after marine engineering in India are only expected to grow in 2025 and beyond.
👉 Start your marine engineering journey today — the sea is calling!
References & Sources