What is Careers Craft?

Careers Craft is an AI-powered career planning platform that helps students from Grade 8 through college discover ideal careers, build skills, create standout resumes, and track progress — all in one place.

Is Careers Craft free to use?

Yes. Careers Craft offers a Free Plan with core features like the Career Discovery Quiz, limited learning paths, and a basic portfolio builder. You can upgrade to unlock advanced AI tools and features.

How does the Career Discovery Quiz work?

The quiz combines MBTI-style personality profiling with skill-based input to match you with real-world careers, personalized to your traits and goals.

Who is Careers Craft designed for?

Careers Craft is built for students in Grades 9 to 12, college aspirants, and institutions wanting to guide students into career paths with real-world relevance.

Can I use Careers Craft on mobile?

Yes. Careers Craft is fully responsive and works smoothly on mobile, tablet, and desktop devices.

Careers Craft

Engineering & Technology

Stream: Science (PCM)

Editorially verified

How to become a

Marine Engineer

Marine engineers operate and maintain the engines and machinery of ships, often working onboard merchant vessels for months at a time. It suits adventurous students seeking high early pay and international exposure.

₹5–40 LPA

typical range

IMU CET

key entrance exam

4 steps

school → career

About this career

Marine engineers in India are the technical backbone of the merchant navy, responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of massive shipboard machinery. Whether working on oil tankers or container vessels, your day involves monitoring complex engine rooms, ensuring propulsion systems run smoothly, and managing fuel and electrical systems while at sea.

Life onboard requires adaptability and technical precision. You will work in shifts to oversee the vessel's vital equipment, ensuring the ship remains seaworthy during long voyages across international waters. It is a demanding, hands-on role that blends engineering expertise with the unique lifestyle of being away from home for several months at a time.

Who it's for

This career is ideal for resilient students who enjoy mechanical problem-solving, possess high physical stamina, and are eager for global travel combined with rewarding financial prospects.

What you'll actually do

A typical week in this role.

Monitor main propulsion engines and auxiliary machinery

Conduct routine maintenance on pumps, boilers, and generators

Maintain strict safety standards and fire-fighting protocols

Keep detailed records of fuel consumption and engine performance

Troubleshoot mechanical or electrical failures during voyages

The path from school

The realistic route, one step at a time.

Class 11-12

2 years

Complete 10+2 education in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) while maintaining physical fitness standards.

Focus: Secure at least 60% aggregate in PCM and prepare for the IMU CET entrance examination.

Undergraduate

4 years

Pursue a 4-year B.Tech in Marine Engineering from a DG Shipping approved institute after qualifying through the IMU CET.

Focus: Focus on clearing all semesters and completing the mandatory STCW safety courses.

Entry & Licensing

6-12 months

Join a shipping company as a Junior Engineer (Fifth Engineer) and begin the mandatory sea-time service.

Focus: Complete the required sea-time to become eligible for the MEO Class IV Certificate of Competency.

Career Progression

Ongoing

Appear for the MEO (Marine Engineer Officer) competency examinations conducted by the Directorate General of Shipping.

Focus: Clear MEO Class IV, II, and I exams sequentially to advance from Junior Engineer to Chief Engineer.

What it pays in India

Indicative, conservative medians — real offers vary by city, college and company.

Entry level

₹5LPA

Starting out

Mid-career

₹18LPA

A few years in

Senior

₹40LPA

Experienced

The honest picture

The upsides worth chasing — and the trade-offs to go in with eyes open.

Why people love it

High starting salary and tax-free earnings

Unique opportunities for international travel and exposure

Clear, structured career advancement paths

What to weigh up

Long periods of separation from family and friends

Physically demanding work in hot, noisy engine rooms

Strict, high-pressure shift work and safety regulations

How your career grows

A typical arc from your first role to leadership.

Junior Engineer

Entry-level role focusing on learning systems and assisting senior officers.

Fourth/Third Engineer

Taking charge of specific machinery and completing watchkeeping duties.

Second Engineer

Managing the engine room team and overseeing day-to-day maintenance.

Chief Engineer

The highest technical authority responsible for all machinery and staff.

The essentials

Exams, degrees, where people study, and the skills that matter.

Entrance exams

The tests that open the door — real and currently conducted.

IMU CET

JEE Main (some institutes)

Degrees that get you there

Qualifications employers and licences recognise.

B.Tech Marine Engineering

B.Sc Nautical Science (deck side)

Where people study this

Well-regarded institutions or programme types — not exhaustive.

Indian Maritime University (IMU) campuses

Marine Engineering and Research Institute (MERI)

Skills that matter

What you'll be hired and promoted on.

Marine Machinery

Thermodynamics

Safety Procedures

Physical Fitness

Who hires for this

Employers and organisations that recruit for this role in India.

Shipping Corporation of India

Maersk Line

Anglo-Eastern Ship Management

Great Eastern Shipping Company

Fleet Management Limited

Synergy Marine Group

Demand outlook

Steady global demand for Indian marine officers, who are among the largest seafarer groups worldwide; pay is high but the lifestyle involves long periods at sea.