‘Sea your future’ in the marine industry

How a career in marine engineering could help protect coastlines, support naval activity and support ecosystems

Have you ever wondered how ships stay up in stormy seas, how wind turbines are designed and how we are going to protect our coastlines and the wildlife that lives there? Or perhaps you’re interested in how AI and robotics will change how the Navy operates. If so, a career in the marine sector could be for you.

The sea has shaped the environment, economy and society of the UK for millennia, and now the marine industry underpins 90% of global trade. From powering global trade to driving clean energy innovation, the marine industry is at the heart of our future, and engineers are leading the way. Whether you want to work at sea or on the shore, there is a place for everyone to find their future in the industry. 

The oceans also hold many of the answers to solving the world’s big challenges, such as climate change. The marine environment can help provide clean energy from wind and water, and there is also a big job to do reducing emissions in the shipping industry, which contributes 3% of the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions every year. Add to that the urgent need to protect marine and coastal ecosystems, and you start to see how being an engineer in the marine sector can really make a difference.

One important thing to say about the marine industry is that it is hugely diverse. Not all marine engineers are operating and maintaining ships. Some are planning coastal defences, helping to restore habitats, keeping people safe at sea, making wind power a reality, or designing the next generation of warships.  

Here are the exciting types of work you could do as a marine engineer. 

Working at sea 

A career as a marine engineer officer in the commercial sector or the navy involves operating, maintaining and repairing the machinery and equipment. That’s on commercial vessels such as cargo ships, tankers, and passenger ships. This can include systems such as propulsion engines of over 100,000 horsepower, electrical generator engines of over 20MW each or heavy lift equipment capable of 100,000 tonnes. It might be cryogenic liquid cargo pumps and hotel services machinery such as cruise ship refrigeration compressors as big as a delivery van!

Ship design and construction 

Engineers who design and construct ships are called naval architects. Their work combines creativity, precision and knowledge of hydrodynamics and structural mechanics.  Engineers who work in the military also design warships and submarines, as well as stealth technology and defence systems. 

Offshore energy 

Many engineers work on offshore energy projects. This can involve offshore work, such as operating windfarms. It can also include office-based work to find the best sites for new projects and make sure they are built safely, efficiently and on time. 

Environmental protection 

Many engineers are involved in developing technologies to reduce marine pollution and carbon emissions, which is one the biggest challenges facing society. Engineers are also instrumental in ensuring we restore and protect marine habitats, such as wetlands and reefs, and reduce the noise created underwater by construction projects, which can disrupt ecosystems.

Research and development

Some engineers in the marine sector dedicate their time to innovating in areas like underwater robotics, AI navigation and sustainable fuels. They work for universities, the government and private engineering consultancies. 

Another great thing about engineering in the marine sector is the range of advantages it offers. For instance, there are lots of opportunities to travel, either as a seafarer or a shore-based engineer. And the marine sector is here to stay. It offers job security, salaries are competitive, there is the opportunity to make a positive impact in the long term.

There are also lots of routes into the marine industry, with apprenticeships, cadet training (if you want to work at sea), Royal Navy qualifications, gap year training, university courses, PhDs, and graduate training schemes all available.

At the Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEST), we offer resources and advice to help you ‘Sea your future’, including detailed career pathways. We also support our global marine community with mentoring, free student membership and discounted membership for the first 5 years after that. Have a look at our website for lots more. 

Go to the IMarEST website