Engine

Role: Operating and maintaining engines, generators, machinery and technical systems.

Suited to students interested in: engines, machinery, electrical systems, maintenance, troubleshooting and engineering.

Career path: Trainee Engineer → Fourth Engineer → Third Engineer → Second Engineer → Chief Engineer

Education routes:

12th with PCM → B. Tech Marine Engineering, a four-year degree (age 17.5–25).
Engineering graduate → GME (age 22–27). Shore-side options later: ship management, technical operations, shipbuilding, classification and related industries. ETO (Electro-Technical Officer)
Role: Electrical, electronic, automation and control systems onboard.
Suited to students interested in: electrical systems, electronics, automation, control systems and instrumentation.
Eligibility: Electrical/Electronics graduate (age 22–27).
Career path: ETO → Fourth Engineer → Third Engineer → Second Engineer → Chief Engineer
Chief Engineer promotion: Under DG Maritime Administration’s revised guidelines, an ETO can be promoted to Chief Engineer after passing the competency examination conducted by DGMA.
Note: The ETO route is different from both deck and marine engineering and has its own qualification requirements.