Marine Engineers

Marine engineers have played an important role in the design, testing, and maintenance of ships ever since the first vessel was launched. Ships are used to transport goods, harvest fish and other aquatic life, carry explorers to the far reaches of the globe, defend the sovereignty of countries, ferry passengers, conduct oceanographic research, and search for oil and other energy resources, among other uses. Marine engineers’ design and technical skills allowed ships to travel faster, carry larger loads of trade goods, and weather the harshest of storms. Today, marine engineers continue to play a key role in the maritime industry—especially as a result of increasing exploration for oil and natural gas beneath the surface of the ocean; growing interest in oceanographic research; and the popularity of the cruise line industry.