Marine Engineering

You have to pursue a 4-year BE/B.Tech Marine engineering course on the completion of which you qualify to become a fifth engineering onboard a merchant ship. You can also become a fifth engineer after completing a one-year graduate mechanical engineering course prior to which you should have completed BE/B.Tech in mechanical engineering. To become a fourth engineeer, you have to qualify part IV exam conducted by DG Shipping, Govt. of India. This qualification will take you through to the second engineer rank. To become a chief engineer, you have to pass a separate exam conducted by DG Shipping. You will also require a sailing experience of six months to become a fourth engineering and more years of sailing experience to rise up the rank.

Marine engineering is a branch of engineering which deals with boats, ships, oil rigs and any other marine vessel or structure, but also encompasses oceanographic engineering. It is niche branch with high paying salaries but full of challenges to have work life balance. Job opportunities for Marine engineering graduates are in shipping and ship build industry.
Aeronautical Engineering also is a niche which prepares students for designing and building aircraft and spacecraft. Aeronautical engineers handle design, manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft, helicopters & UAV. There are lots of good career opportunities on completion of Aeronautical engineering. You can join DRDO/ ISRO/ Aviation manufacturing or its ancillary units/ Airlines/ Air Force/ Educational Institutes/ R&D Units/ IT, etc.
Both the branches are equally good. You must choose a branch based on your interest to succeed in the professional life. Marine jobs are full of challenges, therefore, you are advised to choose this profession if you are ready to accept its challenges willingly.