Career as a Ship Repair Engineer in India: Salary, Courses and How to Begin

Oceanography & Marine Engineering

Updated

At a glance

A ship repair engineer diagnoses, repairs and overhauls ship machinery and hulls at shipyards and dry docks. Entry is usually via a B.Tech in marine or mechanical engineering after Class 12 PCM.

A ship repair engineer diagnoses, repairs and overhauls the machinery, systems and hull of ships at shipyards and dry docks. The job sits between marine engineering and heavy industrial maintenance, and its aim is to get vessels back to sea safely and on schedule.

Students usually reach this career through a B.Tech in marine or mechanical engineering, a diploma, or an ITI trade followed by an apprenticeship at a naval or public-sector ship repair yard. Coastal yards in Kochi and Visakhapatnam are among the main employers, along with other yards on India's east and west coasts.

The field is gaining attention. A Cochin Shipyard and Drydocks World tie-up to scale up India's ship-repair industry was announced in September 2026, and a November 2026 EY-FICCI report stressed that a long-term vessel pipeline and long-term financing are key to scaling the sector. Pay and progression depend heavily on the employer, experience and certifications.

Minimum Qualification
Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Maths
Typical Degree
B.E./B.Tech in Marine or Mechanical Engg
Expected Entry Salary
Around ₹3 - ₹5 Lakh/annum (indicative)
Entry-level to Senior
Around ₹3 - ₹5 Lakh to ₹10 - ₹18 Lakh/annum
Job Demand Growth
Rising with shipbuilding and ship repair push
Work Hours
Shift-based; dock periods can run long
Places of Work
Shipyards, dry docks, naval yards, ports

What Does a Ship Repair Engineer Do?

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Inspect hulls, decks, tanks and machinery to find damage, corrosion and wear before work starts.

  • Prepare repair specifications, job plans and cost estimates with the ship owner or surveyor.

  • Supervise dry docking, undocking and the work of fitters, welders, electricians and machinists.

  • Overhaul main and auxiliary engines, pumps, compressors and steering gear.

  • Coordinate with classification society surveyors so that repairs meet class rules and port requirements.

  • Check finished work through trials, tests and sign-off reports before the ship returns to service.

  • Keep safety procedures, hot work permits and job records in line with yard and national rules.

Where They Work

Ship repair engineers work mainly in public-sector and private shipyards, ship repair yards and dry docks. Public-sector shipyards such as Cochin Shipyard in Kochi and Hindustan Shipyard in Visakhapatnam employ engineers for ship building and repair, and naval ship repair yards run by the Indian Navy recruit apprentices and technical staff each year, as recent 2025 and 2026 notices show. Private ship repair yards on the east and west coasts also hire engineers and supervisors.

Other employers include ship owners' technical teams, ship management companies, marine repair contractors and port operators. Some engineers start in a yard and later move to sea-going roles as marine engineers, or the other way round, depending on their certificates and interests.

How to Become a Ship Repair Engineer in India?

After Class 10

Choose the science stream with Physics and Maths if you plan to take the degree route. If you prefer a shorter, hands-on path, ITI trades such as Electrician or Machinist lead to technician roles and apprenticeships at ship repair yards.

After Class 12

Complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Maths, then apply for a B.Tech in marine or mechanical engineering through the institute's entrance process. Check whether IMU CET, JEE Main or a state test applies to the colleges you choose.

Undergraduate

Complete a B.E./B.Tech in marine engineering, mechanical engineering or naval architecture, typically over four years. Take the practical training and yard visits your course offers. A three-year diploma in marine or mechanical engineering is an alternative route to technician and junior engineer roles.

Postgraduate and Specialisation

An optional M.Tech or specialist course in ship repair, marine machinery, welding technology or non-destructive testing can help you move into supervision and specialist roles.

Licence / Certification

Sea-going marine engineers need certificates of competency from DG Shipping. For yard roles, welding, non-destructive testing and safety certificates from recognised bodies are often valued. Confirm the requirements in each job notice.

First Job

Join a shipyard or ship repair yard as a graduate engineer trainee, apprentice or assistant engineer. Build experience on dry dock projects, then move into supervision and project roles.

You might also
want to explore.

Marine Engineer

Oceanography & Marine Engineering

Marine Surveyor

Oceanography & Marine Engineering

Mechanical Engineer

Automotive & Smart Mobility

Welder

Construction Tech & Civil Infrastructure

Marine Engineer

Oceanography & Marine Engineering

Marine Surveyor

Oceanography & Marine Engineering

Mechanical Engineer

Automotive & Smart Mobility

Welder

Construction Tech & Civil Infrastructure

Marine Engineer

Oceanography & Marine Engineering

Marine Surveyor

Oceanography & Marine Engineering

Mechanical Engineer

Automotive & Smart Mobility

Welder

Construction Tech & Civil Infrastructure

Marine Engineer

Oceanography & Marine Engineering

Marine Surveyor

Oceanography & Marine Engineering

Mechanical Engineer

Automotive & Smart Mobility

Welder

Construction Tech & Civil Infrastructure

Eligibility and Subjects Required

Stream and Subject Requirements

  • For B.Tech routes: Class 12 in the science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM).

  • Most marine and mechanical engineering colleges typically ask for around 50% aggregate in PCM. Check each institute's cut-off.

  • For diploma routes: Class 10 with Mathematics and Science, followed by a three-year diploma in marine or mechanical engineering.

  • For ITI routes: Class 10 pass and an ITI trade such as Electrician, Fitter or Machinist, for technician and apprentice roles.

Minimum Qualification

  • Engineer roles: a B.E./B.Tech in marine, mechanical or naval architecture engineering.

  • Technician or supervisor roles: a diploma in engineering or an ITI trade certificate, plus relevant experience.

  • Sea-going roles need medical fitness and the certificates set by DG Shipping. Yard roles need a medical check and a safety induction.

Courses and Degrees for Ship Repair Engineer

  • Undergraduate Degrees
    • B.Tech in Marine Engineering (typically 4 years)
    • B.E. in Mechanical Engineering (typically 4 years)
    • B.Tech in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering (typically 4 years)
    Postgraduate Degrees
    • M.Tech in Marine Engineering or Ship Design (typically 2 years)
    • M.Tech in Ocean Engineering (typically 2 years)
    Diplomas and ITI Trades
    • Diploma in Marine Engineering (typically 3 years)
    • Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (typically 3 years)
    • ITI Electrician, Fitter or Machinist (typically 2 years)
    Certifications & Short-term Courses
    • Welding certification (a few weeks to a few months)
    • Non-destructive testing (NDT) Level II course (a few weeks to a few months)
    • Safety and hot work permit training from recognised providers (a few days to a few weeks)

Entrance Exams for Ship Repair Engineer

  • Exam
    IMU CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test)
    Level
    Undergraduate (national university entrance)
    Held
    Annual (confirm dates in the current notification)
    For Course
    Undergraduate marine and maritime courses at Indian Maritime University, including B.Tech in Marine Engineering
  • Exam
    JEE Main
    Level
    National undergraduate
    Held
    Twice a year (confirm the current session dates)
    For Course
    B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering and other engineering streams at NITs and other participating institutes
  • Exam
    KEAM (Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical Entrance)
    Level
    State undergraduate
    Held
    Annual (confirm dates in the current notification)
    For Course
    B.Tech in engineering courses at Kerala government and aided colleges, including those near Kochi shipyards
  • Exam
    GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)
    Level
    National postgraduate
    Held
    Once a year (confirm the current year's dates)
    For Course
    M.Tech and other postgraduate engineering programmes

Top Colleges for Ship Repair Engineer

Government Institutes

  • College
    Indian Maritime University
    Location
    Chennai, Tamil Nadu (campuses also in Kolkata, Mumbai and Visakhapatnam)
  • College
    Indian Institute of Technology Madras
    Location
    Chennai, Tamil Nadu
  • College
    Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
    Location
    Kharagpur, West Bengal
  • College
    Cochin University of Science and Technology
    Location
    Kochi, Kerala
  • College
    Andhra University
    Location
    Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
  • College
    Marine Engineering and Research Institute
    Location
    Kolkata, West Bengal

Private Institutes

  • College
    Tolani Maritime Institute
    Location
    Pune (Talegaon), Maharashtra

Skills Required to Become a Ship Repair Engineer

Technical Skills

  • Marine and mechanical systems knowledge (engines, pumps, shafts)
  • Hull and structural inspection
  • Welding and cutting process awareness
  • Reading ship drawings and technical specifications
  • Non-destructive testing basics such as ultrasonic and dye penetrant checks
  • Planning tools such as MS Project for scheduling dock work
  • Safety and hot work permit procedures

Soft Skills

  • Problem-solving under time pressure
  • Leading and coordinating teams on the yard floor
  • Clear written reporting and documentation
  • Strong focus on safety
  • Vendor and contractor coordination
  • Patience with long, multi-stage projects

Ship Repair Engineer Salary in India

0 - 3 years

Entry Level

₹3 - ₹5 Lakh/annum

  • Typical job titles: Graduate Engineer Trainee, Assistant Engineer, Ship Repair Apprentice
  • What the work is: Inspecting jobs, recording defects and assisting supervisors on dry dock work

4 - 10 years

Mid Level

₹6 - ₹10 Lakh/annum

  • Typical job titles: Ship Repair Engineer, Senior Engineer, Dry Dock Supervisor
  • What the work is: Leading repair packages, managing vendors and coordinating class surveys

10+ years

Senior Level

₹10 - ₹18 Lakh/annum

  • Typical job titles: Repair Manager, Dry Dock Superintendent, Yard Planning Manager
  • What the work is: Owning yard capacity plans, contract negotiations and cost and safety performance across projects

Career Opportunities and Job Roles

Graduate Engineer Trainee

Joins a shipyard on a structured training programme covering inspection, repair and dock operations.

Ship Repair Engineer

Plans and supervises repairs and overhauls on individual vessels.

Dry Dock Supervisor

Runs day-to-day work during docking and undocking, and manages the trades on the dock floor.

Engine Overhaul Engineer

Specialises in main engines, auxiliary machinery and pumps.

Survey and Class Liaison Engineer

Coordinates surveys with classification societies and makes sure repairs meet class rules.

Welding and NDT Inspector

Checks weld quality and structural integrity using inspection and testing methods.

Yard Planning Engineer

Schedules jobs, materials and manpower so that vessels leave the yard on time.

Ship Repair Project Manager

Leads full refit, conversion or major repair projects from planning to delivery.

Scope and Future of Ship Repair Engineer in India

Demand for ship repair is linked to the wider shipping and shipbuilding sector. The Cochin Shipyard and Drydocks World tie-up announced in September 2026 aims to scale up India's ship-repair industry, and the EY-FICCI report published in November 2026 said a 10-year vessel pipeline and long-term financing are key to scaling shipbuilding. Both point to more repair and dock work over the coming years, though the pace will depend on investment and orders.

Naval ship repair yards continue to recruit apprentices and technical staff, as the Indian Navy and naval yard notices for 2025 and 2026 show. For graduates, the growth areas are dry dock management, welding and inspection technology, and the planning of large refits and conversions. Engineers who combine hands-on yard experience with class-approved knowledge are better placed for senior roles.

Experience abroad is also possible. Engineers with recognised certificates and yard experience can look at ship repair and dry dock work overseas, typically in ports and shipyards in the Gulf, Southeast Asia and Europe. Check visa, licensing and employer requirements before applying.

Is Ship Repair Engineer
the Right Career for You?

Ship Repair Engineer can be an exciting career, but the right choice depends on more than academic eligibility.

Interests

What excites you?

Aptitude

What are you good at?

Personality

How do you work?

Work Preferences

What kind of environment suits you?

Discover careers that match your interests, strengths and preferences.

See how well this career fits you

Related Careers

More careers in Oceanography & Marine Engineering that students read about.

Maritime Lawyer

Maritime Lawyer

Oceanography & Marine Engineering

Marine Geologist

Marine Geologist

Oceanography & Marine Engineering

Merchant Navy Officer

Merchant Navy Officer

Supply Chain, Logistics & Maritime

Naval Architect

Naval Architect

Defense Hardware & Tactical Systems

Marine Biologist

Marine Biologist

Oceanography & Marine Engineering

Subsea Engineer

Subsea Engineer

Traditional Energy & Petrochemicals

Ship Repair Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions

What does a ship repair engineer do?

A ship repair engineer inspects damaged or worn parts of a ship, plans the repair work and supervises its completion at a shipyard or dry dock. The role covers engines, pumps, steering gear, electrical systems and hull structures. Engineers also check the finished work with tests and surveys before the vessel is cleared to return to service.

Is ship repair engineering a good career in India?

It can be, especially for students who enjoy machines and sea-related work. Shipyard and dry dock activity is picking up, and a Cochin Shipyard and Drydocks World tie-up to scale up ship repair was announced in September 2026. Pay and growth vary by employer, and shifts and long hours are common during dock periods, so check the work pattern before you commit.

Can I become a ship repair engineer after Class 12 without Physics or Maths?

For the B.Tech route, Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Maths is normally required, so a commerce or humanities background usually would not qualify. Students from other streams can look at ITI trades such as Electrician or Machinist, which lead to technician and apprentice roles at ship repair yards. Check the exact eligibility of each institute before applying.

What is IMU CET and do I need it?

IMU CET is the entrance test for courses at Indian Maritime University. You need it only if you want to study at IMU, since many marine and mechanical engineering colleges admit students through other tests or their own process. Check the current notification for eligibility, dates and how admission works before planning your application.

How much does a ship repair engineer earn in India?

Pay depends on the employer, location, experience and whether the job is with a public-sector yard, a private yard or a contractor. As a rough guide, entry-level engineers may earn around ₹3 - ₹5 Lakh a year, and senior managers can earn considerably more. Treat these figures as indicative and compare current shipyard job notices before deciding.

Do ship repair engineers go to sea?

Many ship repair engineers work only in shipyards and dry docks and do not sail. Some engineers, especially marine engineering graduates, work on board ships as sea-going engineers, which needs DG Shipping certificates of competency. Your choice depends on whether you prefer working at sea or in a yard.

Do I need a DG Shipping certificate to work in ship repair?

Sea-going marine engineer roles need certificates of competency from DG Shipping, but shore-based ship repair roles may not. Welding, non-destructive testing and safety certificates from recognised bodies are often valued by yards. Confirm the requirements in each job notice, since employers differ.

Is ship repair engineering the same as marine engineering?

The two overlap. Marine engineers usually run and maintain a ship's machinery while it is at sea, while ship repair engineers plan and supervise repairs and overhauls, often in a yard. Many people move between the two, and a marine engineering degree suits both paths.

Sources and Further Reading

Official and published pages this guide was researched from (facts last checked ). Fees, dates and cut-offs change every year, so confirm them on the official websites.

  1. Ship - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org

Book a Free Counselling Session to Know Your Perfect Career Fit!