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Maritime: Marine Engineering Technology

Certificate

The Marine Engineering Technology (MET) program is a US Coast Guard-approved program that combines practical experience and courses in engineering, computation, communications and human relations. Emphasis is placed on the theory, design, operation and maintenance of marine propulsion plants and equipment. During the second and third quarters, students gain shipboard experience aboard the college's training vessels. The academic program is followed by a 90-day at-sea internship on a commercial vessel.

Each graduate who successfully completes the 72.5-credit program receives a certificate that the Coast Guard has approved in lieu of the written examination and sea service requirements for national endorsement as a Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED): Fireman/Watertender/Oiler, as well as the practical requirements for STCW endorsement as a Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch (RFPEW).

NOTE: Students must complete a Coast Guard-approved STCW Basic Training course prior to the at-sea internship.

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Credits
Certificate Full Time: 4
Part Time: Part Time Option Not Available		 72.5

Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.

There are no entry requirements for this program

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss specific career goals and recommended coursework.

Job tests this program will prepare you for:

  • Upon completion, eligible for a U.S. Merchant Mariners Document endorsed with the following engine room (QMED) ratings: Electrician; Oiler; Pumpman; Refrigerating Engineer; and Junior Engineer.

For current employment and wage estimates, please visit the following online resources and search for the relevant occupational term:

All costs are estimates and are not guarantees. There are additional costs for books and supplies. Each student is responsible for the purchase of certain supplies and required tools before the instruction begins.
International students do not meet the eligibility requirements.

Full Time Cost

Quarter Credits Resident Non-Resident International
1 19 $1,813.92 $2,003.68 $3,945.08
2 22 $1,848.26 $2,038.02 $4,039.58
3 31 $2,002.79 $2,192.55 $4,464.83

The following fee is associated with the program:

  • Books and supplies: $250
  • Program-specific fees: $2600

Equipment Fee associated with this program:

  • knife, flashlight, work shoes, foul weather gear : $120 - $320
  • STCW Basic Training Course : $1150

Full-time program. Hours vary by quarter. Class hours can vary from 8 am to 8 pm.
This program is not worker-friendly

Coursework

Course Course ID Credits Availability

Provides training in proper use of hand tools, power tools (both hand and stationary) and measuring instruments commonly used in mechanical trades. Covers safe work practices, including safety equipment, work procedures, etiquette and regulatory considerations. Includes fastenings, bearings, seals, gasketing methods and other relevant materials and equipment.

MGO 101 2.5

A study of survival craft commonly found aboard ships today. Training in lifeboat operation and handling congruous to that required for the U.S. Coast Guard rating of Lifeboatman. Includes lifeboat nomenclature and equipment, launching procedures, handling by oars, inflatables and other types of lifesaving equipment. Course is Coast Guard approved.

 MGO 103 3.0

Study in seamanship to prepare for employment aboard ship. Includes training in seamanship congruous to that required for the U.S. Coast Guard rating of Able Seaman (AB). Includes nomenclature, ship structure, vessel equipment, deck fittings, knots and splices, rigging and watchstanding duties.

MGO 111 3.0

Intro to auxiliary machinery. Includes heat exchangers, pumps, air ejectors, steering gear, distilling plants, pressure vessels, piping systems, and cargo handling equipment.

 MTS 212 3.0

This course provides a basic introduction to engineroom watchstanding, with an emphasis on making good rounds, watch handover, log-keeping, and communication. Students will be introduced to principles of diesel engines and steam plants, and will learn common tasks that are routine to engine room operations.

 MTS 217 3.0

Examines relevant concepts and principles in management, leadership and organizational communication as they apply aboard ship. Emphasizes instilling an attitude and work ethic required to realize the objectives of Social Responsibility advocated by the STCW Code. Satisfies the General Education Requirement in human relations.

 MGO 105 2.0

Reviews algebraic and trigonometric methods. Includes the basics of signed numbers, linear equations, fractions, percentages, plane geometry, measurement and variables which represent additional aspects of mathematics required to solve shipboard problems. Satisfies the General Education Requirement in computation.

 MGO 119 3.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

Fundamentals of AC and DC electricity and elementary electronics. Focuses on basic theory, measurements and instruments, routine maintenance of electrical components, and general operation of shipboard electrical systems.

 MGO 127 4.0

Introductory underway practicum. Receive an indoctrination to both watchstanding duties and shipboard responsibilities of a marine engineer. Covers how to read vessel blueprints, trace machinery systems and troubleshoot simulated malfunctions. Involves 12-hour voyages weekly aboard SMA¿s training vessels.

MGO 147 6.0

Fundamentals of refrigeration cycles, system components, common refrigerants, theory of operation and preventive maintenance techniques as they apply in the marine industry.

MTS 233 5.0

Provides knowledge and understanding of diesel engine principles and component systems, while providing the student with practical applications/exercises in a laboratory setting to apply understanding of engine monitoring and demonstrate engine maintenance skills.

 MTS 263 3.0

Combines theory and applied training in operating steam boilers and propulsion turbines. Covers the principles, operation, maintenance and repair of marine boilers.

 MTS 285 4.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

Advanced underway practicum. Under supervision, assume the role of Designated Duty Engineer aboard ship and be responsible for all facets of the operation of the engine room and related equipment while the training vessel is underway. Demonstrate competency, proficiency and confidence in running an engine room without guidance. Involves weekly 12-hour voyages aboard SMA¿s training vessels.

 MGO 177 6.0

Provides real-world at-sea experience on vessels of at least 500 gross tons that operate beyond the boundary line. During 30¿60 day internship demonstrate mastery of the competencies outlined in Table A-II/4 of STCW for ratings forming part of navigational watch or Table A-III/4 of STCW for ratings forming part of an engineering watch.

MGO 200 5.0

An applied course in AC and CD motors and generator applications. In this course the student will apply AC and DC electrical theory to typical marine equipment. Topics covered include: 3-phase circuits and transformers, DC machines, AC machines, batteries and power electronics. The student receives practical experience in operating marine electrical equipment in the laboratory, on a panel board simulator and aboard ship.

MTS 221 4.0

Basic survey course utilizing lectures, laboratory experiments, and practical demonstrations. Students will perform routinemaintenance, troubleshooting and repair of marine hydraulic equipment.The student will be required to disassemble, analyze and re-assemble various hydraulic components.

MTS 228 5.0

Continuation of MTS 217. Advanced training in the disassembly and rebuilding of marine diesel engines. Special emphasis on air intake systems, fuel injectors, governors, lubrication systems, cylinder wear, ring wear, piston clearances, bearing wear and crankshaft alignment.

 MTS 257 4.0

Using a non-technical format, review issues in pollution prevention and control as they impact on the duties and tasks performed by deck and/or engineering personnel onboard ship.

MTS 284 2.0

Seminar on licensure knowledge requirements for deck/engineering candidates preparing to take the U.S. Coast Guard deck/engineering exams. Learn to consult and reference the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 46 and other publications.

MTS 294 2.0

Covers skills and strategies needed to meet writing demands in college and on the job.

 ENGL 105 3.0