Ocean Engineering… Destination: Great Water!
In Water World, starring Kevin Costner, in an apocalyptic vision of an ocean world, people are forced to live on water. This is not a friendly and optimistic picture of a possible future. Fortunately, humanity does not yet face such a problem, although some of us, of our own free will, are looking for an opportunity to transfer their lives to the water. In the mini version, of course, these will be residential barges, which, for example, in Amsterdam fit perfectly into the urban landscape. In the XL version, for example, the Freedom Ship project, i.e. a ship with a length of 1400 m, a width of 230 m and a height of 110 m, on board which will be: a mini-metro, an airport, schools, hospitals, banks, shops, etc. Freedom ship 100 XNUMX per cruise. People! The creators of Artisanopolis went even further. It is supposed to be a real floating city, the main idea of which will be to be as self-sufficient as possible (eg filtered water from the ocean, plants grown in greenhouses…). Both interesting ideas are still in the design phase for many reasons. As you can see, a person can only be limited by his imagination. The same is true with the choice of occupations. We invite you to the area of research that deals with the organization of human life on the water. We invite you to ocean engineering.
There is not much room for maneuver for people interested in studying ocean engineering in our country, since there are only two universities to choose from. Thus, you can apply for a place at the Technical University in Gdansk or at the Technical University in Szczecin. The location should not surprise anyone, because it is difficult to talk seriously about ships in the mountains or on the great plain. Therefore, candidates from all over Poland pack their bags and go to the sea to learn about floating structures.
I must add that there are not so many of them. The direction is not crowded, being a relatively narrow specialization. This, of course, is very good news for all enthusiasts of this subject and for everyone who would like to connect their lives with big water.
Thus, we can conclude that the first stage is almost over. First, we pass a matriculation certificate (it is desirable to include mathematics, physics, geography in the number of subjects), then we submit documents and we already study without any problems.
Big blue divided into three
According to the Bologna system, full-time education in ocean technology is divided into three stages: engineering (7 semesters), master's degree (3 semesters) and doctoral studies. After the third semester, students choose one of several specializations.
So, at the Gdansk University of Technology you can decide: Build ships and yachts; Machines, power plants and devices for ships and ocean engineering facilities; Management and marketing in the maritime industry; Engineering of natural resources.
West Pomeranian University of Technology offers: Design and construction of ships; Construction and operation of offshore power plants; Construction of offshore facilities and large structures. Graduates say that the last of these specialties deserves attention. While the construction of ships in Poland is an obscure topic, the preparation of facilities for their maintenance, as well as the development of fuel transport, can keep engineers busy for years to come.
Jaws, i.e. bite in question
We start studying and here the first problems appear. It cannot be denied that this is another field described as demanding - mainly due to two subjects: mathematics and physics. The ocean engineering candidate should include them in the favorites group.
We start the first semester with a heavy dose of math and physics that are delicately intertwined with quality engineering and environmental management. Then a little physics with mathematics, a little psychology, a little basic ocean technology, a little personal communication - and again mathematics and physics. For consolation, the third semester brings change (some will say good). Technology begins to dominate, like: machine design, fluid mechanics, vibration theory, electrical engineering, automation, thermodynamics, etc. Many of you probably already guessed it, but just in case, we add that each of these subjects uses knowledge from ... mathematics and physics - yes, so if you thought you were free of them, you were very wrong.
Opinions are divided on which semester remains the most demanding, but most opinions boil down to the fact that the first and third can be serious. Let's see how it looks in numbers: mathematics 120 hours, physics 60, mechanics 135. A lot of time is spent on studying the design, construction and construction of ships.
Here's what it looks like in the first cycle studies. If you are not surprised, this shows very well for you that you will succeed. And if you thought that there would be more sailing and drawing models of stylish motor boats, seriously think about your choice.
Speaking about the daily life of the university, students from Szczecin say that knowledge is transferred here in a very theoretical way. They lack a reference to practice, and some find the core subjects boring and useless. In Gdansk, on the contrary, they say that theory is well balanced by practice, and it turns out that knowledge is taught in accordance with the needs.
Evaluation of studies is, of course, a subjective opinion, depending on various variables. However, there is definitely a lot of science here, because the knowledge that an ocean engineer must acquire seems like an ocean - deep and wide. Subjects such as electrical and electronic engineering, engineering graphics, materials science and production technology, economics and management, quality and environmental engineering, and ship power and auxiliary systems can be added to the main and main content. All this in order to be able to build ships, floating facilities and exploit the resources of the seas and oceans. And if someone lacks, both universities also expect students to have skills in areas such as marketing or intellectual property. It is not for us to judge whether these subjects complement the knowledge in the area corresponding to the given faculty, but the fact is that most students complain about their presence and the need to pass. At this stage, they will see more hands-on activities.
water world
Working after marine engineering usually means working in a broadly understood marine and ocean economy. It is engaged in the design, construction, repair and maintenance of ships, as well as surface and underwater structures. For graduates of this area of training, positions are provided in design and construction bureaus, technical supervision bodies, the mining industry, as well as in the management and marketing of the marine economy. The knowledge that can be obtained during studies is very broad and extensive, which makes it possible to work in many areas - although limited, however, by a relatively narrow part of the market. Therefore, after graduation, you will have to make a lot of efforts to find an interesting job.
However, if someone decides to leave the country, his opportunities become really great. Mostly in Asia, but also the Germans and Danes are willing to hire engineers in ports and design offices. The only barrier here is the language, which, speaking of "Saks", needs to be constantly polished.
Summing up, we can say that ocean engineering is a direction for passionate people, so only such people should think about it. This is a very original choice, because the original work is waiting for everyone who dreams of it. However, this is a difficult path. Therefore, we strongly advise not to do this to all those who are not quite sure that this is what they want to do in their lives. Those who decide and show patience will find an exciting job with corresponding rewards.
For insecure people, we offer faculties where they will also be engaged in technology and construction, for example, mechanics and mechanical engineering. We leave oceanography to people who are really interested in the subject.
