Navigation is the art and science of directing a ship along its course. Sub-topics in navigation include point-to-point navigation, satellite navigation and radar navigation. Ship captains and crew members must be proficient in navigation, while navigators must be experts in it.
Ship maintenance is a time-consuming task. Because of the need to protect ships from the effects of rust, wear and decay, maintenance is a full-time job for many marine engineering professionals. Marine engineers must design ships to withstand the effects of salt water exposure, and must supervise repair of ships that have suffered damage from rust or general wear and tear.
There are a variety of motors on modern ships. Smaller boats frequently use outboard motors, while large ships usually feature internal motors attached to an external propeller. Marine engineers must know what type of motor is appropriate for the type of ship they are charged with building or repairing.
Large ships are not connected to power lines. Instead, their internal electrical systems are powered through diesel powered generators, electric generators and nuclear engines. Usually, ships need to be fueled or charged up before a voyage. Marine engineers are responsible for powering ships through one or several of the various methods available.
Marine law is an important topic in marine engineering. Ship captains and superintendents are liable for the safety and welfare of their crew and ships. Because questions of fault in marine accidents are related to physical features of ships, legal disputes often turn on marine engineering opinions regarding safety features and procedures. High-ranking crew members must understand the laws governing ship safety, as they are responsible for the safety of crews and passengers.