The marine engineer is a position that emerged from the stoker who was employed on boats; this position became known as an engineer in the 19th century when propulsion systems became common on ships, Marine Insight reports. Marine engineers are often employed both on land to oversee the maintenance and construction of waterborne vessels and at sea to manage various systems, such as electrical and propulsion systems. Marine engineering is the construction and maintenance of all the systems onboard the vessel for providing propulsion and power for the entire vessel.
A propulsion system powers each ship, which allows the vessel to move through the water either on the surface or beneath the waves. Marine engineering terms include the types of propulsion systems used, which can include steam turbines, gas turbines and diesel propulsion systems, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy reports. Electrical energy converters are used to power vessels; other propulsion systems include nuclear energy generators. A propulsion system often includes a converter that changes the initial power system into usable power to move the boat through the water.
As technology onboard ships and other vessels increased, the knowledge required by those involved in marine engineering increased to include other engineering subjects -- for example, computer engineering, civil engineering and mechanical engineering principles. Among the areas under the responsibility of marine engineering professionals are electricity and power generation systems, water distillation and heating and air conditioning systems.
Marine engineering also includes aspects of research. This includes underwater vehicle research and the testing and evaluation of alternative energy for use in maritime applications. Marine engineering also includes the laying of cable beneath the oceans and other waterways in a safe and economical manner. Educational opportunities in marine engineering are found throughout the world, Marine Insight reports, and provides opportunities for marine engineers to work around the globe.