LIP

Hey, got a question. If you don't mind.

How did you start off in the Marine Diesel Engineering field? I'm guessing you got a Bachelor's in it? I took Engineering for a few years in high school, then took straight Engineering my first year at college, and as much as I like the design element to it, the math was just overwelming. Ya, I didn't take it my second year lol.

So, you must be really into that kinda shit huh? Sounds like a very intense field. I'm a bit confused about my career path, and am kinda thinking I shoulda just stuck with it maybe.

YAY. Someone who is interested in it!!! :D:D:D

It's a funny story, but proof that you dont need school to do anything.

I left school before i got any qualifications. I still have no formal qualifications.

When i left i thought to myself "Im NEVER going to get a job, i might as well give up now" But im glad i didnt.


Ever since i was born my parents took me on holiday with them to the Norfolk Broads [series of rivers in East Anglia, England. They were boat holidays, small boats, cruisers.

I loved it, i loved everything about the rivers, everything about Norfolk.

The boat yard my parents used every year was and is still run by the same family. My parents had been going on holiday there every year since the 60's LOL.

So obviously, my parents and the owners were very good friends, to the point we got dicounts, didnt have to pay for fuel, no damage waivier or anything.

When i was about 10 i started to get into engines, dont ask why, but i was fasinated.

By the time i was 13 i was teaching myself, EVERYTHING. Internet, books, the lot, but i was determinded to be a professional engineer.

Took me a few years, but i felt i was ready to take it further, and try and get a job.

I always wanted to work on boats, im not a car man... well, i love cars, but repairing them isnt something i'd like to do for a living, but boats... well i love boats.

I left school when i was about 14, i cant even remember.

I went to the place i loved, Norfolk, and just straight out asked for a job.
They already knew i loved the type of work i wanted to do, and amazingly agreed to put me with John, and engineer to see what i was capable of. John is a good mate now, and still works with me at the company.

The first thing i had to do was completely change a gear box, someone had somehow ripped the gearbox right off the back of the engine.

So, with John next to me i started, got it all out, had a look and we both agreed it was a goner. Then me and John got the new gear box in, started her up and it was running fine, and the boat was fine.

He told the owners what i'd done, and they had a chat with me the same day. I was so proud of myself, and i was worried that they'd say it wasnt going to work... but it was the opposit. They asked me if i'd like to make it a permant arrangement, and i jumped at the chance.

Now im getting paid the same as the other engineers there, and im doing the same things as them.

It's a lovely little business, i mean, come on, the owners know that i smoke pot, and dont mind at all. They've seen that i can work fine while im wasted.

The boat yard own about 60 boats, maybe more actually, and hire them out to people for holidays on the Norfolk Broads.

Everytime there is a change over on a boat the engines, heaters, generators, water pumps and electrical components are serviced. This is what we do most, although there is also engine changes, gear box changes, everyhing to think of that could go wrong with an engine.

We build all the boats, fit them all out, do all the electrical stuff and all the engineering.

During the winter months we take on private work because not many people want a holiday when its cold and raining lol.

With all the private work we do all sorts, repairs on engines, engine changes, everything above really.

My boss said i have all the knowledge to be called a Marine diesel engineering specialist, only problem is no qualifications, but im not really planning on leaving this company, so im sorted.

Marine engineering, for me, is VERY rewarding, its the job i've wanted to do most of my life, and im friends with everyone there. It's like here, all one big family.

If you want to do it, go for it. But dont do it like me, i was just lucky. The way i did it was the HARD and i mean hard way.

Get your qualifications, get a job, and earn the money you need, but most of all, enjoy it.

I know that this is a bit long, but once i get going on the subject i dont stop lol.

If you ever need any pointers give me a shout and i'll answer any questions.

Heres some blown out pictures of the type of boats i work on.

that was an inspiring story lip.
school doesnt seem to be working for me either.
i have hope again :)

Theres always hope, and i wanted this career SO much i had to get it, and in the end it payed off. I was very lucky in life, but if i could go back, i wouldnt change a second of it. I'd still quite school. I'd still teach myself. And i'd still injoy my job to the max.

Wow, what a story LIP.

I'm kind of stuck as to what I want to do for the rest of my life. I've been through so many jobs but none seem to work out. I'm kind of losing hope altogether as no one will even give me a call back in the direction I am hoping to go.

You give the little guys hope. Right on. :thumbsup:

Cheers man, sorry for making it so long winded rofl.

Im glad i could share it with everyone, because it shows people in the same position i was in that you really can do anything, if you truely wanted it.

But the problem is getting people to give you a chance, even if you have qualifications its hard. That's where i was lucky, i had long time friends in the business, and my parents knew the owners of a company that did the same thing as i wanted to.

Wow, thats fuckin' awesome man! I guess I was right when I said you must be really into it lol. Thats the way it should be lol...if you have a deep enough love for something, you shouldn't have to go to school for years and years haha. But ya, like you said, luck seemed to have a place for you, not taking away from your knowledge of course. I've taken a year of engineering and a year of architecture, and I'm still kinda stuck in the middle, thinking what I want to do most. If I ever have an question, I def won't hesitate to let ya know. Most of all, thanks for sharing....very interesting indeed!

It was my pleasure, i love helping people. Makes me feel good and gives others the information they want.

And because i love it so much i love talking about it, i can go on for hours and hours, but i had to stop myself or i'd get into talking about every single part of an engine, fuel injecters, fuel racks, pumps, coolant, oil, low sodium fuel, oil drains, valves, sodium vanadium ratios.. the LOT.

When i was in the dam this year i got into a conversation with a really nice dutch guy in a bar and he was also an engineer. We talked for a good 5 hours, drinking. We got very drunk.. and that was the last time i got properly pissed.

Damn, I wish I had the money just to go to school. :p

I don't know how it is in Canada, but try for some financial aid. I don't know anyone who has all the money they need for school.