The purpose of the Marine Engineering Technology License Option (MARR LIO) program is to train students to serve as engineering officers aboard sea-going vessels. The MARR curriculum is a power-oriented specialization of a classical Mechanical Engineering Technology program. A thorough preparation in mathematics, science, and engineering courses is the foundation for further study in ship propulsion plants and electrical power generation and distribution equipment. Marine Engineering Technology focuses on power cycles, principles, and methods used to convert various forms of energy into useful power. The Maritime industry is moving toward clean energy production onboard its vessels. The use of alternative fuels and Hybrid Energy Storage Systems (HESS) are common. The curriculum explores the selection and operation of the major components and support systems in the power cycle. Courses in marine engineering are supplemented with studies in automation and control systems, naval architecture and the maritime application of electrical engineering fundamentals. The students' education is enhanced through the use of computer simulation of propulsion plants and direct operation of marine machinery aboard the University's training ship. Marine Engineering Technology (MARR) is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

In addition to the degree requirements for the Marine Engineering Technology Degree, MARR LIO Cadets must complete the requirements to achieve a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the USCG. The requirements for the MMC are determined by International conventions, Federal law and regulations, and policies established by the USCG and the Maritime Administration (MARAD).  The requirements for an MMC are subject to change according to developments at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Congressional action, the Federal rulemaking process, and consultations between the USCG, MARAD, and the Maritime Academies. The student who successfully completes the program will be qualified to sit for the U. S. Coast Guard license examination as a Third Assistant Engineer of any gross tonnage upon oceans, steam and motor vessels and issuance of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) international endorsement as Officer-In-Charge of an Engineering Watch (OICEW).  Unlimited tonnage gas turbine endorsement also available.

MARR LIO students must also complete all the requirements as a cadet in the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, described previously in this catalog, in order to receive the degree. Cadets who enroll in and apply to graduate in Marine Engineering Technology must successfully complete the license examination for Third Assistant Engineer in order to graduate from Texas A&M University. Courses earning USCG or STCW qualifications, sea-time remission or STCW competency certification require a minimum grade of C (70%). In addition, all STCW proficiencies must be satisfactorily completed with a grade of 70% or better (See applicable course outlines available through the department).

All electives must be chosen in consultation with, and approved by, the student’s academic advisor. Unless courses are specifically listed, see University Core Curriculum at http://core.tamu.edu/ for a listing of course options for Communication; Mathematics; Life and Physical Sciences; Language, Philosophy and Culture; Creative Arts; American History; Government and Political Sciences; and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The 3-hour University Core Curriculum requirement for International and Cultural Diversity and the 3-hour University Core Curriculum requirement for Cultural Discourse may be met with courses used to satisfy other degree requirements. Although they may count for university credit, grades from an other institution below a C in engineering, mathematics and physics will not be accepted by the TAMUG engineering programs toward the degree.

The total hours may be increased if the student is required to take remedial math, remedial English, foreign language or International and Cultural Diversity courses, or any of the six hour cruise options. The 6-hour cruise options (MART 200, MART 300, and MART 400 or MARR 200, MARR 300 and MARR 400) do not add any required hours to the degree plan. 

This degree requires full participation in the Texas A&M University Maritime Academy Corps of Cadets as a qualified License Option cadet. Refer to the University catalog section for the Texas A&M Maritime Academy for additional information. In addition to the academic requirements outlined here, the cadet must also complete the following requirements to receive the degree:

• Successfully complete required sea service and minimum training cruise requirements

• Pass a comprehensive professional examination (either the Third Mate Unlimited- Oceans or Third Assistant Engineering Unlimited) administered by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).

• Successfully complete all competencies required by the International Convention on Standards for Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).

Note: STCW competency certifications expire 5 years after completion. If the cadet does not complete the degree within that time period, the cadet will be required to revalidate the expired competency prior to graduation.