Royal Naval Engineers as a branch of the Royal Navy, have existed since 1835. Naval engineers are in charge of the management and upkeep of ship-board machinery. Traditionally this included engines, motors, pumps and other mechanical devices, but modern engineers are now responsible for both mechanical systems and high-tech electronics such radar and sonar systems and nuclear-power plants. Ranking When the corps was first created, there were three ranks for engineers: First, second, and third. Over the years this ranking system has changed several times: 1835 - First, second and third engineer. 1847 - Inspector of machinery, chief engineer; assistant engineer. 1886 - Chief inspector and inspector of machinery (r.adm and captain), fleet engineer (cdr), and staff engineer (senior lieutenant). 1903 - Standard executive rank titles with an "engineer" prefix. 1956 - "Engineer" prefix and rank branch distinction cloth removed finally making engineers indistinguishable from seaman officers. Fields of expertise After graduating from university and receiving a basic training, naval engineer officers specialize in a particular field. Marine engineer officer (MEO) - deals with the fuel, air, water, electrical, and propulsion systems including nuclear reactors for those appointed to submarines. Air engineer officer (AEO) - maintenance and upgrading of engines and electrical systems in aircraft. Weapon engineer officer (WEO) - ensures that weapon systems are working properly. Students In 1888 engineer studentships were created. Today, there are several different student-scholarship programs available including the University Cadetship Entry, a competitive program in which students enlist and train at Britannia Royal Naval College before going to university. References Engineer Officer, Royal Navy. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075442/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/static/pages/4746.html Royal Navy