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Engineering Officer

A Merchant Navy Engineering Officer is responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing the machinery and technical systems that keep a ship running safely and efficiently. Working in the engine department, they manage everything from main propulsion engines to electrical, fuel, and auxiliary systems. Their role requires strong technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure in challenging environments at sea. Engineering officers play a critical part in ensuring the smooth operation of vessels that transport goods and passengers worldwide.

Engineer Attributes

•An enquiring mind

•Excellent reasoning capabilities

•Decisiveness

•Good under pressure

•Accept and delegate authority

•A sense of humour

•Technically minded

•Able to take on responsibility

•Problem solver

•Work independently or as part of a team.

Engineers have responsibility for:

•The ship's hull and superstructure 

•Propulsion and all its associated equipment

•Electrical generation and its distribution

•Electronics to include communications and Wi-Fi

•Fresh water production and control

•Hot water

•Lifeboats and their winches

•Fire and salvage equipment.

•Steam for laundry and heating

•High and low pressure compressed air for controls, tools, breathing apparatus and pneumatics

•Hydraulic systems for steering gear and cranes

•Sewage treatment plants

•Incinerators

•Fridges and Air conditioning

​Prospects for those choosing the mechanical engineer route

  • You will finish as a 3rd Engineer, (regardless of educational route) with a Certificate of Competency (CoC)

  • Aged 21+, responsible for watchkeeping or duty rota and machine maintenance.

  • Potential Earnings of around 28k to 35k.  Potentially tax free.  Working 6 to 8 months.

  • Achieve 12 months of sea time (not calendar months)

  • Undertake Senior Engineer Management course for 3 months.  Normally self-funded, but some companies will sponsor you. (can cost about 3K plus accommodation)

  • Another written exam, and another oral exam.   Successful outcome and you will become a 2nd Engineer.

  • Aged 24+, in charge of running and controlling maintenance of the engine room, managing other engineers and ratings.

  • Potential Earnings of around 40k to 55k.  Potentially tax free.  Working 6 to 8 months.

  • Achieve 12 months of sea time (not calendar months)

  • This time, no written exam, but another oral exam.   Successful outcome and you will become a Chief Engineer.

  • Aged 26+, responsible for all engineering and management of a sea going vessel

  • Potential Earnings of around 65k to 100+k.  Potentially tax free.  Working 6 to 8 months.

  • Experience, right place, right time and ambition.  You could become a Superintendent

  • Aged 30+, responsible for all engineering and management of a fleet of vessels

  • Potential Earnings of around ??????. Working 9 to 5, normal working weeks and leave

  • Opportunities to work in non-sea-going jobs are massive

  • Potential employers like your dedication, self-motivation, the broadness of your knowledge, the ability to work unsupervised, your confidence and a general belief sea –farers can “cut the mustard”

What type of vessels will I be working on?

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