Merchant Navy Engineering Officer

Typical Salary

£8,000 To £70,000

Typical Hours

52 to 54 variable

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How To Become a Merchant Navy Engineering Officer

You can get into this job through:

an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

Apprenticeship

You can do a maritime mechanic intermediate apprenticeship. You will cover both electrical and mechanical engineering work.

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can apply to sponsoring shipping or engineering companies to train as an engineering officer.

You will do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in marine or mechanical engineering. Your training will also include the Certificate of Competency, which you need to work at sea.

You'll normally need:

GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English, maths, and a science, preferably physics
2 or 3 A levels or equivalent qualifications

If you've worked as a mechanical engineer elsewhere, for example in the fishing industry or the Royal Navy, you may be exempt from some of the training to become an engineer. You'll still need to find a company to sponsor you.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
analytical thinking skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to use your initiative
thinking and reasoning skills
excellent verbal communication skills
business management skills
knowledge of engineering science and technology
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

You'll work with the engines, ventilation systems, navigation and communications equipment, and deck fittings like cranes, hoists and landing craft.

On a typical day you will:

monitor hydraulic and control equipment
run maintenance checks on machinery and systems
respond to equipment failure alerts and repair faults
maintain fuel levels and stocks of spare parts
update record management systems
inspect equipment
mentor and support trainees

As you move up through the ranks to senior engineer you'll also supervise a team of engineers.

Working Environment

You could work on a ship.

Your working environment may be cramped, at height, outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear protective clothing and a uniform.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could work your way up to third, second and then senior engineer before taking on the role of chief engineer. You could also work towards chartered status with the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).

If you decide to work onshore you could move into management, ship surveying, lecturing or research.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a Merchant Navy engineering officer from Careers At Sea and Merchant Navy Training Board.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass a medical check