Marine Engineer

Typical Salary

£24,000 To £55,000

Typical Hours

39 to 41 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How To Become a Marine Engineer

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

You would normally need to complete a foundation degree or degree to become a marine engineer. Courses include:

marine engineering
marine technology
naval architecture
offshore engineering

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a marine engineer advanced apprenticeship, then take further training on the job to qualify.

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could train as a marine engineering technician with the Merchant Navy or Royal Navy, then study for a marine engineering degree while working.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

maths knowledge
knowledge of engineering science and technology
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
knowledge of physics
design skills and knowledge
thinking and reasoning skills
excellent verbal communication skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Depending on the industry you work in, your duties could include:

shipbuilding, boat-building and repair
working in the leisure boat industry
designing, building and operating offshore gas and oil platforms
marine surveying
making sure engines, instruments and systems work safely

Working Environment

You could work at a shipyard, in an office, on a ship, at a port or underwater.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, physically demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could specialise in project management, research and development or consultancy.

There are also opportunities for experienced marine engineers to work in shore-based roles with responsibility for vessel refits, legal work in maritime engineering safety and shipping fleet management.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find more advice about careers in engineering from the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and British Marine.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.