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Marine engineer

Alternative titles for this job include

Marine engineers build and repair boats, ships, submarines, offshore platforms and drilling equipment.

Average salary (a year)

£27,000 Starter

to

£55,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can complete a foundation degree or degree to become a marine engineer. 

Courses include:

  • marine engineering
  • marine technology
  • naval architecture
  • offshore engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, with an engineering company, for example:

  • Marine Engineer
  • Maritime Mechanical Fitter
  • Maritime Electrical Fitter
  • Marine Electrician

These can take between 3 and 4 years to complete and combine workplace training with off-site study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Work

You could start by training as a marine engineering technician or engineering officer, with the Merchant Navy or Royal Navy.

You could then study for a marine engineering degree while working.

More Information

Career tips

You may be able to apply for courses and training if you have experience and qualifications in science or engineering from different sectors.

Further information

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

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • knowledge of physics
  • design skills and knowledge
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a marine engineer, you could:

  • work with naval architects to design and build ships, boats and submarines
  • service and repair vessels in shipyards and docks
  • install engines, navigation equipement and safety systems
  • inspect and test electrical and electronic instruments
  • refurbish and maintain offshore energy platforms and wind turbines
  • assist with marine surveys for buying and insurance purposes
  • keep technical documents for jobs up to date
  • manage a team of technicians

Working environment

You could work at a shipyard, in an office, on a ship 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 and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • specialise in project management, research and development or consultancy
  • advise on maritime engineering safety
  • work on marine salvage operations
  • move into vessel design or shipping fleet management

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Marine Engineer Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: Bath Road, Lymington

Marine Electrician Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: Bath Road, Lymington

Courses In England

Marine Engineering (Marine School)

  • Provider: TYNE COAST COLLEGE
  • Start date: 05 January 2026
  • Location: South Shields

Marine Engineering (Marine School)

  • Provider: TYNE COAST COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: South Shields

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