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Marine engineering technician

Alternative titles for this job include Shipbuilding technician

Marine engineering technicians design, build, service and repair boats and ships.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£43,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 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 Marine engineering technician

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You could do a foundation degree in marine engineering or marine technology.

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
  • at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree

More Information

College

You could take a course to get some of the skills you need.

Relevant courses include:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
  • Level 2 Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering Technology
  • Level 3 Diploma in Marine Engineering
  • Level 3 Diploma in Marine Construction, Systems Engineering and Maintenance
  • T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Maritime Mechanical and Electrical Mechanic Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship. This might help you to get a trainee position with an engineering company.

You could also apply for a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, for example:

  • Maritime Mechanical Fitter
  • Maritime Electrical Fitter
  • Marine Engineer

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could train as a marine engineering technician with the Merchant Navy or Royal Navy.

More Information

Further information

You can find more advice about careers in marine 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:

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

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need IT skills and a knowledge of computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM).

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 engineering technician, you could:

  • diagnose faults and repair equipment on a ship
  • help design and develop new marine equipment
  • refurbish older ships with new navigation and communications systems
  • use remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) to inspect undersea pipelines
  • maintain weapons systems, radar and sonar on board Royal Navy warships

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers 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 become a manager, looking after a team of technicians or overseeing projects.

You could also specialise in a particular area, such as:

  • boat design
  • specialist equipment 
  • sales and support
  • marine insurance

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

The Royal Navy - Weapon Engineering - Maritime Mechanical & Electrical Mechanic Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,400 a year Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire

The Royal Navy - Comms Specialist (Submariner)-Maritime Mechanical & Electrical Mechanic Apprentice

  • Wage: £20,400 a year Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Marine Engineering (Marine School)

  • Provider: TYNE COAST COLLEGE
  • Start date: 03 February 2025
  • Location: South Shields

Marine Engineering - Advanced Certificate

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 07 January 2026
  • Location: Fleetwood
Find courses near you

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