Marine engineering technician

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You could take a course to get some of the skills you'll need in this job. 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 and Maintenance

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could get into this job through a marine engineer advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You could train as an engineering technician with the Merchant Navy or Royal Navy, then move into the commercial marine industry after you leave.

Further information

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

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

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

Your day-to-day duties could include:

• fault-finding and repairing electronic, hydraulic and mechanical equipment on boats and ships
• helping to design and develop new marine equipment
• providing engineering support on board a dive support vessel
• refurbishing older craft with new navigation and communications systems
• using underwater craft like remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to inspect undersea pipelines
• supervising a team of craftspeople in a ship or boatyard
• maintaining weapons systems, radar and sonar on board Royal Navy warships

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.