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Merchant Navy engineering officer

Alternative titles for this job include

Merchant Navy engineering officers maintain the mechanical and electrical machinery and instruments on board a ship.

Average salary (a year)

£9,100 Starter

to

£70,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

52 to 54 variable

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 a Merchant Navy engineering officer

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You could enter the Merchant Navy as an engine room rating. You would do a maritime electrical and mechanical intermediate apprenticeship.

You can find information on shipping companies that offer engine room rating apprenticeships from Careers at Sea.

You can apply for funding to take further training to qualify as an officer after completing your apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Direct Application

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.

Your teaching and living costs will be funded through a bursary and while you're on placements at sea you'll get paid.

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.

More Information

Further information

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

What it takes

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

What it takes

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

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • pass a medical check

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

On a typical day you'll:

  • work on engines, ventilation systems and communications equipment
  • service deck fittings like cranes, hoists and landing craft
  • 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 and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and 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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

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

  • Wage: £20,400.00 Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire

Marine Engineering (Submariner)-Maritime Mechanical & Electrical Mechanic Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,400.00 Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire

Courses In England

Engineering

  • Provider: HULL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 03 September 2024
  • Location: Hull

Engineering

  • Provider: KENTON SCHOOL
  • Start date: 04 September 2024
  • Location: NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

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