Marine engineers are involved with the design, construction, installation, operation, maintenance and repair of the main propulsion engines and auxiliary machinery and systems found in all kinds of ships, boats and offshore installations.
Depending on the job, they may also be responsible for everyone working in the engine room. Professional engineers are often supported in their work by engineering technicians.
What does a marine engineer do?
Those operating at Incorporated and Chartered Marine Engineer level ensure that engines and systems work efficiently and develop and deal with new and emerging technology.
These professional engineers need management expertise in order to employ staff and operate plant efficiently and within the law for safety and environmental protection. Engineering Technicians deal with day-to-day engineering work, typically leading specialist teams.
What skills and personal qualities do you need?
Marine engineers should have an interest in science, technology and the general marine sector.
Other required skills include:
- Practical and technical skills
- A high level of numeracy
- Problem-solving ability
- Teamworking and leadership skills
For some roles, you may need to be prepared to work away from home for long periods.
What about entry, training and qualifications?
To become an Incorporated or Chartered Marine Engineer, you normally start by taking a degree accredited by the IMarEST in a relevant subject, such as marine engineering, marine technology or ship science, however other entry routes are available.
To gain Incorporated Engineer or Chartered Engineer status after graduating, you need to follow a period of on-the-job learning before an assessment of your technical and managerial competence at a professional review. You can find out more about applying for professional registration here.
It is also possible to study marine engineering at postgraduate level, although you will need an engineering or science-based qualification first.
Who employs marine engineers?
Marine engineers are sought after in every aspect of the marine sector. Shipyards, boatyards, ports, marinas, classification societies and marine engineering firms all employ marine engineers.
National defence navies also look for those qualified in marine engineering courses, as does the offshore oil and gas industry, mineral extracting companies, and marine consultancies, merchant navies and other commercial shipping businesses.
What about future prospects?
It is possible for officers in the Merchant Navy and Royal Navy to progress through the ranks, eventually to chief engineer/marine engineer officer. There are routes for technicians to qualify as officers.
Once you are fully trained, there are career opportunities all over the world, whilst skills can be adapted to other types of engineering. Find out more about the typical career pathway of marine engineers here.