Career Overview
Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
Also Known As
- Engineer
- Ferry Engineer
- Port Engineer
- Tug Boat Engineer
Alternate Job Titles
- Barge Engineer
- Deck Engineer
- Engineer
- Engineering Watch Officer
- Equipment Maintenance Marine Engineer
- Equipment Operating Engineer
- Ferry Engineer
- Fire Boat Engineer
- Fire Department Marine Engineer
- Harbor Engineer
- Licensed Marine Engineer
- Marine Engine Mechanic
- Marine Mechanic
- Maritime Engineer
- Officer in Charge of Engineering Watch (OICEW)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Monitor engine, machinery, or equipment indicators when vessels are underway, and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff.
- Monitor the availability, use, or condition of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure that international regulations are followed.
- Monitor and test operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified.
- Start engines to propel ships, and regulate engines and power transmissions to control speeds of ships, according to directions from captains or bridge computers.
- Perform or participate in emergency drills, as required.
- Perform general marine vessel maintenance or repair work, such as repairing leaks, finishing interiors, refueling, or maintaining decks.
- Maintain or repair engines, electric motors, pumps, winches, or other mechanical or electrical equipment, or assist other crew members with maintenance or repair duties.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Use drone technology for ship inspections, maintenance, or other tasks.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Near Vision
- Written Comprehension
- Control Precision
- Speech Clarity
- Speech Recognition
- Inductive Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Stress Tolerance
- Leadership Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Independence
- Achievement
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Apple macOS
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Database
- Salesforce software
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable hacksaws
- Aligning punches
- Allen wrench sets
- Aviation snips
- Ball peen hammers
- Ballast pumps
- Bell-faced claw hammers
- Bilge water pumps
- Boilers
- Bonney wrenches
- Box wrenches
- Brazers
- Bridge gauges
- Bristol wrenches
- Cape chisels
Work Environment
- Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $56,620 |
| Median | $101,320 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $162,370 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 8,580
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $75,190
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $105,670
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $48,620
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $99,670
Sailors and Marine Oilers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $49,610
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.