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Marine Engineer - Tasks and specialisations

Shore-based marine engineers may do some or all of the following:

repair and maintain marine engines and machinery for on-shore marine engineering companies
repair engines on board ships
order spare parts and equipment for ships
may perform specialised fabrication, maintenance and diagnostics or electrical fitting tasks.

Sea-going marine engineers may do some or all of the following:

have charge of engines and mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment in ships' engine rooms (and elsewhere aboard)
keep ships travelling at required speeds by operating propulsion engines according to orders from the captain or computers on the bridge
maintain services to electrical power, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water and sewerage systems
check, test and maintain automatic controls and alarm systems
diagnose engine and machinery problems, and carry out maintenance and repairs
may supervise other engineers and crew members, and be responsible for training them in routine and emergency duties
order and receive fuel and lubricating oils, spare parts and other consumable goods
maintain records of engineering department activities.

Craig Wray repairing a salt water cooling pump

A marine engineer working on the engine of a fishing vessel

Marine engineers may specialise in the following areas:

Fishing Industry Marine Engineer: Fishing industry marine engineers work on vessels ranging from small, inshore fishing boats to large factory trawlers operating worldwide.
Merchant Navy Marine Engineer: Merchant navy marine engineers work on merchant ships in coastal waters and overseas, including cruise liners and superyachts.
Restricted Limit Vessel Marine Engineer: Restricted limit vessel marine engineers work on vessels in restricted waters, such as harbour tugs and ferries, charter launches or small cargo ships.
Shore-based Marine Engineer: Shore-based marine engineers work on vessels when they are in dry dock.

Updated September 2009