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Marine Engineer - Personal requirements

Mataaro Kaipuke

Skills & knowledge

Marine engineers need to have:

knowledge of mechanical engineering
knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic machinery (operated with pressure caused by air and liquids)
knowledge of how to operate electrical equipment
knowledge of computers and electronics
knowledge of maths, physics and chemistry
knowledge of safety regulations and procedures
fire-fighting, first aid and survival skills
knowledge of home and foreign port regulations
excellent problem-solving skills to diagnose engine and machinery faults
the ability to make decisions quickly and confidently in emergencies
excellent communication skills
the ability to work quickly to fit in with ships' cargo-handling and sailing schedules.

"A lot of it is managing your overhauls so that things don’t break down, and doing checks so that you catch things before they break down."

John Mapp - Marine Engineer

Personal Qualities

Marine engineers need to be:

responsible
practical
adaptable
accurate
calm when dealing with emergencies.

Physical Requirements

Marine engineers should be fit and healthy. They also need to be strong as the work can involve heavy lifting and working at heights or in confined spaces.

Marine engineers should also have good eyesight (with or without corrective lenses), good hearing and good hand-eye co-ordination.

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Updated September 2009

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