Marine engineers work in different conditions depending on their area of specialisation.

Merchant navy marine engineers work in ships' engine rooms and on other parts of passenger and cargo ships and ferries. They often travel within New Zealand waters and may travel to overseas ports.

Fishing industry marine engineers work on a range of vessels, from small fishing boats to large factory trawlers.

Shore-based marine engineers work on vessels when they are in the dry dock.

Marine engineers work in all weather conditions.

Equipment marine engineers may use includes:

• UHF radios
• hand and power tools such as spanners and crescents
• machine tools such as lathes and drills
• measuring instruments
• lifting equipment, including chain blocks and cranes
• electronic equipment
• a computer
• digital heat guns
• safety equipment such as earmuffs, overalls and safety shoes.

Marine engineers frequently do shift work and can be on call. Sea-going marine engineers may be at sea for long periods.

Sea-going marine engineers work independently or as part of a team. Some are responsible for supervising other marine engineers. Sea-going marine engineers also interact with:

• engineering contractors and other ship staff
• marine hardware suppliers
• port authorities.

Shore-based marine engineers have contact with chief engineers on ships, suppliers, contractors and ship owners.