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Marine Engineer - Job outlook

Mataaro Kaipuke

What are the chances of getting a job?

The number of marine engineers increased from 585 in 1996 to 798 in 2006.

Shortage of marine engineers

The job of marine engineer appears on Immigration New Zealand's immediate skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled marine engineers from overseas to work in New Zealand.

The shortage is partly due to an ageing workforce. The occupation has a retirement rate of 2.6%, compared with an average of 1.8% for all other occupations.

The shortage is also linked to the low number of people that trained as marine engineers during the 1990s.

As a result of these factors, there are plenty of opportunites for people wanting to enter the role.

What types of employers can I work for?

Marine engineers can work for companies involved in:

shore-based marine engineering
the fishing industry
coastal shipping
offshore work (usually on support vessels for oil and gas rigs)
the super yacht industry.

Demand for marine engineers has declined in some areas, such as the fishing industry. However, growth in other areas has ensured demand remains strong overall. In particular, offshore opportunities supporting oil and gas rigs have increased, both in New Zealand and Australia.

There is also a growing, worldwide shortage of merchant navy marine engineers for those qualified and prepared to travel.

Where can I do this job?

Marine engineers work throughout New Zealand. However, demand is strongest in Auckland and the upper North Island.

What is happening in this job?

In 2008/09 Maritime New Zealand will be reviewing the training requirements for seafaring positions, with the aim of making them more attractive to potential applicants. In particular, this initiative will focus on making the sea-time requirements eligible for training grants.