Merchant navy engineering officer
Keep ship systems running smoothly, so the crew and passengers are safe when the vessel goes to sea.
About the job
What it's like
As a merchant navy engineering officer, you'll play a vital role in keeping ships running smoothly and safely at sea. You'll work as part of a close-knit team, travelling the world while maintaining and repairing the ship's machinery.
You'll focus on the technical side of maritime operations. You'll be responsible for the engines, electrical systems and all mechanical equipment on board. It's a hands-on role that offers plenty of variety and the chance to solve problems in real time. The work can be challenging, but it's rewarding to know you're keeping the vessel and crew safe.
You might find yourself working on cargo ships, oil tankers, cruise liners or ferries. The merchant navy operates worldwide, so you'll experience different ports and cultures.
Some officers specialise in electrical systems, refrigeration or automation, depending on the type of ship and their interests.
There are four different grades for this job depending on your experience and qualifications.
The Chief Engineer has overall authority for planning engineering tasks and allocating staff.
The Second Engineer supervises the day-to-day duties of staff and engine crew.
The Third Engineer assists the second engineer and looks after electrical systems and machinery.
The Junior/Fourth Engineer does general machinery maintenance. This is often the first posting for an officer trainee.
If you work for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary – the civilian-crewed ships which support the Royal Navy – you could have responsibility for weapons maintenance.
Your tasks might include:
monitoring and maintaining engines, generators and other machinery
diagnosing and fixing mechanical or electrical faults
carrying out routine inspections and safety checks
supervising engine room staff and assigning tasks
updating maintenance records and technical logs
making sure all equipment meets safety and environmental standards
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
maintain and operate energy-efficient engines to reduce emissions
make sure waste and pollutants are managed according to environmental regulations
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Engineering and manufacturing
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- evaluating
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Practical Craft Skills
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Skills for Work: Maritime Skills
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
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Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Marine Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Naval Architecture
Ship Science
Marine Technology
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Marine Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Nautical Science
Engineering Systems
Shipbuilding
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Discover MAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Discover GAs on Apprenticeships.scot.
To become a Merchant Navy Engineering Officer through a sponsored cadetship (such as an apprenticeship, HNC/HND or degree), you typically need to apply directly to a shipping company or a training provider that works with sponsoring companies. The Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) has a list of sponsoring companies.
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