Merchant navy engineering officer
Make sure the machines and instruments on a ship work properly so the crew and passengers are safe when the vessel goes to sea.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£519
Entry level
£1,058
Experienced
Monthly
£2,250
Entry level
£4,583
Experienced
Yearly
£27,000
Entry level
£55,000
Experienced
3,200
people are currently employed
Low growth
100 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would make sure the machinery and instruments on a commercial ship work properly so the crew and passengers are safe when the vessel goes to sea.
You would operate and repair the mechanical and electrical machines, instruments and support systems on the ship
These include:
Engines
Ventilation systems
Navigation and communications equipment
Deck fittings such as cranes, hoists and landing craft
There are 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 officer 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.
Whatever your engineering grade, you would:
Check machinery and systems regularly
Respond to alerts about equipment failures
Repair faults
Keep up fuel levels and store stocks of spare parts
Update records for the machinery and systems
You would also mentor and support trainees.
In the Merchant Navy, you could work on:
Passenger ferries
Cruise liners
Container ships
Bulk carriers
Tankers
Salvage and supply vessels
If you work for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary – the civilian-crewed ships which support the Royal Navy - you could have responsibility for weapons maintenance.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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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.
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.
Here are some of the 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:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Maritime Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
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.
You would need a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) or degree (SCQF level 9/10) in marine engineering, technology or mechanical engineering.
Qualifications and experience that show engineering skills and leadership such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF level 4) or SQA Leadership Award (SCQF level 5/6).
Shipping company sponsorship - initial applications should be made to a shipping company or training provider. Entry requires National 5 qualifications.
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