Ship Engineers

What the job really is

Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.

At a glance

• Sector: Transportation & Material Moving
• O*NET-SOC code: 53-5031
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Monitor engine, machinery, or equipment indicators when vessels are underway, and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff.
• Monitor the availability, use, or condition of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure that international regulations are followed.
• Monitor and test operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified.
• Start engines to propel ships, and regulate engines and power transmissions to control speeds of ships, according to directions from captains or bridge computers.
• Perform or participate in emergency drills, as required.
• Perform general marine vessel maintenance or repair work, such as repairing leaks, finishing interiors, refueling, or maintaining decks.
• Maintain or repair engines, electric motors, pumps, winches, or other mechanical or electrical equipment, or assist other crew members with maintenance or repair duties.
• Maintain complete records of engineering department activities, including machine operations.
• Operate or maintain off-loading liquid pumps or valves.
• Maintain electrical power, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, or sewerage systems.
• Install engine controls, propeller shafts, or propellers.
• Clean engine parts and keep engine rooms clean.

Tools and technology

Apple macOS, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Word, Oracle Database, SAP software, Salesforce software, Adjustable hacksaws

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
• Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
• Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
• Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
• Sailors and Marine Oilers
• Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
• Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
• Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Ship Engineers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.