The first thing that needs to be done in order to become a marine engineer is to acquire a professional degree in higher education in “Bachelor of Marine Engineering.” This is essentially a primary educational level designed for people who would like to join the marine industry. In this discipline, students acquire knowledge in the basic professional and technical subjects required for the operation of ship engines and other equipment.
Marine engineer first step
Basic Lordships: Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Engineering
Form of Study: Full-time, or distance study mode.
Training period: Approximately 3 years, including theoretical studying and practical training on board the ship in order to apply the knowledge obtained in theory.
Practical Training: Getting Cadet’s Practical Experience
In addition to theoretical courses, cadets are required to undergo practical training at sea. This is a very important stage, as practical training allows potential engineers to familiarise themselves with the working conditions on board a ship under the supervision of qualified engineers. Usually, when you enter a ship as a trainee, your position is cadet.
Duration of practice: Usually, a cadet or student is required to be on board a vessel for 6-12 months, performing the functions of a trainee mechanic or assistant. This period also counts towards the overall sea service system, which helps students progress up the career ladder. When you successfully complete 3 years of study in the bachelor’s program, you become a Junior Engineer. With 12 months of sea practice experience, you are then eligible to move on to the next step on the ladder.
Career Start: Junior Engineer
Junior Engineer:
Job Description: Junior Engineer is the graduate’s position in the marine engineering field. A Junior Engineer is repased in executing different fundamental responsibilities in the engine room. A Junior Engineer may also work in positions of Wipers and Oilers whose duties include equipment cleaning, lubricating, maintenance and trying to resolve simple technical problems with the assistance of higher engineering staff.
Practical training: In this position, the Junior Engineer seeks advice from more competent engineers, observing their work in the engine room, but cannot perform tasks independently due to inexperience and lack of competence.
Duration of Work: By general observation, engineers in this category remain in the Junior engineer position for averagely a period of 1year where simplistic tasks are undertaken to create a firm foundation on the basic workings of the engine room. Usually, twelve months covers two six-month contracts.
Transition to the Position of Fourth Engineer
Fourth Engineer:
This is the first position that carries official engineering responsibilities on the ship. At this level, the engineer begins to have more freedom in their actions and is responsible for specific tasks assigned by the First or Second Engineer.
Required experience: The position of Fourth Engineer typically requires 12 to 24 months of experience working as a Junior Engineer, as well as successful completion of additional courses, including Engine Room Resource Management , Welding MMA Course , and others.
Duties of the Fourth Engineer: The most important functions include monitoring the operation of auxiliary equipment on board, such as generators, compressors, pumps, cooling systems, etc. The Fourth Engineer also participates in the overhaul of the main engines and works under the supervision of senior engineers.
Transition to the Position of Third Engineer
Third Engineer:
A more responsible position requiring more in-depth knowledge and experience.
Required Experience: On average, 12 to 24 months of experience as a Fourth Engineer is the necessary requirement in order to move to this position, as well as the obligatory endorsement of basic examination for Engineer Officers: Electrical Training for Engineer Officers, Explosion Proof Equipment Training and other specialist qualifying further.
Responsibilities of the Third Engineer: The Third Engineer handles the operation and maintenance of the main engine and fuel and compressed air systems.
Towards Junior Engineers he acts as a supervisor by directing and assisting them in acquiring new skills.
Transition to the Position of Second Engineer
Second Engineer:
One of the very important posts on board the ship of which I can say needs relatively high qualifications and experience. A full responsibility of any of the mistakes may purely rest within your shoulders.
Required Experience: To advance to the position of Second Engineer, a minimum of 24 months of work as a Third Engineer is required. However, it can take much longer, depending on how well and strongly you want to climb the career ladder, as many engineers spend many years as Third Engineers without moving forward due to a lack of motivation. To advance to Second Engineer, it is necessary to take courses on teamwork, as the duties of a Second Engineer include task allocation for the Third, Fourth, and Junior Engineers.
Duties of the Second Engineer: The main duties of the Second Engineer include daily supervision of the main engines and their associated components. Additionally, the Second Engineer oversees the engineers of lower ranks.
Achieving the position of Chief Engineer
Chief Engineer:
In this case, it is the peak of the career ladder for a marine engineer. This position carries great responsibility, as it is responsible for all technical aspects of the engine room as well as the health and safety of all engineers working in the engine room.
Required experience: To obtain this position, it is necessary to have at least 24 months of experience as a Second Engineer. Therefore, it is essential to possess a large amount of technical knowledge as well as leadership qualities for managing all the engineers on board the ship.
Duties of the Chief Engineer: Management of engineering elements. He is responsible for overseeing all engineering matters within his area of responsibility, including but not limited to, the operation of the engine room, maintenance of various types/subtypes of vessels, operational safety, including compliance with international/national requirements, etc. He also conducts and supervises training for his engineering team to ensure continuous skill improvement and professional growth. Additionally, he is responsible for preparing technical audits of the ship’s condition and maintaining special records, for which training such as oil record book maintenance is required to prepare all reports.
Salary for marine engineering:
This path to Chief Engineer can take 10 years or more, depending on the level of knowledge, leadership qualities, reputation, and, of course, a bit of luck. Below are the monthly salaries, from Cadet to Chief Engineer.
Engine cadet: $522 to $979
Fresh 4th/5th engineer: $1 044 to $2218
Experienced 4th engineer: $3 131 to $5 741
3rd engineer: $4 567 to $6393
2nd engineer: $7 829 to $14 353
Chief engineer: $9 786 to $18 267
But this salary can be more or less; it all depends on the ship and its owners, as well as your experience and knowledge, but on average, the salary will be as indicated above.
