Ship Engineers
Human Advantage 70%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.1 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
Also Known As: Barge Engineer, Deck Engineer, Engineer, Engineering Watch Officer, Equipment Maintenance Marine Engineer, Equipment Operating Engineer, Ferry Engineer, Fire Boat Engineer +18 more
Core Tasks
- 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.
- Record orders for changes in ship speed or direction, and note gauge readings or test data, such as revolutions per minute or voltage output, in engineering logs or bellbooks.
- Order and receive engine room stores, such as oil or spare parts, maintain inventories, and record usage of supplies.
- Act as a liaison between a ship's captain and shore personnel to ensure that schedules and budgets are maintained and that the ship is operated safely and efficiently.
- Supervise marine engine technicians engaged in the maintenance or repair of mechanical or electrical marine vessels, and inspect their work to ensure that it is performed properly.
Supplemental Tasks (1)
- Fabricate engine replacement parts, such as valves, stay rods, or bolts, using metalworking machinery.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (22)
Tools & Equipment (107)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Marine Transportation Supply Chain & Transportation
Zone 3
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