Maritime engineer

Maritime engineers design, develop, operate and maintain the equipment and systems used on ships and underwater vessels. They specialise in offshore engineering, marine engineering or shore-based industries.

Also known as:

Marine engineer
Ship engineer

Work activities

Maritime engineers play an important role in shipbuilding and ship repair. They design, construct, operate and maintain ships, and all the systems and machinery used on maritime vessels. Maritime engineers also use their skills in the exploration and production of natural resources found under the seabed. They develop the latest technology to explore previously inaccessible areas of the sea. Increasingly, maritime engineers find ways to use the sea’s resources while preventing or minimising environmental damage.

There are three main areas of maritime engineering:

Offshore engineering.
Marine engineering.
Shore-based industries.

Offshore engineering involves the exploration and production of oil, gas and minerals. Offshore engineers are involved in all aspects of this work. They work closely with other specialists, such as geologists, to decide the best place to site offshore oil or gas installations, making sure that the exploration work will be cost-effective and yield the maximum amount of the natural resource.

Offshore engineers use deep-water technology, like remotely operated vehicles, to carry out exploration and operations on the seabed. They design, construct and operate fixed and mobile oil platforms and their systems. They may work in a design office, using computer aided design (CAD) technology to create oil rigs. They think about the most appropriate type of material to use to build the installation. They find ways to overcome the problems presented by wind, waves, currents and the nature of the seabed. Offshore engineers also develop renewable energy sources such as wind and wave power. They find environmental and cost-effective solutions to problems such as the disposal of disused oil platforms.

Marine engineers design and construct a vessel’s propulsion machinery and linked equipment and systems. Seagoing marine engineers work on a wide variety of vessels, including container ships, passenger liners, pipelaying vessels, warships and submarines. In the Merchant Navy, engineer officers typically spend about four months away at sea, followed by two months’ leave. Their main task is to operate and maintain the ship’s propulsion machinery. They also manage the ship’s electrical systems and electronic equipment. Marine engineers maintain and repair services such as air conditioning and passenger lifts. On refrigerated cargo ships, engineers may be responsible for the systems used to store goods like fruit and meat. In the Royal Navy, marine engineers work on aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates (warships), assault ships, mine-counter vessels and submarines anywhere in the world. In shore-based industries, maritime engineers design and oversee the construction of new ships. These days, in the UK, the emphasis is on building specialist vessels, especially for the offshore industry and the Royal Navy. Maritime engineers will also be closely involved in the technology used on board modern vessels. Maritime engineers who work for shipping companies may be responsible for operating and maintaining a fleet of ships. They design and build machinery and systems for new or existing vessels.

Personal qualities and skills

As a maritime engineer, you need:

An inquisitive, analytical mind and a strong interest in how things work.
The ability to solve problems using a logical approach with creativity, imagination and an open mind.
To be willing to learn and develop new knowledge and keep up to date with advances in technology.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work well in a team, especially if you serve at sea.
An awareness of health and safety procedures.
A willingness to travel and work at sea for periods of time.
Strong organisational, written and numerical skills - you may be responsible for planning timetables and budgets.
Good computer skills to use, and perhaps develop, a wide range of sophisticated information technology.

Royal Navy engineers must be prepared to work in combat conditions. You may need diving skills if your job involves underwater work.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for maritime engineers vary depending on employer, role and responsibilities. The pay rates given are approximate. Maritime engineers earn in the range of £24,000 and £55,000 a year.

Most maritime engineers work around 39-41 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes and some weekend work may be required.

Employment is usually with:

Companies concerned with the design, construction and maintenance of ships and their equipment.
Merchant Navy and Royal Navy.
Shipping companies.
Offshore industries.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, trade industry publications, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Vacancies can also be found through specialist engineering recruitment agencies, internet job boards and the websites of professional engineering bodies.

Entry routes and training

Most maritime engineers usually go on to complete a relevant engineering degree, foundation degree or HND, such as marine engineering, naval architecture and marine engineering, ship science, or offshore engineering. For Merchant Navy engineer officer vacancies, the Merchant Navy Training Board co-ordinates training and sponsorship schemes. There are several routes of entry to the Royal Navy. Contact the Royal Navy to find out which is the most appropriate route for you.

You could enter a career in this area by doing a level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship in the role of marine engineer. This route involves more work-based training, which you will undertake while working towards relevant qualifications.

Depending on their qualification, maritime engineers can progress by taking on more responsibility for the management of engineering projects and teams of engineers.

Qualifications

You will usually need GCSEs (including English and maths) to do an advanced apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

To begin a foundation degree:

Two to three A-levels, usually in maths and physics.
GCSEs in your A-level subjects at grades 9-4.
A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4.
English, maths and a science subject are usually required at GCSE at grades 9-4.

Other qualifications, such as a relevant Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 National or the International Baccalaureate Diploma are often accepted. Check prospectuses carefully.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits, however you should check carefully for regulations around serving in the Royal Navy.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (e.g. Access to Engineering) could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

Related careers

Coastguard watch officer
Engineer
Gas engineer
Geotechnical engineer
Maritime engineering technician
Merchant navy engineer officer
Naval architect
Offshore engineer