Merchant Navy engineer officer

Merchant Navy engineer officers oversee the smooth running and maintenance of a ship’s main propulsion machinery. They work in the engine rooms of a variety of ships such as cruise liners, ferries or cargo ships.

Work activities

Engineer officers are responsible for all aspects of the running and maintenance of the ship’s engines and other machinery, such as:

Generators.
Pumps.
Sewage treatment plant.
Purifiers.
Mechanical cargo handling equipment.

Most of this equipment is electronically controlled or automated to varying degrees. However, the engine rooms need continuous watchkeeping, so officers work on a shift system. This usually means four hours on watch and eight off, or six on and six off. Officers control and monitor the performance of plant and machinery, carry out planned maintenance, diagnose and rectify faults, and maintain safety equipment.

Specific duties vary according to the type of vessel:

Large passenger ships have hotel services engineers who look after air conditioning systems and passenger lifts.
On cargo ships, engineers control refrigerators which are essential for the transportation of fruit and meat.
On scientific survey ships, engineers are responsible for hydraulic machinery that is used to lower and raise equipment from the seabed.

Most engineer officers supervise the work of a crew of engineer ratings, and make sure they work effectively together. Engineer officers sometimes work in difficult and uncomfortable conditions, and spend up to four months at a time away from family and friends. They usually stay in their own cabin, with an en-suite bathroom. Recreation facilities vary according to the ship.

Merchant Navy engineer officers can also work on Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ships. These ships supply cargo to Royal Navy (RN) ships at sea. As RFA personnel work closely with the Royal Navy, they may have to perform duties under combat conditions.

Personal qualities and skills

To do this job well, you’ll need:

To be able to show initiative and self-reliance.
Good problem-solving skills.
To be a confident person so that your instructions are respected and followed.
An interest in physics.
Good teamworking skills, as you’ll often be working with large groups of people.

It’s very useful to have an interest in boats, ships and the sea. You should also have some knowledge of the types of machinery found on boats and ships, and how that machinery works.

Pay and opportunities

Salary rates for Merchant Navy officers vary with the company. The pay rates given are approximate. Trainee engineer officers start on quite a low salary of around £9,100. Senior Merchant Navy positions can earn around £70,000.

Shift work is usual. Ships operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. You could work over 48 hours per week.

Demand for engineer officers is steady.

Merchant Navy personnel are civilian employees who work on a variety of ships of all sizes including:

Passenger and cruise liners.
Container ships.
Cargo vessels.
Passenger and freight ferries.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary, which supplies the needs of Royal Navy ships at sea, also employs civilian Merchant Navy personnel. Merchant Navy engineering officers work on board ships on local, national and international voyages.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, on the Government’s Find a Job service. Vacancies are advertised on shipping lines’ websites.

Entry routes and training

The main route into careers in the Merchant Navy is by applying directly to sponsoring companies. The Merchant Navy Training Board has a complete list of these companies Once sponsored, there are various routes to full qualification. These include:

A foundation degree in marine engineering.
Degrees in mechanical and power plant systems, mechanical and marine engineering, or marine engineering.
An HNC/HND in marine engineering.

People with seafaring experience or relevant qualifications may be exempt from some of the academic and practical aspects of training. This makes your route to full qualification quicker. Sponsoring companies will provide relevant details.

You could also start out in this career with an apprenticeship. Examples include:

Seafarer (deck rating) (level 2 / intermediate)
Small commercial vessel crewmember (level 3 / advanced)

Training varies according to employers. Generally, it covers subjects such as mechanics, engineering drawing, fitting, machining and welding. All trainees are also given thorough instruction in health and safety, including firefighting and survival techniques.

After your training period, the promotion routes for engineer officers are as follows: junior/fourth engineer to third engineer, third engineer to second engineer, second engineer to chief engineer. For each of the ranks mentioned, you will have to hold a certificate of competency which is issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act: This career is an exception to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to. This is different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to.

Qualifications

For entry to a relevant degree course the usual minimum requirement is:

Two to three A-levels, including maths and physics.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English.

Alternatives to A levels include:

BTEC level 3 qualifications.
Advanced apprenticeships.
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

However, entry requirements for different courses vary, so check university prospectuses for more details.

To enter a relevant HNC/HND or foundation degree, you’ll usually need:

An A-level. Science subjects, such as physics will be useful.
A GCSE at grades 9-4 in your A-level subject.
A further three to four GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.

Alternatives to A levels include:

BTEC level 3 qualifications.
Advanced apprenticeships.
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

However, entry requirements for different courses vary, so check university prospectuses for more details.

To begin an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

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.

A range of colleges and universities offer courses and degrees in marine engineering. Always check a specialist source, for example Ucas.com for up-to-date information about courses and entry requirements. You can check directly with an institution to ensure that the course content suits your interests and requirements. The Marine Society College of the Sea offers seafarers a route to top up their HND or foundation degree to a full honours degree. Candidates can go on to achieve an MA or MSc.

Candidates can apply for financial support for study from The Marine Society.

Related careers

Maritime engineer
Maritime engineering technician
Merchant Navy deck officer
Merchant Navy electro-technical officer
Merchant Navy rating
Naval architect
Royal navy officer