Work activities

Entry requirements

Entry requirements to become a marine engineer differ depending on whether you wish to work on:

• fishing vessels
• merchant navy ships, such as cargo boats, cruise liners and super yachts
• vessels that work in restricted waters, such as harbour tugs and ferries
• on shore – working on vessels when they are in dry dock.

To get a Marine Engineer (Class 6) certificate you must:

• be aged over 18 years
• prove you have worked at sea for at least the minimum time required, which varies depending on your previous training and qualifications
• hold a current first-aid certificate
• pass police and medical checks
• supply work and character references.

To work as a marine engineer, you need a detailed technical knowledge of naval construction, and mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering systems. Depending on the industry you work in, your duties could include:

• shipbuilding, boat-building and repair – working on the design, development, construction and maintenance of ships, boats and machinery
• working in the leisure boat industry, which is strong in the UK, manufacturing, maintaining or repairing a range of craft from canal barges to super yachts
• offshore oil and gas – designing, building and operating offshore platforms, rigs, pipelines and equipment
• marine surveying – examining ships and offshore installations, looking at their seaworthiness, safety and maintenance needs
• Merchant or Royal Navy – making sure engines, instruments and systems work safely and efficiently (in the Royal Navy you can specialise in surface shipping, submarines or weapons systems).

You would normally be responsible for managing a team of marine technicians and craftspeople.