Careers · Explore one path
Ship Engineers
Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
Other titles employers use
Barge Engineer · Engineer · Ferry Engineer · Harbor Engineer · Port Engineer · Ship Engineer · Towboat Engineer · Tug Boat Engineer
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical, organizing and persuading work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Persuading
- Leading, selling, starting projects, or making a case
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
Subjects to know
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
Useful strengths
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.8 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 3.3 | Up and down through the day |
| Talking face to face | 4.5 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.2 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a postsecondary certificate. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 51%
- A certificate or some college 30%
- A master's degree 11%
- A four-year degree 8%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Data base user interface and query software
- Operating system software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Electronic mail software
- Presentation software
- Project management software
- Word processing software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 1,200
- Job openings each year
- 130
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 13.2%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 1,200 | 130 | 13.2% |
| Washington | 940 | 120 | 11.9% |
| Louisiana | 820 | 90 | 2.5% |
| Texas | 490 | 50 | 6.5% |
| Alaska | 230 | 30 | 9.5% |
| Georgia | 200 | 20 | 17.6% |
| Tennessee | 180 | 20 | — |
| Indiana | 160 | 20 | −11.1% |
| South Carolina | 100 | 10 | 11.1% |
| Maryland | 90 | 10 | — |
| North Carolina | 80 | 10 | — |
| Oregon | 80 | 10 | — |
| Ohio | 20 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
United States Merchant Marine Academy
- Degrees each year
- 105
- Admit rate
- 32%
- Annual cost after aid
- —
SUNY Maritime College
- Degrees each year
- 81
- Admit rate
- 79%
- Annual cost after aid
- —
Texas A & M University-College Station
- Degrees each year
- 55
- Admit rate
- 63%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
California State University Maritime Academy
- Degrees each year
- 53
- Admit rate
- 99%
- Annual cost after aid
- —
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
- Degrees each year
- 47
- Admit rate
- 95%
- Annual cost after aid
- $16,000
Maine Maritime Academy
- Degrees each year
- 32
- Admit rate
- 61%
- Annual cost after aid
- —