Ship Engineer

Overview

Who is Ship Engineer?

Ship engineering is the field of engineering that is associated with the study, design, development, testing and application of components, equipment, devices and systems that are used at sea and on board sea vessels like passenger boats, sailboats, cruise ships, sub ships, or military battleships and aircraft carriers. A ship engineer or a marine engineer is responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of all mechanical and engineered equipment on board any vessel in a smooth, safe, efficient and an environment-friendly manner. Ship engineering courses aim to produce dynamic professionals who are proficient with the many engineering subjects, concepts, principles and practices such as propulsion mechanics, electricity and power generation system, lubrication, fuel systems, water distillation, lighting and air conditioning system. Aspirants are enabled to find ship engineering jobs from a wide range of options such as Hotels that incorporate sea vessels in their services, Government organizations, Shipping companies, Ship engineering firms, Boatbuilders, and many others. Besides, a ship engineering degree holder can also find budding field jobs as trainers and teachers at various institutions. It should be noted that life as a ship engineer can be challenging and demanding and not everyone can adjust to it as the role may require the individual to go on board ships for extended periods of time where the environment could be hostile and taxing. However, not all ship engineering jobs require rigorous sea voyage and can be done from an office. Apart from the formal academic education, aspirants must go through rigorous training and also clear additional exams to become a competent professional.   

Typical day at work

What does Ship Engineer do?

On a commercial, research, or military ship, a ship engineer supervises and directs the activities of a crew of technicians. Ship engineers manage, coordinate, and adjust the functioning of engines, pumps, propeller shafts, electrical equipment, and auxiliary equipment such as freezers and communication equipment. Crews responsible for maintaining and repairing technical equipment such as ship engines, pumps, electrical wiring, communication systems, and refrigeration equipment are known as ship engineers. These employees are also in charge of compiling detailed reports on the ship's current technical condition and seeking any required repairs in neighbouring ports. Ship engineers also serve as liaisons between the captain and technical personnel and the ship's leadership. Any failure can cause unnecessary delays or even dangerous circumstances, it is the responsibility of the ship engineer to promptly identify the source of the problem and perform the required repairs.

The role of a ship engineer depends on the educational background, experience, skill sets and area of specialization. Generally,  it comprises of the following tasks:

• Design new models and create blueprints using computer-aided design software
• Test, construct and supervise prototypes
• Experiment with different types of fuels, fuel systems and equipment
• Optimize the operational flow of processes
• Conduct simulated efficiency tests
• Deal with major maintenance and breakdown of machinery systems at sea
• Handle the transfer of fuel oil to the ship from a bunker station
• Keep a proper record of the maintenance system for official paperwork

Abilities & aptitude needed

What are the skills, abilities & aptitude needed to become Ship Engineer?

A ship engineer must have certain requisite skills and inclinations along with a relevant educational background in order to excel in the field. Ship engineers must have a passion for tools, machines and technology, have leadership skills, team working skills, the ability to work well under pressure, great communication skills and a sharp, analytic mind along with problem-solving skills. The role of a ship engineer requires aspirants to, be thrifty, adaptable to uncomfortable conditions, practical, methodical and independent. 

Courses

Which course I can pursue?