Ship Engineer

Your Fit

Income

$78K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

1.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Ship Engineer?

A Ship Engineer is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of all mechanical and electrical equipment onboard a ship. This role includes overseeing the engine room, ensuring the functionality of all systems, and adhering to safety and environmental regulations.

Sample job titles:

Engineer, Ferry Engineer, Port Engineer, Tug Boat Engineer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Ship Engineer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Ship Engineer earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Ship Engineer.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$52K per year	$62K per year	$78K per year	$98K per year	$122K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $13K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Ship Engineer do?

Work environment

Ship Engineers work on various types of vessels, including cargo ships, cruise ships, and military vessels. The environment is typically the engine room and other technical areas of a ship. Working conditions can be noisy, hot, and sometimes confined. Engineers often work long shifts, which can include nights and weekends, and spend extended periods at sea.

Quick task list

Operates and maintains ship propulsion and electrical systems.
Supervises engine room crew and coordinates maintenance activities.
Ensures compliance with environmental, safety, and maritime regulations.
Diagnoses and repairs mechanical and electrical malfunctions.
Keeps detailed records of operations, maintenance, and repairs.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Main Propulsion Engineer: Specializing in the maintenance and operation of the ship's main engine and propulsion system.
Electrical Systems Engineer: Focusing on the ship's electrical systems, including power generation and distribution.
Environmental Systems Engineer: Managing systems related to environmental control, such as sewage and waste.
Refrigeration Engineer: Specializing in refrigeration and climate control systems aboard ships.
Safety and Compliance Engineer: Ensuring the ship meets all safety and regulatory standards.

Description

A career as a Ship Engineer is both challenging and rewarding, requiring a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and leadership. Ship Engineers must have a thorough understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, as well as the ability to diagnose and fix problems quickly to prevent interruptions in the ship's operations. They play a crucial role in ensuring the ship's journey is safe and efficient.

Effective communication and leadership skills are essential, as Ship Engineers often manage a team of technicians and other engineering staff. They must coordinate daily maintenance tasks and handle any emergencies that arise. Additionally, staying up-to-date with the latest maritime technologies and regulations is crucial for success in this field.

The job requires a commitment to safety and environmental stewardship. Ship Engineers must ensure that the vessel operates within all regulatory requirements and environmental standards, making decisions that can impact both crew safety and environmental protection.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The responsibility and challenge of keeping a large vessel operational.
Opportunities to travel and experience life at sea.
The satisfaction of solving complex technical problems.
Leading and working as part of a diverse team.

You might make a good Ship Engineer if you are...

Passionate about maritime engineering and mechanical systems.
Skilled in problem-solving and critical thinking.
Able to lead a team and communicate effectively.
Adaptable to living and working in confined spaces for extended periods.
Committed to safety and environmental standards.

Pros:

Rewarding and high-responsibility role in the maritime industry.
Opportunities for travel and unique sea experiences.
Good prospects for career growth and advancement.

Cons:

Long periods away from home and family.
Potentially challenging working conditions in confined and noisy environments.
High-stress situations, particularly in emergencies or equipment failures.

How to become a Ship Engineer

Typical education

Ship Engineers in Canada typically complete a marine engineering diploma or degree program approved by Transport Canada, followed by structured sea service and a series of certification exams. Engineers progress through Transport Canada certificates of competency (such as Fourth-Class, Third-Class, and higher). While some hold bachelor's degrees, many qualify through college-level programs combined with mandatory sea time and licensing.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics and physics for understanding engineering principles.
Technical and vocational courses in mechanics or electrical systems.
Computer science for modern ship systems and technology.
Physical education to build stamina for demanding work conditions.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Join robotics, engineering, or maritime clubs.
Participate in team sports to develop teamwork skills.
Volunteer or intern in maritime or mechanical fields.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in a marine engineering technology diploma or degree program approved by Transport Canada, often offered through maritime colleges or institutes.
Complete required sea time as a cadet or junior engineer as part of training.
Obtain Transport Canada marine engineering certificates of competency, progressing through levels (e.g., Fourth-Class Engineer and higher).
Gain practical experience through entry-level shipboard positions under the supervision of licensed marine engineers.

More resources

Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) - Resources and information for marine engineers and naval architects.
Maritime Administration (MARAD) - U.S. Department of Transportation's agency for maritime affairs.
International Maritime Organization (IMO) - United Nations agency for maritime safety and security, providing global standards.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.