According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Start engines to propel ships, and regulate engines and power transmissions to control speeds of ships, according to directions from captains or bridge computers. | 88% |
| Maintain or repair engines, electric motors, pumps, winches, or other mechanical or electrical equipment, or assist other crew members with maintenance or repair duties. | 87% |
| Perform or participate in emergency drills, as required. | 86% |
| Monitor engine, machinery, or equipment indicators when vessels are underway, and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff. | 86% |
| Maintain complete records of engineering department activities, including machine operations. | 85% |
| Perform general marine vessel maintenance or repair work, such as repairing leaks, finishing interiors, refueling, or maintaining decks. | 84% |
| Maintain electrical power, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, or sewerage systems. | 84% |
| Monitor and test operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified. | 84% |
| Monitor the availability, use, or condition of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure that international regulations are followed. | 83% |
| Install engine controls, propeller shafts, or propellers. | 81% |
| Record orders for changes in ship speed or direction, and note gauge readings or test data, such as revolutions per minute or voltage output, in engineering logs or bellbooks. | 81% |
| Clean engine parts and keep engine rooms clean. | 80% |
| Operate or maintain off-loading liquid pumps or valves. | 80% |
| Supervise marine engine technicians engaged in the maintenance or repair of mechanical or electrical marine vessels, and inspect their work to ensure that it is performed properly. | 79% |
| Order and receive engine room stores, such as oil or spare parts, maintain inventories, and record usage of supplies. | 78% |
| Fabricate engine replacement parts, such as valves, stay rods, or bolts, using metalworking machinery. | 75% |
| Act as a liaison between a ship's captain and shore personnel to ensure that schedules and budgets are maintained and that the ship is operated safely and efficiently. | 74% |
