Marine engineers design, build, convert, test and maintain boats and ships, underwater craft (ROVs –  remotely operated vehicles), and offshore platforms, plant and equipment. In addition, engineers are normally responsible for managing a team of marine technicians. See the profile for Marine Technician.

The work involves a detailed technical knowledge of naval construction, and mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering systems.

Marine engineers work in a variety of sectors:

• Shipbuilding, boatbuilding and repair – working in design, development, construction and maintenance of ships, boats and associated machinery
• Offshore oil and gas industry – working in the design, construction, modification and operation of offshore platforms, rigs, pipelines and equipment
• Marine surveying – inspection of ships and offshore installations and plant, examining their design, construction, seaworthiness, safety and maintenance requirements
• Merchant Navy and Royal Navy – working as a marine engineering officer ensuring machinery, instruments and systems work safely and efficiently - in the Royal Navy engineers can specialise in surface ships, submarines or weapons systems.

Experienced marine engineers usually hold incorporated or chartered status.

Chartered engineers are normally involved at a strategic planning level, researching and developing new designs, innovations and more efficient processes for the application of new and existing technologies within their chosen engineering specialism. They are often project leaders and are responsible for teams of incorporated engineers and technicians.

Incorporated engineers specialise in managing the process of applying current engineering solutions in the most cost-effective manner. They have a detailed knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, and have the skills and know-how to put plans into practice. They often hold key operational management roles.

Hours and Environment

Marine engineers often work flexible hours, which may include shiftwork and weekends.

Marine engineers can work away from home for long periods, on ships, submarines or offshore installations. Jobs in design or construction are shore-based. Outdoor work can sometimes be very physically demanding.

Skills and Interests

To be a marine engineer, you should:

• have strong analytical skills and an innovative approach to problem solving
• have excellent mathematical and IT skills
• have strong communication and negotiating skills
• have an excellent technical knowledge with computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) skills
• be able to prioritise and plan effectively
• be able to work within budgetary constraints
• be willing to keep up to date with new developments
• be able to manage a team
• be aware of health and safety procedures
• be willing to travel and be able to work at sea for extended periods.

Diving skills will be required for some underwater work.

Entry

Entry is usually with a first degree or Edexcel (BTEC) HNC/HND in:

• marine engineering
• marine technology
• naval architecture
• offshore engineering
• general engineering.

The Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEST) has details of relevant courses on its website in Further Information.

For a degree course you will need at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) and two or three A levels/three or four H grades, normally including maths and a science subject, or equivalent qualifications such as vocational A levels. If you do not have the necessary background in science and maths, you can take a one-year foundation course as an alternative.

An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

For information about marine engineering as a career, see IMarEST and British Marine Federation websites in Further Information.

There are also openings in the Merchant Navy and Royal Navy combining training with sea service, which can eventually lead to artificer (engineer) status. The Merchant Navy Training Board website has a list of shipping companies you can contact for details of opportunities. For details about entry to the navy, see their website in Further Information.

For more general information about engineering careers contact SEMTA and Women into Science and Engineering. In addition, the Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) has careers information and a course database for local colleges. See their websites in Further Information.

Training

Training is normally on the job. Graduate apprenticeship schemes are available for those holding a first degree.

Across the engineering sector, gaining professional status is a highly recommended way of enhancing career prospects. You can do this by registering with a relevant professional engineering institution and applying for incorporated or chartered engineer status with the Engineering Council. For details, see the Engineering Council website in Further Information.

To qualify as an incorporated marine engineer you should:

• have an accredited engineering degree or equivalent qualification, or BTEC HNC/HND plus further learning equivalent to one year of study -this includes work based study
• complete a period of Initial Professional Development including practical training and professional engineering experience
• pass a professional review
• gain membership of an appropriate professional body.

To qualify as a chartered marine engineer you must:

• have an accredited MEng degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant engineering subject
• complete a period of Initial Professional Development which includes formal and informal training and professional engineering experience
• pass a professional review
• gain membership of an appropriate professional body.

Engineers seeking incorporated or chartered status will be assessed against UK-SPEC (UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence). This replaced SARTOR (Standards And Routes TO Registration) on 1st March 2004. These new standards have been developed by professional bodies, employers and the Engineering Council (UK) reinforcing the need to prove professional competence within the job but also taking wider account of recent developments in UK qualifications, such as foundation degrees and work-based training, to satisfy the academic requirements of registration.

For more information about UK-SPEC see the website in Further Information.

Opportunities

There are opportunities for marine engineers in:

• offshore oil and gas installations
• the Merchant Navy
• the Royal Navy
• plant and equipment manufacturers
• shipping companies
• shipbuilding, boatbuilding and repair yards.

With relevant skills and experience, engineers can specialise in project management, research and development or consultancy. There are opportunities overseas for experienced marine engineers.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Graduates start at around £20,000 a year.
Experienced marine engineers earn between £28,000 and £37,000.
Senior engineers can earn over £40,000 a year.

Further information

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