Marine Engineer
Nature of the Work
A marine engineer designs, operates, maintains and repairs the mechanical systems of ships. A marine engineer may be involved in the design of the propulsion, auxiliary power machinery and other equipment needed to run the ship while working closely with the naval architect who designs the ship structure.

You may also be involved in project planning, management, quality assurance and control. Depending on your job, you may also be called upon to perform technical review of vendor quotations, co-ordinate production, manage operations and subcontractors.

Typical employers include:
• Offshore and marine engineering companies that build ships and /or repair and maintain ships
• Marine equipment suppliers
• Firms in the defence industry that design and build warships, submarines or related craft

Working Conditions
Working hours are usually normal office hours. You may be required to work overtime to meet deadlines. 

Qualification, Training and Advancement
Required:
• A diploma in marine engineering or marine and offshore technology, OR
• A bachelor’s degree in ocean/marine engineering.

However, those who possess a diploma or bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering can be trained on the job to pick up the specialized skills.

A typical career progression track for good performers can be:
Engineer -> Project Engineer -> Production Manager -> Marine Manager -> Senior Engineer

Other advancements or lateral movements include:
• Management positions
• Employment in the ancillary service industries as consultants, equipment service and commissioning engineers, lecturers, examiners and shipbrokers

Personal characteristics & Core competencies
You should possess the following key traits:
• Analytical
• Good planning and project management skills
• Good leadership skills to coordinate and manage large scale and complex projects

Job availability
Marine engineers are in demand due to increase in shipping trade activities globally, especially in the specialist fields of shipbuilding and ship operations.

Earnings
Starting pay for Diploma holders (after NS) is about $1,800.
Starting pay for Degree holders ranges from $2,400 to $2,900, depending on the class of degree.