Maritime Engineering Technician

Also known as:

Engineering Technician, Marine
Ship Engineering Technician
Marine Engineering Technician

Introduction

Maritime engineering technicians support the work of maritime engineers in three main areas: offshore engineering, marine engineering and on-shore industries such as shipbuilding and ship repair.

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Work Activities

In offshore engineering, maritime engineering technicians may work as support maintenance staff, responsible for maintaining the complex equipment used on oil and gas wells. The cost of oil and gas production is very high, so it is essential that faulty machinery does not interrupt production. Some engineering technicians lead the teams of technicians and mechanics who service and maintain the equipment and make emergency repairs.

Maritime technicians may also help to construct and commission fixed and mobile oil platforms and their systems, helping engineers to reach solutions to the problems posed by wind, waves, currents and the nature of the seabed.

In marine engineering, technicians help to construct and operate a vessel's engines and associated mechanical and electrical equipment and systems. Seagoing engineering technicians work on a wide variety of vessels, including cargo ships, passenger liners, pipelaying vessels, warships and submarines.

In the Royal Navy, marine engineering technicians can work on aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, assault ships, mine-counter vessels and submarines anywhere in the world. They are highly skilled, understanding the very complex mechanical, hydraulic, electronic and electrical equipment used by the navy. Some marine engineering technicians lead teams of technicians and mechanics.

In the Merchant Navy, maritime engineering technicians help engineers to operate and maintain ships' engines and associated mechanical and electrical systems. They also help to manage electrical and electronic systems, for example on-board services like passenger lifts, refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

In shore-based industries, some engineering technicians work in shipyards, supervising craft workers. They organise craft workers' schedules, solve any problems that come up and give advice on how to do particular tasks.

They may also be involved in quality control and assurance, checking standards throughout the construction process. Alternatively, they may work in design offices, supporting design engineers, for example, by providing information, revising technical drawings or maintaining computer software.

Engineering technicians who work at sea or offshore spend relatively long periods away from home.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must have strong technical and practical skills. You will also need an inquiring, analytical mind. Engineering technicians must have the ability to solve problems by combining a logical approach with creativity, imagination and an open mind.

You should be able to understand and interpret technical plans and drawings and you must be willing to keep up-to-date with advances in technology.

You need good communication and interpersonal skills to work closely with craft workers, other engineering technicians, engineers and specialists from many different areas. Teamwork is especially important if you are at sea. For some areas of work you must be prepared to travel and spend long periods away from home.

Maritime engineering technicians may lead teams of craft workers or technicians, so you need leadership skills.

You will need strong computer skills to work with a wide range of sophisticated information technology. You need an awareness of health and safety issues.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries vary, depending on the company, role and level of responsibility.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Maritime engineering technicians earn in the range of £18,500 - £23,500 a year, rising to £28,000 - £32,500. Higher earners can make around £33,500 a year.

Most shore-based maritime engineering technicians work 35-40 hours, Monday to Friday. Early starts, late finishes, and some weekend work may be required. Some technicians may have to work shifts.

Sea-going engineering technicians in the Merchant Navy, Royal Navy or in the offshore industries are likely to work shifts as ships and offshore installations operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.

Employers throughout the UK are firms involved in shipbuilding and ship repair, for example, shipyards, repair yards, manufacturers and suppliers of marine equipment.

Employers in the offshore industry (home and abroad) include major oil and gas companies and service or supply companies.

There are also opportunities with the Merchant Navy and the Royal Navy.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

However, the Royal Navy has an upper age limit of 36 years to enter as a marine engineering technician.

No specific academic qualifications are required for most maritime engineering trainee posts, though applicants usually have to sit an entrance test and interview.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy.