Merchant Navy Engineer Officer

Also known as:

Engineering Officer, Merchant Navy
Navy Engineering Officer, Merchant Navy

Introduction

Merchant Navy engineer officers are responsible for all aspects of the running and maintenance of a ship's main propulsion machinery. They are also responsible for maintaining boilers, generators, mechanical equipment, a ship's technical instruments and safety equipment. Some, known as electro-technical officers, specialise in maintaining the computer-driven equipment.

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Work Activities

There are normally two main departments on board ship - deck and engine. However, there are also some opportunities in accommodation services/catering and communications.

Engineer officers are responsible for all aspects of the running and maintenance of the ship's main propulsion machinery and other equipment. This includes boilers, electrical power generation, mechanical equipment and a range of instrumentation.

Most of this equipment is electronically controlled or automated to varying degrees.

Officers control and monitor the performance of plant and machinery, carry out planned maintenance, diagnose and rectify faults, replace damaged parts, participate in some cargo operations, maintain safety equipment and supervise the work of engine-room ratings.

Some engineer officers specialise in maintaining and repairing ships' computer, communication and navigation systems. They are known as systems engineering officers or electro-technical officers.

Maintaining the cleanliness of communal accommodation and their own quarters may be shared by all crew members on board. On ships with small crews, everyone may take a turn cooking in the galley (kitchen).

Engineer officers mostly work indoors, sometimes in hot and dirty surroundings. They also take their turn working on deck, often in wet and stormy conditions. They spend long periods of time away from family and friends.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

A commitment to hard work is essential, together with leadership and management skills, and the flexibility to adapt to the challenge of developing technology.

You must be able to show initiative and self-reliance. You should be good at problem-solving and able to react quickly and calmly in the event of an emergency. You must be aware of, and alert to, the importance of health and safety issues.

Good communication and team working skills are highly important. The members of the crew generally come from a wide range of countries and will have varying degrees of knowledge of the English language.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salary rates for Merchant Navy officers vary with the company. While at sea, you would have free accommodation and food as well as some transport costs. On long voyages, you may have tax-free earnings.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Engineer officers can earn in the range of £20,000 - £25,000, rising to around £30,000 - £40,000 a year. Chief engineers can earn in excess of £65,000 a year, and some earn more.

Shift work is usual, with everyone taking regular turns on duty ("watches") during the whole period at sea. Ships operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. In between the spells at sea, shore leave can last for days or even weeks.

Merchant Navy personnel are civilian employees who work on a variety of ships of all sizes including:
• famous passenger and cruise liners
• container ships
• oil tankers
• cargo vessels
• passenger and freight ferries
• offshore research and support vessels.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), which supplies the needs of Royal Navy ships at sea, employs civilian Merchant Navy personnel.

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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.

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New Developments

People working in this occupation are involved with the Maritime sector.