Ship duty engineer
Also known as: maritime engineering officer, duty engineer on a ship, ship engineering officer, maritime duty engineer
About this occupation
Ship duty engineers share responsibility for most of the content of the ship's hull. They ensure operation of the main engines, steering mechanism, electrical generation and other major subsystems. They communicate with the ship chief engineer to perform technical operations.
Essential skills and knowledge
- evaluate engine performance
- maintain vessel engine room
- inspect engine rooms
- unmoor vessels
- ship hull engineering
- manage safety standards for maritime water transport
- apply vessel engine regulations
- manage second level engines
- operate diesel propulsion plants
- moor vessels
- perform bunkering
- perform routine maintenance of ship engines
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Ship Engineers (O*NET 53-5031.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Monitor engine, machinery, or equipment indicators when vessels are underway, and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff.
- Monitor the availability, use, or condition of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure that international regulations are followed.
- Monitor and test operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified.
- Start engines to propel ships, and regulate engines and power transmissions to control speeds of ships, according to directions from captains or bridge computers.
- Perform or participate in emergency drills, as required.
- Perform general marine vessel maintenance or repair work, such as repairing leaks, finishing interiors, refueling, or maintaining decks.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Enterprising
Top skills: Critical Thinking, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repairing
US median pay: US$109,530 a year (2025), 8,400 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalExtremely important (4.5)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.5)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.3)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
- Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
- Sailors and Marine Oilers
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Locomotive Engineers
- Avionics Technicians
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.