Fisheries assistant engineer
Also known as: fisheries engineer's assistant, fishing vessel assistant engineer, assistant naval mechanic, assistant ship mechanic
About this occupation
Fisheries assistant engineers assist the marine chief engineer with checking operations and maintenance of the propulsion plant, machinery and auxiliary equipment of the ship. They collaborate on security, survival and health care on board, observing the national and international standards of application.
Essential skills and knowledge
- Prevent sea pollution
- use maritime English
- manage ship emergency plans
- risks associated with undertaking fishing operations
- pollution prevention
- international regulations for preventing collisions at sea
- survive at sea in the event of ship abandonment
- extinguish fires
- International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
- operate ship propulsion system
- fisheries legislation
- coordinate fire fighting
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians (O*NET 49-3051.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Start motors and monitor performance for signs of malfunctioning, such as smoke, excessive vibration, or misfiring.
- Document inspection and test results and work performed or to be performed.
- Mount motors to boats, and operate boats at various speeds on waterways to conduct operational tests.
- Repair engine mechanical equipment, such as power tilts, bilge pumps, or power take-offs.
- Perform routine engine maintenance on motorboats, such as changing oil and filters.
- Replace parts, such as gears, magneto points, piston rings, or spark plugs, and reassemble engines.
- Typical education (US)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Repairing, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$57,550 a year (2025), 23,220 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 (4.8)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.5)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.5)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.3)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.1)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.0)
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)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- 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.
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
- Motorcycle Mechanics
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
- Ship Engineers
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.