The Marine Engineers are responsible for smooth and efficient operation of the ship. The maintenance of main engine and the auxiliary engines comes under their responsibility. They are also responsible for the maintenance of all electrical and refrigeration machinery and any engineering installations on board the ship. The Chief Engineer is the overall head of the engine room. He supervises the work of the engine room and is assisted by a team engineers.

Chief Engineer
The Chief Engineer is in charge of the engineering department and is responsible for working of all equipment onboard be it electrical, mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic. He is also responsible for certain machinery on deck like windlass and winches, cranes, derrick winches, gantry cranes etc. He ensures that the machinery plant of the ship is kept in readiness when required. He also ensures all electrical power and other machinery are available for use as required. He is in charge of main engine and auxiliary engine operations, maintenance of all machinery and equipment, training matters connected with the engine crew, ensuring safety culture is maintained in routine activities and ensuring that potential for bunker and waste oil pollution is minimized at all times. He maintains the documents of the working of the machinery as well as the repairs carried out. He also logs the fuel consumption and requirements.

Second Engineer
The Second engineer is the executive officer for the engine department. He carries out Chief Engineer's instruction for running and operation of the engine department. He is also responsible for discipline in the engine department. If required he keeps watch as instructed by Chief Engineer. He is responsible for the maintenance of lubricating systems, engine room auxiliaries and electrical equipments.

Third Engineer
The Third Engineer assists the second engineer as required by the second engineer. He also keeps watch in the engine room as required by the chief engineer. He also carries out maintenance of assigned machinery systems as per the Planned Management system. He is responsible for the fuel and water availability on board the ship and responsible for logging their consumptions. He supervises the tank sounding and monitors the boiler room equipment.

Fourth Engineer
The Fourth Engineer assists the third engineer for the maintenance of the machineries. He is responsible for the operation and maintenance of engine room auxiliaries. He keeps watching according to his scheduled time.

Trainee Engineer
Trainee Engineers are given training to get familiarized with ship parts and their maintenance. The second engineer is responsible for giving proper training for the trainee engineer. He keeps watch according to his scheduled time.

Career Path

As a Trainee Engineer, you should have a sailing experience of at least 6 months. During this time you will be paid with a salary starting from 750 USD which can vary according to company standards. After completing the term as a trainee engineer, you are eligible to appear for MEO Class IV examination. This exam contains Part A and Part B. Cadets completing their marine engineering from the colleges which are exempted from part A exam are not required to attend MEO Class IV Part A exam. After passing Part B exam and Orals conducted by MMD India, you can work onboard as a Class IV engineer. Before that you have to complete 3 advanced safety training course in Advanced Fire Fighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Craft and Medical First Aid. As a 4th engineer you can earn up to about 3000 to 4000 USD. After 12 months of sailing experience you will be promoted as a 3rd engineer. As a 3rd engineer, you have to sail for 18 months before appearing for MEO class II exam and Orals. After passing this exam you can sail as a 2nd engineer and can up to 5000 USD. After obtaining 18 months onboard experience as a 2nd engineer, you can appear for MEO Class 1 exam. After passing this exam you can sail as a Chief Engineer and can earn up to 7000 USD.

To know more on Marine Engineering:

Marine Engineering Colleges

Qualification Required and Life at Sea

Nautical Science: Duties of Deck Officers

Merchant Navy

Merchant Navy: Duties of a Marine Engineer

Career Path

To know more on Marine Engineering:

Marine Engineering Colleges

Qualification Required and Life at Sea

Nautical Science: Duties of Deck Officers

Merchant Navy