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Useful experience for marine engineers includes:

• other engineering work
• work with pneumatic or hydraulic machinery (operated with air or liquid pressure)
• welding, electrical or electronics work
• time at sea.

Marine engineers may do some or all of the following:

• diagnose engine and machinery problems, and carry out maintenance and repairs
• order and receive fuel and lubricating oils and spare parts
• perform specialised fabrication, maintenance and diagnostics or electrical-fitting tasks
• check, test and maintain automatic controls and alarm systems.

Marine engineers at sea may also:

• have charge of engines and mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment on board the ship
• keep ships moving at required speeds according to orders from the captain or computers on the bridge
• maintain services to electrical power, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water and sewerage systems
• supervise other engineers and crew members, and be responsible for training them in routine and emergency duties.

Marine engineers are in low demand due to:

• reduced international trade in products such as coal, oil and logs
• weak growth in commercial fishing in New Zealand.

There are better chances for marine engineers on international cruise ships and superyachts due to an increase in passenger numbers.

According to the Census, 1,374 marine engineers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Longer term outlook for marine engineers is positive

Marine engineers are predicted to be in demand in the longer term due to:

• high turnover due to long periods at sea, which creates demand for new staff
• the expected increases in international trade, and in cruise ship and superyacht voyages.

However, this role can be affected by economic conditions. A downturn in trade, fishing or leisure travel can lower demand for marine engineers.

Types of employers varied

Employers of marine engineers include:

• shore-based marine engineering companies
• fishing companies
• coastal shipping companies
• oil and gas industry companies
• cruise ship companies
• superyacht owners
• Royal New Zealand Navy.

Aviation and Marine Engineers Association (AMEA)

(09) 358 0050 - union@amea.co.nz - www.amea.co.nz

Maritime New Zealand

0508 22 55 22 - enquiries@maritimenz.govt.nz - www.maritimenz.govt.nz

Marine engineers can progress to work on larger and more complex vessels, move into engineering work in other industries, or move into roles such as ship's surveyor.

Marine engineers work in a range of settings including:

• fishing vessels ranging from small inshore fishing boats to large factory trawlers
• the merchant navy – commercial ships, including cargo ships, cruise liners and superyachts, but excluding fishing boats.
• in restricted waters, such as harbours, on harbour tugs and ferries, charter launches or small cargo ships.

Marine electro-technical officers maintain and repair all electrical and electronic equipment, systems, installations and machinery on board, including all communications and electronic navigation aids.

Marine engineers need to be:

• responsible
• practical, methodical and adaptable
• accurate, with an eye for detail
• excellent problem-solvers
• confident decision-makers who remain calm in emergencies
• good communicators
• good at maths and physics.