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Marine Engineer

Mataaro Kaipuke

Marine engineers operate, service and repair engines, and mechanical and electronic equipment on ships and boats.

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Secondary education

No specific secondary education is required for this job, but maths, physics and technology to at least NCEA Level 2 are useful. 

Study fields

Study levels

  • Certificate

Useful experience

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.

What you will do

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.

Skills and knowledge

Marine engineers need to have knowledge of:

  • mechanical engineering
  • pneumatic and hydraulic machinery (operated with pressure caused by air or liquids)
  • how to operate and fix electronic and electrical equipment
  • safety regulations and procedures
  • firefighting, first aid and survival skills
  • home and foreign port regulations.
Pay

New marine engineers usually earn

$65K-$80K

per year

Experienced marine engineers usually earn

$80K-$184K

per year

Job opportunities
Poor
Chances of getting a job as a marine engineer are poor due to a lack of demand for their services.
Length of training
1-3
years of training required.

Industry

Maintenance and Repair

Marine engineers operate, service and repair engines, and mechanical and electronic equipment on ships and boats.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

To become a marine engineer, you need to have an appropriate Marine Engineer Class Certificate of Competency. This includes:

  • at least 200 hours at sea
  • engineering training approved by Maritime New Zealand
  • a medical certificate
  • an eyesight test 
  • being able to prove you are of good character, including a New Zealand Police Vet Check.

Certificates of Competency start at Marine Engineer Class 6 (Level 4) for the smallest vessels.

Classes 6, 5 and 4 are for work within New Zealand. 

Classes 3, 2 and 1 are for international work. 

If you have a National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 4) or equivalent, this can reduce your qualifying time to become a Marine Engineer Class 3, 4 or 5.

The Royal New Zealand Navy also offers training for marine engineers.

Chances of getting a job

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.

Find out more about training

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

Progression and specialisations

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.

Working conditions

Marine engineers:

  • usually work shifts and can be on call
  • work on ships – often in engine rooms – in dry docks or at sea
  • work in all weather conditions, and in conditions that can be hot and noisy
  • may travel within New Zealand waters or overseas.

Physical Requirements

Marine engineers need:

  • to be reasonably fit and healthy because they may have to work at heights or in confined spaces, and lift heavy objects
  • good eyesight (with or without corrective lenses)
  • normal colour vision.

Useful personal qualities

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.

Industry

Maintenance and Repair

Marine engineers operate, service and repair engines, and mechanical and electronic equipment on ships and boats.

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