Ship Engineer

Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Barge Engineer; Engineer; Ferry Engineer; Harbor Engineer; Port Engineer; Ship Engineer; Towboat Engineer; Tug Boat Engineer; Vessel Engineer

Tasks

• 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.
• Maintain or repair engines, electric motors, pumps, winches, or other mechanical or electrical equipment, or assist other crew members with maintenance or repair duties.
• Maintain complete records of engineering department activities, including machine operations.
• Operate or maintain off-loading liquid pumps or valves.
• Maintain electrical power, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, or sewerage systems.
• Install engine controls, propeller shafts, or propellers.
• Clean engine parts and keep engine rooms clean.
• Record orders for changes in ship speed or direction, and note gauge readings or test data, such as revolutions per minute or voltage output, in engineering logs or bellbooks.
• Order and receive engine room stores, such as oil or spare parts, maintain inventories, and record usage of supplies.
• Act as a liaison between a ship's captain and shore personnel to ensure that schedules and budgets are maintained and that the ship is operated safely and efficiently.

Knowledge

• Mechanical
• Engineering and Technology
• English Language
• Public Safety and Security
• Transportation
• Computers and Electronics
• Mathematics

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Speaking
• Active Learning
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing

Abilities

• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Written Comprehension
• Control Precision
• Near Vision
• Speech Clarity
• Speech Recognition
• Inductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Written Expression
• Category Flexibility
• Flexibility of Closure
• Visualization
• Selective Attention
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Manual Dexterity
• Finger Dexterity
• Multilimb Coordination
• Reaction Time
• Hearing Sensitivity
• Auditory Attention
• Fluency of Ideas
• Originality
• Perceptual Speed
• Time Sharing
• Response Orientation
• Rate Control
• Static Strength
• Trunk Strength
• Extent Flexibility
• Far Vision