Ranks & Positions in the Engine Department of a Cargo Ship

09 February 2023

The Engine Department is like the beating heart of a cargo ship, responsible for keeping everything running smoothly. These skilled professionals know everything there is to know about the ship's engines and other mechanical systems. From propulsion to power generation, the Engine Department works hard to keep the ship on course and on time. But what exactly goes on in the Engine Department? Let's take a closer look at the different positions available.

Interested in a different department? Read our articles about the positions available in the Deck and Galley departments of a cargo ship.

Chief Engineer

The Chief Engineer is the captain of the Engine Department. They're the ones who ensure that everything is running smoothly and safely. They're ultimately responsible for managing the ship's machinery and equipment, which includes the engines, generators, and other mechanical and electrical systems.

To do this, the Chief Engineer works closely with the engineering crew to make sure that everyone is on the same page. They manage the supply and distribution of fuel and lubricants and ensure that all safety and environmental regulations are being followed. The Chief Engineer's expertise is critical to the success of the voyage, and they work closely with the deck department to ensure that the whole ship is running like a well-oiled machine.

Requirements: Certificate of Competency as Chief Engineer, in-depth technical expertise, and leadership skills.
Responsibilities: Manage the safe and efficient operation of the ship's machinery and equipment, oversee the work of the engineering crew, manage fuel and lubricant supply, ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Day-to-day: Manage all engine paperwork, maintain engine logbook and oil record book, supervise engineering crew, oversee machinery maintenance and repair, liaise with other departments on board and with shore-based personnel.
Challenges: Managing a complex and sophisticated machinery system, ensuring compliance with regulations and safety standards, responding to emergency situations.
Salary Range: $8,000 - $15,000+ per month, depending on the ship and company.

NOTE: For more accurate salary information, check out our article on Seafarer Salaries.

Second Engineer

The Second Engineer is the general manager of the engine room. They work in the Engine Room with the rest of the crew to make sure that the ship's engines and equipment are running smoothly and efficiently. The Second Engineer is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and repair of the ship's engines, including the propulsion and auxiliary systems, as well as the electrical and hydraulic systems. This means that they have to be quick thinkers and problem solvers, especially in emergency situations. Of course, safety and compliance with regulations are always a top priority.

In addition to their technical responsibilities, the Second Engineer also plays an important role in training and managing the engine crew. They're like the coach of the team, making sure that everyone is working together and following the game plan. Working closely with the Chief Engineer and the rest of the Engine Department, the Second Engineer often has the heaviest workload of all on a cargo ship.

Requirements: Certificate of Competency as Second Engineer, at least a year of experience as Engineer Officer of the Watch (usually more).
Responsibilities: Oversee maintenance and repair of ship's engines, propulsion and auxiliary systems, electrical and hydraulic systems, ensure safety of ship and crew, make quick decisions in emergencies, manage and train the engine crew.
Day-to-day: Supervising maintenance and repairs, operating machinery, training and managing engine crew, communicating with other officers and shore-based personnel.
Challenges: Managing and delegating tasks to engine crew, making quick and effective decisions in emergency situations, ensuring compliance with regulations and safety standards.
Salary Range: $7,000 - $11,000 per month, depending on ship-type.

3rd/4th Engineer (Engineer Officer of the Watch)

The Third/Fourth Engineer are usually watchkeeping engineers. They may not be in the top positions, but they are the first line of defence when something goes wrong. The Third/Fourth Engineer works closely with the rest of the engineering department, including the Second Engineer, to monitor and maintain the ship's engines, machinery, and equipment. They're responsible for performing routine maintenance tasks and troubleshooting any issues that may arise. On older ships with continuously manned engine rooms, they work on a 4 on 8 off rotation with at least 4 hours of overtime 6 days a week. On newer ships that are approved for unmanned machinery spaces (UMS), they work regular hours at sea while being on call for any alarms after work. They also play an important role in implementing the ship's safety and environmental protection policies and procedures. As they gain experience, Third/Fourth Engineers may have the opportunity to advance to higher positions within the engineering department.

Requirements: Degree or diploma in marine engineering, STCW Engineer Officer of the Watch Certification.
Responsibilities: Watchkeeping, maintenance, repair and operation of ship's engines and machinery, monitoring engine and machinery systems, troubleshooting issues.
Day-to-day: Performing routine maintenance tasks, monitoring engine and machinery systems, working closely with the Second Engineer and other members of the engineering department.
Challenges: Working long hours and dealing with emergency situations in the engine room, managing time and workload effectively. The heavy manual labour combined with watchkeeping is often very tiring.
Salary Range: $2,500 to $7,000 per month, depending on experience and company.

ETO (Electro-Technical Officer) / Electrician

The Electro-Technical Officer, or the Electrician as they're sometimes called, is like the wizard of the Engine Department. The ETO is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and operating the ship's electrical systems. This includes everything from power generation and distribution to communication and navigation systems. It's a difficult job, and the ETO is often up for a challenge. Working closely with the Chief Engineer, they must have a strong technical background in electrical engineering and knowledge of computer systems and software. But more than that, they have to be quick thinkers and creative problem solvers, particularly during emergency situations. The ETO plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the ship, crew, and cargo.

Requirements: Certificate of Competency as Electro-Technical Officer or ETO license, technical education in electrical engineering or related field, knowledge of computer systems and software.
Responsibilities: Maintaining and repairing the ship's electrical systems, including power generation, distribution, and control systems, and communication and navigation systems.
Day-to-day: Carrying out maintenance and repairs on electrical equipment, testing and calibrating systems, managing power generation and distribution, troubleshooting technical issues. No shift work, fairly regular hours compared to other engineers.
Challenges: Working in confined spaces or heights, managing complex and interconnected electrical systems, working well under pressure during emergency situations, very often being the only person onboard with the knowledge to solve an urgent problem, limited career progression.
Salary Range: $4,000 to $9,000 per month, depending on experience and company.

NOTE: The role of the ETO has become increasingly complex and important in recent years, with the growing reliance on technology and automation in the maritime industry. As ships become more automated and interconnected, the ETO's role in maintaining and repairing electrical systems is critical to the safe and efficient operation of the vessel. This position provides an excellent opportunity for individuals with a background in electrical engineering to gain valuable experience in the maritime industry. By working closely with the Chief Engineer and other members of the engineering team, the ETO can play a key role in the success of the voyage and the safety of the ship and crew.

Engine Cadet

Engine Cadets are new to the game, but must be ready to learn and work hard. As an entry-level position, the Engine Cadet assists the engineers with the operation and maintenance of the ship's engines and machinery. They play a crucial role in the training and development of future maritime professionals, which is a pretty big deal. They're most often enrolled in a cadet training program that requires multiple periods of onboard training along with the standard classroom studies and examinations.

To be a successful Engine Cadet, you have to be willing to learn, work hard, and take on new challenges. As they gain experience and demonstrate their skills, Engine Cadets will have the opportunity to advance to 4th Engineer (or sometimes directly to 3rd Engineer).

Requirements: Enrolled in a cadet training program. Willingness to learn, work hard, and take on new challenges.
Responsibilities: Assisting engineers with engine and machinery operations and maintenance.
Day-to-day: Working closely with the engine department and may have a combination of onboard training and classroom studies.
Challenges: Learning and adapting to the demands of life at sea and balancing onboard training with classroom studies.
Salary Range: $500 to $3,000 per month, depending on the company.

Oiler / Motorman

The Oiler, or Motorman, is the grease monkey of the Engine Department. They're the unsung heroes of the ship's engine room, always working behind the scenes to make sure everything is in good working order. The Oiler is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the ship's engines, boilers, and other mechanical equipment. They're also in charge of lubricating moving parts, like gears, bearings, and engines, and keeping the engine room clean. To be a successful Oiler, you have to be physically fit, mechanically inclined, and able to work well in a team environment.

As an entry-level position (on ships without Wipers), the Oiler provides an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the maritime industry. It's a great way to gain valuable experience and develop the skills necessary to succeed in more senior roles.

Requirements: Basic technical knowledge, mechanical aptitude, physical fitness, and the ability to work well in a team.
Responsibilities: Monitoring and maintaining machinery, assisting with the lubrication of moving parts, and maintaining the cleanliness of the engine room.
Day-to-day: Checking fluid levels, changing filters, assisting engineers, and keeping the engine room clean.
Challenges: Long hours of heavy manual labour, working in a loud and hazardous environment, handling heavy equipment, and being on call for emergencies.
Salary Range: $1,500 to $3,500 per month, depending on experience and company.

Fitter

The Fitter (or sometimes Welder) is the MacGyver of the Engine Department. They're the ones who can fix just about anything, using only their trusty welding tools and a bit of ingenuity. Working closely with the engine crew, the Fitter is responsible for maintaining and repairing the ship's machinery and equipment. They can do just about anything related to metalworking and welding. From repairing or replacing damaged parts to fabricating new parts or structures, they're the ones who get the job done.

In addition, they may assist with routine maintenance tasks, such as lubrication, cleaning, and inspection of machinery. They're often the jack-of-all-trades of the Engine Department. To be a successful Fitter, you have to have experience and training in metalworking and welding. You also need a basic understanding of the ship's systems and equipment. The Fitter must be able to work independently and is usually not standard crew until the ship is at least 10 years old.

Requirements: Skilled in metalworking and welding, with experience in marine repair and maintenance.
Responsibilities: Maintaining and repairing ship machinery and equipment, fabricating and welding metal parts, performing routine maintenance tasks.
Day-to-day: Using metalworking tools and welding equipment, troubleshooting equipment problems, keeping records of work performed.
Challenges: Working in confined spaces, adapting to changing work environments, meeting tight deadlines, often working on jobs alone.
Salary Range: $2,000 to $6,000 per month, depending on tasks, experience and company.

Wiper

The Wiper is the engine room's handyman. They're the ones who keep everything clean and organised, making sure that the engine room is always in tip-top shape. Since it is an entry-level position, the Wiper assists everyone else in the engine room. They do all sorts of tasks, from cleaning the machinery and tools to painting the engine room. They also help with maintenance and may be required to be an assistant to the duty engineer if the Engine is manned outside working hours. To be a successful Wiper, you have to be physically fit and ready to work long hours.

This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the maritime industry. It's a great way to gain valuable experience and develop the skills necessary to advance to higher positions within the engine department. So, if you're a handy person who loves working with your hands and keeping things organised, consider becoming a Wiper. It's a challenging and rewarding career path that can take you places you never thought possible!

Requirements: No formal education or certification is required, but must be physically fit and willing to work hard.
Responsibilities: Cleaning and maintaining the engine room, assisting with the maintenance of fuel and lubrication systems.
Day-to-day: Cleaning machinery and tools, painting the engine room, and carrying out any other tasks as required by the engineering officers.
Challenges: Physically demanding work, long hours of exposure to heat, humidity and noise, adapting to life at sea.
Salary Range: $500 to $2,000 per month, depending on the company.

Looking to work at sea for the first time? Check out our articles on how to begin a Merchant Navy or Cruise career.

Summing up

All in all, the Engine Department is like the heart of a cargo ship, pumping life into everything that moves. Each position within the department plays a critical role in keeping the ship running smoothly and safely. Whether you're a seasoned mariner with years of experience or just starting your maritime career, the positions available in the Engine Department provide an amazing opportunity to learn and grow in the maritime industry. By understanding the roles and responsibilities of each position within the Engine Department, you can make informed decisions about your career path and find the position that's perfect for you. And the good news is, with the help of Liveseas connecting with top maritime employers who are actively looking for new crew members is easier than ever before. So, whether you're just starting out or looking to make a change, the Engine Department offers a world of opportunity for those who are willing to work hard and learn.