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Occupation AtlasShip Engineers

O*NET · 53-5031.00

Ship Engineers

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

Also called Barge Engineer · Deck Engineer · Engineer · Engineering Watch Officer · Equipment Maintenance Marine Engineer · Equipment Operating Engineer · Ferry Engineer · Fire Boat Engineer
19 more

Fire Department Marine Engineer · Harbor Engineer · Licensed Marine Engineer · Marine Engine Mechanic · Marine Mechanic · Maritime Engineer · Officer in Charge of Engineering Watch (OICEW) · OICEW · Operating Engineer · Operating Marine Engineer · Port Engineer · Ship Engineer · Ship Engines Operating Engineer · Small Boat Engineer · Towboat Engineer · Tug Boat Engineer · Tugboat Engineer · Turnaround Engineer · Vessel Engineer

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code RCE35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCERealistic · Conventional · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.44
  • C Conventional4.91
  • E Enterprising3.73
  • I Investigative3.54
  • S Social1.76
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma3%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent48%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate24%
  • Some College Courses6%
  • Bachelor's Degree8%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate11%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (45%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (29%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (43%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Operation and Control3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Operations Monitoring3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Repairing3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Replace a faulty hydraulic valve
  • Troubleshooting3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Identify the circuit causing an electrical system to fail
  • Equipment Maintenance3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Clean moving parts in production machinery
  • Monitoringbasic3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Active Listeningbasic3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Speakingbasic3.53.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Complex Problem Solving3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Active Learningbasic3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
Show the other 23
  • Systems Analysis3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Quality Control Analysis3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Equipment Selection3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Writingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
  • Social Perceptiveness2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Instructing2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Service Orientation2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Systems Evaluation2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Installation2.52.9Level 2 looks like: Install a new air filter in an air conditioner
  • Mathematicsbasic2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Negotiation2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Persuasion2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Sciencebasic1.92.0Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Operations Analysis1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Management of Financial Resources1.80.8
  • Programming1.60.6
  • Technology Design1.50.6

Tasks

16 core · 1 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Monitor the availability, use, or condition of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure that international regulations are followed.4.8
  2. Monitor engine, machinery, or equipment indicators when vessels are underway, and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff.4.8
  3. Start engines to propel ships, and regulate engines and power transmissions to control speeds of ships, according to directions from captains or bridge computers.4.7
  4. Monitor and test operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified.4.7
  5. Perform or participate in emergency drills, as required.4.6
  6. Perform general marine vessel maintenance or repair work, such as repairing leaks, finishing interiors, refueling, or maintaining decks.4.6
  7. Maintain complete records of engineering department activities, including machine operations.4.5
  8. Maintain or repair engines, electric motors, pumps, winches, or other mechanical or electrical equipment, or assist other crew members with maintenance or repair duties.4.5
  9. Operate or maintain off-loading liquid pumps or valves.4.4
  10. Maintain electrical power, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, or sewerage systems.4.2
  11. Clean engine parts and keep engine rooms clean.4.2
  12. Install engine controls, propeller shafts, or propellers.4.2
Show the other 5
  1. 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.4.0
  2. Order and receive engine room stores, such as oil or spare parts, maintain inventories, and record usage of supplies.4.0
  3. 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.4.0
  4. Supervise marine engine technicians engaged in the maintenance or repair of mechanical or electrical marine vessels, and inspect their work to ensure that it is performed properly.3.8
  5. Fabricate engine replacement parts, such as valves, stay rods, or bolts, using metalworking machinery.3.7

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mechanical4.55.7
  • English Language3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Engineering and Technology3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Public Safety and Security3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Mathematics3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Transportation3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • Computers and Electronics3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Building and Construction3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
Show all 33
  • Administration and Management2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Chemistry2.83.6Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Education and Training2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Administrative2.62.7
  • Customer and Personal Service2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Geography2.62.8
  • Physics2.63.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Telecommunications2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Production and Processing2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Design2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Law and Government2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Psychology2.32.6
  • Medicine and Dentistry2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Communications and Media1.71.6Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Biology1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Economics and Accounting1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Therapy and Counseling1.61.6Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • History and Archeology1.4—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.40.7Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Food Production1.3—
  • Foreign Language1.3—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.3—
  • Sales and Marketing1.3—
  • Fine Arts1.2—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Deductive Reasoning4.04.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Control Precision3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Near Vision3.63.8
  • Written Comprehension3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Speech Clarity3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
Show all 52
  • Speech Recognition3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Inductive Reasoning3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering3.33.6Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Auditory Attention3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Category Flexibility3.13.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Finger Dexterity3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Flexibility of Closure3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Diagnose what's wrong with a car engine from its sound
  • Manual Dexterity3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Multilimb Coordination3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Reaction Time3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Selective Attention3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Visualization3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Written Expression3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Extent Flexibility3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
  • Far Vision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Fluency of Ideas3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Originality3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Rate Control3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Response Orientation3.03.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Static Strength3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Time Sharing3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Trunk Strength3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Speed of Closure2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Number Facility2.82.6Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Depth Perception2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Stamina2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Memorization2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Sound Localization2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Peripheral Vision2.31.5Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Spatial Orientation2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Gross Body Coordination2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Dynamic Strength2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Explosive Strength2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Glare Sensitivity2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Night Vision1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.50.5
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.40.5

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment4.75.6
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.64.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.54.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.35.4Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Getting Information4.34.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.33.8Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.34.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment4.24.3Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
Show all 41
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.04.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.95.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Processing Information3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.83.7Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.85.4Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.84.5Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.84.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.75.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.73.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Training and Teaching Others3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.43.0Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.23.2Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Thinking Creatively3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Developing and Building Teams2.82.7
  • Working with Computers2.82.8
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.73.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.72.7
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.7
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.7
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.6
  • Consequence of Error4.5
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.5
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled4.4
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions4.4
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.4
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment4.3

Technology

19 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (11)

  • Apple macOS
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Database
  • Salesforce software
  • SAP software
Other tools (8)
  • Computer aided dispatch software
  • Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
  • Damen DAMOS
  • Electronic data interchange EDI software
  • Kongsberg Maritime K-LOG Electronic Logbooks
  • Marine Software Marine Planned Maintenance
  • Marine Software Marine Safety Manager
  • Wonderware software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
  2. Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
  3. Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
  4. Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
  5. Sailors and Marine Oilers
  6. Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
  7. Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
  8. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
  9. Locomotive Engineers
  10. Avionics Technicians

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.