Everything You Need to Know About Chief Marine Engineer Jobs

If you’ve ever asked yourself “what is a seafarer job?” and had the urge to find out more about different examples of maritime jobs and seafarer ranks, with a view to pursuing a career in the maritime industry, congratulations - you’ve come to the right place!

This blog post aims to give you an insider look into being a Chief Marine Engineer and a Second Engineer and it is one in a series of articles in which Martide takes a look at just some of the many seafarer jobs that are out there to choose from.

So if you’re interested in researching different careers in shipping and are wondering how to become a Chief or Second Engineer, carry on reading and hopefully we will be able to give you some insight!

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR CHIEF MARINE ENGINEER JOBS? VIEW MARTIDE’S CHIEF ENGINEER JOBS ON SHIPS NOW!

Meanwhile, if you’re interested in learning more about how to find a job at sea by becoming an Oiler, a Wiper, a Motorman, an Able Bodied Seaman, an Ordinary Seaman - or if you want to know more about Pumpman jobs, Marine Electrician, Electro-Technical Officer or Chief Officer jobs, you might want to check out some of the other articles in this series.

Perhaps ‘traditional’ seafaring jobs aren’t your thing. In which case how about thinking about becoming an excavator driver on a ship? Or maybe you love cooking and can’t imagine being stuck in a kitchen on land. In that case you might want to find out more about becoming a Chief Cook on a vessel.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Marine Pilot Jobs

Or maybe working on a cruise or passenger ship might be for you. There are plenty of traditionally land-based jobs on vessels. These range from plumbers and carpenters to garbage disposal operators. Of course, you could always be guest-facing too and work as a cruise ship entertainer, waiter, Steward, bartender, Chief Steward or Stewardess or even gift shop salesperson.

If you haven’t worked at sea before however, the best place to start learning about what seafarer jobs involve is to check out our posts about how to become a Deckhand, Deck Cadet or an Electrical Cadet - the first rungs on the ladder of entry level cargo ship jobs!

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Messman Jobs

What does a Chief Marine Engineer job entail?

A Chief Marine Engineer is the head of a vessel’s technical department and operations. Their overall function is to make sure that all of the machinery in the engine room is in good working order to facilitate a problem-free voyage.

Marine Chief Engineer jobs also include responsibility for a ship’s overall technical operations including the electrical, mechanical and engineering departments.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR CHIEF MARINE ENGINEER JOBS? VIEW MARTIDE’S CHIEF ENGINEER JOBS ON SHIPS NOW!

The Chief Engineer on a ship is a prominent position and high ranking member of the crew. On some vessels they even share equal rank with the Master or Captain and they are responsible for the performance, training and wellbeing of all of the crew who work in the seafarer ranks below him or her in the engine room.

Marine Chief Engineer job duties

A career in marine engineering is a rewarding one and the life of a Chief Engineer is a busy one.

As well as the overall responsibilities as laid out above, chief marine engineer jobs also include determining the quantities of fuel, oil and lube needed for a voyage and then ensuring that those amounts are on board.

A Chief Engineer is also responsible for maintaining standards in the engine room and they will bear accountability if those standards are not met in the event of an inspection by an authority such as the coastal guard.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Bosun Jobs

Other duties included in a marine engineering job description will include tasks such as maintaining and repairing the electrical and mechanical systems found on the vessel, performing audits and analysis, maintaining the ship’s inventory and voyage logs, performing navigational calculations, and operating mechanical equipment.

The difference between Chief Engineer jobs and Second Engineer jobs

Reporting directly to the Chief Engineer (or CE), Second Engineer jobs involve assisting the CE in managing the engine room with a sharp eye on efficiency and safety.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SECOND MARINE ENGINEER JOBS? VIEW MARTIDE’S SECOND ENGINEER JOBS ON SHIPS NOW!

They supervise the daily maintenance and operation of the engine department and should the Chief Engineer be unable to perform their duties, the Second Engineer will step into their place.

Skills needed for Chief Marine Engineer jobs

As well as an obvious aptitude for electrical and mechanical marine engineering, both Marine Chief Engineer and Second Engineer jobs require people management, cooperation and communication skills. You should be organized, efficient and be able to work effectively under pressure.

And as with the vast majority of jobs in the maritime industry, an ability to work under pressure, a resilient personality, good physical, including good eyesight, and mental health and a decent level of working English is also necessary.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Navigation Officer Jobs

How to find Chief Marine Engineer jobs

To work in marine engineering you should be educated to degree level and hold certifications and qualifications that are relevant both to the maritime industry and to the seafarer rank. You will start life as an Engine Cadet or a Junior Engineer and work your way up the ranks.

After that, and if you’re a qualified Marine Engineer, you can start applying for jobs. You could do this by contacting shipping companies directly or by going through a marine recruitment agency such as Martide.

Find jobs at sea with Martide

Finding your next seafarer job with Martide is easy.

We’re regularly recruiting for vacant Marine Chief Engineer jobs and Second Engineer jobs. If you hold the right qualifications and are looking for your next contract in the maritime industry, we want to hear from you.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR CHIEF MARINE ENGINEER JOBS? VIEW MARTIDE’S CHIEF ENGINEER JOBS ON SHIPS NOW!

Seafarers who already have a Martide account can log in and start applying for our vacant seafarer jobs right away.

If you haven’t yet registered, do it for free now and start creating your user profile.

And did you know, you can also apply for any of our vacancies for seamen, including Chief Engineer and Second Engineer jobs via our free mobile app?

Download the app now for Android devices from Google Play and from the Apple Store for iPhones and iPads.

Meanwhile if you’re still at the stage where you’re interested in learning about different seafarer ranks and examples of maritime jobs, keep on exploring our series of blog posts that aim to answer the question “what is a seafarer’s job?”

Frequently Asked Questions about Chief Engineer jobs at sea 

 1. What does a Chief Engineer do on a ship? 

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, and safety of all machinery and technical systems onboard. This includes the main propulsion engines, electrical power generation, fuel systems, pumps, and safety equipment. 

2. How do you become a Chief Engineer? 

To become a Chief Engineer, you must start as an Engine Cadet, gain sea experience, and progress through engineering officer ranks - usually Fourth, Third, and Second Engineer - while completing required sea time, training, and exams to earn progressively higher STCW licenses. 

3. What qualifications are required to work as a Chief Engineer? 

You’ll need an STCW-compliant Certificate of Competency (CoC) for Chief Engineer (Management Level, III/2). This typically follows completion of an engineering degree or diploma, approved training, and documented sea service as a watchkeeping or senior engineer. 

4. How long does it take to qualify as a Chief Engineer? 

The timeline varies by country and individual progress, but it usually takes 8–12 years from starting as an Engine Cadet to achieving Chief Engineer status, including academic study, sea time, and examinations. 

5. What skills are important for a Chief Engineer? 

A Chief Engineer needs strong technical expertise, problem-solving ability, leadership, and communication skills. They must also be proficient in safety management, machinery troubleshooting, and digital systems used in modern engine rooms. 

6. What’s the difference between a Second Engineer and a Chief Engineer? 

The Second Engineer manages the day-to-day operation of the engine room, while the Chief Engineer has overall authority and accountability for the ship’s engineering department, ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards. 

7. What types of ships employ Chief Engineers? 

Chief Engineers work across all ship types - tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, cruise vessels, ferries, offshore support vessels, and specialized ships such as LNG carriers or cable layers. 

8. Do Chief Engineers need to renew their certification? 

Yes. STCW regulations require engineers to renew their licenses, and competency certificates every five years, which includes completing mandatory refresher courses and maintaining medical fitness. 

9. How much does a Chief Engineer earn? 

Salaries vary by ship type, company, and experience, but a Chief Engineer’s income is typically one of the highest onboard, ranging from USD 8,000 to 14,000 per month on deep-sea vessels, with additional benefits depending on the employer. 

10. What are the career options after working as a Chief Engineer? 

Many Chief Engineers move into shore-based roles such as technical superintendent, fleet manager, marine surveyor, or maritime instructor. Others transition into consultancy or management positions within shipping or offshore industries. 

Read the previous post in this series: Everything You Need to Know About Shipfitter Jobs

Read the next post in this series: Everything You Need to Know About Junior Electrician Jobs

This post was originally published on October 2nd 2019 and updated on November 2nd 2025