Marine Engineer Science & Engineering Professionals
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Marine engineers design, build, maintain and repair the hull, mechanical, electronic equipment and auxiliary systems such as engines, pumps, heating, ventilation, generator sets. They work on all types of boats from pleasure crafts to naval vessels, including submarines.
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Where Do I Start?
Engineering Principles
The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Marine Engineer
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialEngineering Principles knowledge
The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
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EssentialTechnical Drawings knowledge
Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.
Recommended Books
4 books -
EssentialEngineering Processes knowledge
The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialMathematics knowledge
Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialMechanics knowledge
Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialMechanics Of Vessels knowledge
The mechanics involved in boats and ships. Understand the technicalities and participate in discussions over related topics in order to solve problems related to the mechanics.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialAdjust Engineering Designs skill
Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialApprove Engineering Design skill
Give consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Vessel Compliance With Regulations skill
Inspect vessels, vessel components, and equipment; ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialExecute Analytical Mathematical Calculations skill
Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Scientific Research skill
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Maritime English language skill
Communicate in English employing language used in actual situations on board ships, in ports and elsewhere in the shipping chain.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Technical Drawing Software skill
Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of {{ profession.optional_skills|length }} displayed)
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OptionalSynthetic Natural Environment knowledge
The simulation and representation of components of physical world such as climate, wheather and space where military systems exist in order to obtain information and perform tests.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFisheries Legislation knowledge
The study and analysis of different fisheries management approaches taking into account international treaties and industry norms in order to analyze fisheries management regulations.
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OptionalInternational Convention For The Prevention Of Pollution From Ships knowledge
The fundamental principals and requirements laid in the International Regulation for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL): Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil, Regulations for the Control …
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OptionalAssessment Of Risks And Threats knowledge
The security documentation and any security-related communications and information.
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OptionalDesign Principles knowledge
The elements used in design such as unity, scale, proportion, balance, symmetry, space, form, texture, colour, light, shade and congruence and their application into practice.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalElectromechanics knowledge
The engineering processes that combine electrical and mechanical engineering in the application of electromechanics in devices that need electricity to create mechanical movement or devices that create electricity by mechanical …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalGlobal Maritime Distress And Safety System knowledge
The internationally agreed-upon set of safety procedures, types of equipment and communication protocols used to increase safety and make it easier to rescue distressed ships, boats and aircraft.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMaterial Mechanics knowledge
The behaviour of solid objects when subjected to stresses and strains, and the methods to calculate these stresses and strains.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPrecision Mechanics knowledge
Precision or fine mechanics is a subdiscipline in engineering that focuses on the design and development of smaller precision machines.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalCae Software knowledge
The software to perform computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis tasks such as Finite Element Analysis and Computional Fluid Dynamics.
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Advances in CAD/CAM/CAE Technologies -
OptionalElectrical Engineering knowledge
Understand electrical engineering, a field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
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OptionalInternational Regulations For Preventing Collisions At Sea knowledge
Fundamental aspects of the international regulations to prevent collisions at sea, such as the conduct of vessels in sight of one another, navigation lights and markers, major light and accoustic …
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OptionalShip Related Legislative Requirements knowledge
Conventions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) concerning safety of life at sea, security and protection of the marine environment.
Recommended Books
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Guide to Maritime Security and the ISPS Code -
OptionalStealth Technology knowledge
The techniques used to make aircraft, ships, missiles and satellites less detectable to radars and sonars. This includes the design of particular shapes and the development of radar-absorbent material.
Recommended Books
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OptionalGuidance, Navigation And Control knowledge
The engineering discipline that deals with the design and development of systems that can control the motion of automobiles, ships, space- and aircraft. It includes control over vehicle's trajectory from …
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OptionalPollution Prevention knowledge
The processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.
Recommended Books
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OptionalElectronics knowledge
The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFire-Fighting Systems knowledge
The devices and systems used to extinguish fires; the classes and chemistry of fire.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFisheries Management knowledge
The principles, methods and equipment used in population management applied to fisheries: the concept of catch, by-catch, fishing effort, maximum sustainable yield, different sampling methods and how to use sampling …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFishing Vessels knowledge
Denomination of the different elements and equipment of fishing vessels.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFluid Mechanics knowledge
The characteristics and properties of fluids, including gases, liquids and plasmas, at rest and in motion, and the forces on them.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalMechanical Engineering knowledge
Discipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalQuality Of Fish Products knowledge
Factors affecting the quality of fish products. For instance, differences between species, impact of the fishing gears and parasite influence on the preservation of quality.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalRisks Associated With Undertaking Fishing Operations knowledge
General risks occuring when working on fishing boats and specific risks occurring only in some fishing modalities. Prevention of threats and accidents.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAnalyse Production Processes For Improvement skill
Analyse production processes leading toward improvement. Analyse in order to reduce production losses and overall manufacturing costs.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAnalyse Stress Resistance Of Products skill
Analyse the ability of products to endure stress imposed by temperature, loads, motion, vibration and other factors, by using mathematical formulas and computer simulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssess Financial Viability skill
Revise and analyse financial information and requirements of projects such as their budget appraisal, expected turnover, and risk assessment for determining the benefits and costs of the project. Assess if …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCommunicate Using The Global Maritime Distress And Safety System skill
Send an alert in case of distress, using any of the various GMDSS radio systems such that the alert has a very high probability of being received by either shore …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConduct Performance Tests skill
Conduct experimental, environmental and operational tests on models, prototypes or on the systems and equipment itself in order to test their strength and capabilities under normal and extreme conditions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalControl Production skill
Plan, coordinate, and direct all production activities to insure the goods are made on time, in correct order, of adequate quality and composition, starting from intake goods up to shipping.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCreate Technical Plans skill
Create detailed technical plans of machinery, equipment, tools and other products.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDesign Prototypes skill
Design prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDisassemble Engines skill
Disassemble internal combustion engines, generators, pumps, transmissions and other components of mechanical equipment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDraft Design Specifications skill
List the design specifications such as materials and parts to be used and a cost estimate.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalExecute Feasibility Study skill
Perform the evaluation and assessment of the potential of a project, plan, proposition or new idea. Realise a standardised study which is based on extensive investigation and research to support …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalExtinguish Fires skill
Choose the adequate substances and methods to extinguish fires depending on their size, such as water and various chemical agents. Use a breathing apparatus.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMaintain Electrical Equipment skill
Test electrical equipment for malfunctions. Take safety measures, company guidelines, and legislation concerning electrical equipment into account. Clean, repair and replace parts and connections as required.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMaintain Electronic Equipment skill
Check and repair electronic equipment. Detect malfunction, locate faults and take measures to prevent damage.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMaintain Safe Engineering Watches skill
Observe principles in keeping an engineering watch. Take over, accept and hand over a watch. Perform routine duties undertaken during a watch. Maintain the machinery space logs and the significance …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Test Run skill
Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalProvide Training skill
Provide training and orientation to new team members, or assign this task to an appropriately experienced team member.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalRe-Assemble Engines skill
Re-assemble transport equipment engines after overhaul, inspection, repair, maintenace or cleaning according to blueprints and technical plans.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalRecord Test Data skill
Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalRepair Engines skill
Repair identified problems with internal combustion engines, external combustion engines and electrical motors. Replace and fix faulty parts by using hand and machine tools.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSurvive At Sea In The Event Of Ship Abandonment skill
Identify muster signals and what emergencies they signal. Comply with established procedures. Don and use a lifejacket or an immersion suit. Safely jump into the water from a height. Swim …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSwim skill
Move through water by means of the limbs.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse Cad Software skill
Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse Cam Software skill
Use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programmes to control machinery and machine tools in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation as part of the manufacturing processes of workpieces.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWork In Outdoor Conditions skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalApply Medical First Aid On Board Ship skill
Apply medical guides and advice by radio to take effective action in the case of accidents or illnesses on-board a ship.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCoordinate Fire Fighting skill
Organize and direct the operations of fire fighting, according to the ship's emergency plans to ensure safety.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalInspect Engine Rooms skill
Inspect engine rooms to detect the presence of any hazardous materials, and to ensure legal compliance. Inspect the construction of the rooms, the functionality of equipment, the adequacy of room …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalInstall Transport Equipment Engines skill
Install engines used in transport equipment such as internal combustion engines, external combustion engines and electrical motors according to blueprints and technical plans by using hand and power tools.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalLead A Team In Fishery Services skill
Direct a fishery or aquaculture team and guide them towards the common goal of completing a variety of fishery related assignments or tasks.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalLubricate Engines skill
Apply motor oil to engines to lubricate internal combustion engines in order to reduce wear, to clean and to cool the engine.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMaintain Shipboard Machinery skill
Take care of the repair and maintenance of shipboard machinery, including the safe isolation of such machinery or equipment before personnel are permitted to work on it. Dismantle, adjust and …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Engine-Room Resources skill
Allocate, assign, and prioritise engine-room resources. Communicate effectively, showing assertiveness and leadership. Obtain and maintain situational awareness, considering of team experience.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Ship Emergency Plans skill
Organize and manage emergency operations, flooding, abandoning ship, survival at sea, search and rescue of shipwrecked, according to the ship's emergency plans, to ensure the safety
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage The Operation Of Propulsion Plant Machinery skill
Manage the operative mechanism of the marine diesel engines, steam turbines, gas turbines, and steam boilers.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Control Systems skill
Configure and operate electrical, electronic and control equipment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Life-Saving Appliances skill
Operate survival craft and their launching appliances and arrangements. Operate life-saving instruments like radio life-saving appliances, satellite EPIRBs, SARTs, immersion suits and thermal protective aids.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Marine Machinery Systems skill
Operate principles of marine machinery, including marine diesel engine, steam turbine, boiler, shafting installations, propeller, various auxiliaries, steering gear, automatic control systems, and deck machinery. Follow safety and emergency procedures …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Pumping Systems skill
Operate pumps and piping systems, including control systems. Perform routine pumping operations. Operate the bilge, ballast and cargo pumping systems. Be familiar with oily-water separators (or-similar equipment).
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Ship Propulsion System skill
Perform start-up and subsequent observation of the working parameters of the ship's propulsion system. Check the operating parameters of electric generators in the switchboard, power sources and electrical and electronic …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Ship Rescue Machinery skill
Operate rescue boats and survival craft. Launch the boats as required and operate their equipment. Take care of survivors and survival craft after abandoning ship. Use electronic devices to track …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Small Vessel Safety Measures skill
Organise and monitor safety, applying the regulations for risk prevention at work. Organise and manage emergency operations such as flooding, abandoning ship, survival at sea, search and rescue of shipwrecked, …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Small Vessel Safety Procedures skill
Implement emergency measures of health care to sick and injured on board, according to established procedures to minimise potential injuries or illnesses.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPrevent Fires On Board skill
Organise fire drills on board. Make sure that appliances for fire prevention fire-fighting are in working order. Take the appropriate action in case of fire, including fires involving oil systems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPrevent Sea Pollution skill
Organize and monitor environment protection applying the regulations for pollution prevention at sea.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse Tools For Construction And Repair skill
Construct and repair ships and equipment using hand tools, machine tools, and measuring instruments. Safely carry out emergency or temporary repairs. Take measures to ensure a safe working environment. Use …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWork In A Fishery Team skill
Work as part of a crew or team, and meet team deadlines and responsibilities together.
Course recommendations coming soon.