Ship Assistant Engineer Science & Engineering Technicians
SaveWhat Does a Ship Assistant Engineer Do?
Ship assistant engineers assist the ship chief engineer and the ship duty engineer in the operations of the ship's hull. They support the operation of the main engines, steering mechanism, electrical generation and other major subsystems. They communicate with maritime engineers about the performance of technical operations. They also ensure appropriate safety and regulatory standards compliance and are able to take on higher level positions if needed.
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Where Do I Start?
Engine Components
Know the different engine components, and their operation and maintenance. Understand when repairs and replacement should be undertaken.
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 Ship Assistant Engineer
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialEngine Components knowledge
Know the different engine components, and their operation and maintenance. Understand when repairs and replacement should be undertaken.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialGlobal 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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EssentialElectrical Systems Used In Transportation knowledge
Understand the functioning of electrical systems, their specifications, and application in operations and systems for the transportation of freight and people.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialRegulation On The Discharge Of Raw Materials Into The Sea knowledge
Know environmental regulations for the discharge of raw materials into the sea; ensure the use of chemical disinfection and dechlorination to produce a clean and safe effluent suitable for discharging …
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialOperation Of Different Engines knowledge
Know the characteristics, maintenance requirements and operating procedures of various kinds of engines such as gas, diesel, electrical, and engines with steam propulsion plants.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialPrinciples Of Mechanical Engineering knowledge
Understand principles of mechanical engineering, physics, and materials science.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialMoor Vessels skill
Follow standard procedures to moor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Fire Extinguishers skill
Understand the operation of fire extinguishing equipment and fire extinguishing techniques.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUnmoor Vessels skill
Follow standard procedures to unmoor vessels. Manage communication between the ship and the shore.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Different Types Of Fire Extinguishers skill
Understand and apply various methods of firefighting and various types and classes of fire extinguishing equipment.
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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EssentialHelp Prepare Lifeboats skill
Assist sailors in preparing lifeboats for the journey and provide engineering knowledge for the maintenance and repair of lifeboats.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMaintain Vessel Engine Room skill
Maintain the engines and engine room equipment of a vessel. Conduct pre-checks prior to departure and ongoing examinations during the voyage.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMaintain Vessel Inventory skill
Keep an up-to-date inventory for a vessel, including information on spare components, oil and fuel. Determine the amount of fuel that will be needed for a voyage; ensure that sufficient …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialManage On-board Water Systems skill
Operate and maintain on-board water-cooled engineering systems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialManage Ship Electrical Systems skill
Operate and maintain the electrical components of ships and the electrical distribution system. Know the various load circuits in case of system malfunction. Repair electrical systems in the event of …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialManage Vessel Engines And Systems skill
Manage main engines (steam, gas or diesel), refrigeration systems, and any other equipment in the vessel's engine system.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Diesel Propulsion Plants skill
Operate diesel and gas turbine propulsion plants including related machinery, such as auxiliary boilers, auxiliary engines, incinerators, air compressors, fuel and fuel oil purifiers.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Sewage Treatment Plants On Ships skill
Operate sewage treatment plants in ships, oversee plant maintenance, understand the mechanical functioning of the machine and comply with regulatory mandates of materials discharge to the sea.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Vessel Engine Room skill
Operate and maintain the engine room of vessels. Operate the main engine room where the engine and propulsion machinery are located.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Bunkering skill
Perform bunkering, the process of supplying fuels to ships for their own use. Ensure sufficient amounts of fuel for the duration of the journeys.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Routine Lube Oil Tests skill
Conduct routine tests of lubrication oils in engineering systems and water separation systems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Routine Maintenance Of Ship Engines skill
Perform routine maintenance tasks on all ship engine systems; monitor engines to ensure they function within standard operating parameters.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPrepare Engine Room For Operation skill
Prepare and start main engine and auxiliary engines; prepare machinery in engine room prior to departure; know and follow starting procedures according to checklist.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialProvide Support In Vessel Machinery Systems skill
Provide support based on knowledge of maritime operations, vessel assurance, and machinery systems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRepair Vessel Mechanical Systems skill
Repair mechanical systems of vessels while on-board. Ensure that vessel malfunctions are repaired without affecting the voyage in progress.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 7 displayed)
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OptionalMaritime Transportation Technology knowledge
Understand maritime transportation technology and stay up-to-date with the latest findings in the field. Apply this knowledge in operations and decision-making while on-board.
Recommended Books
2 books -
OptionalInternational Maritime Organisation Conventions knowledge
Know International Maritime Organisation (IMO) conventions in order to maximise the efficiency and safety of international shipping.
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OptionalPhysics knowledge
The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAct Reliably skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAdvise On Maritime Subjects skill
Provide information and advice on maritime laws, vessel registration, and safety regulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalApply Vessel Engine Regulations skill
Understand the regulations regarding the vessel engines and apply those regulations in engine maintenance and operation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDetect Malfunctions In Engines skill
Detect and effectively respond to machinery malfunctions. Take actions in order to prevent material damage; practice damage control.
Course recommendations coming soon.