Marine engineer
Marine engineers build and repair boats, ships, submarines, offshore platforms and drilling equipment.
- Starter salary£27,000 a year
- Experienced£55,000 a year
- Typical hours39 to 42 a week
What you'll do
As a marine engineer, you could:
- work with naval architects to design and build ships, boats and submarines
- service and repair vessels in shipyards and docks
- install engines, navigation equipement and safety systems
- inspect and test electrical and electronic instruments
- refurbish and maintain offshore energy platforms and wind turbines
- assist with marine surveys for buying and insurance purposes
- keep technical documents for jobs up to date
- manage a team of technicians
Working environment
You could work at a shipyard, in an office, on a ship or underwater.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, physically demanding and you may spend nights away from home.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- maths knowledge
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- knowledge of physics
- design skills and knowledge
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- complex problem-solving skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a marine engineer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can complete a foundation degree or degree to become a marine engineer.
Courses include:
- marine engineering
- marine technology
- naval architecture
- offshore engineering
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, with an engineering company, for example:
- Marine Engineer
- Maritime Mechanical Fitter
- Maritime Electrical Fitter
- Marine Electrician
These can take between 3 and 4 years to complete and combine workplace training with off-site study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
Work
You could start by training as a marine engineering technician or engineering officer, with the Merchant Navy or Royal Navy .
You could then study for a marine engineering degree while working.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- specialise in project management, research and development or consultancy
- advise on maritime engineering safety
- work on marine salvage operations
- move into vessel design or shipping fleet management
Career tips
You may be able to apply for courses and training if you have experience and qualifications in science or engineering from different sectors.
Guides for this industry
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