Marine engineering technician
Marine engineering technicians build, service and repair boats, ships and submarines.
Also known as: Shipbuilding technician
- Starter salary£24,000 a year
- Experienced£43,000 a year
- Typical hours40 to 42 a week
What you'll do
As a marine engineering technician, you could:
- install and fit out sea-going craft, like boats, yachts and ships
- service and repair electrical and mechanical systems and machinery
- inspect and test instruments and safety equipment
- use remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) for undersea work on pipelines and cables
- maintain weapons systems, radar and sonar on board Royal Navy warships and submarines
Working environment
You could work in an office, at a shipyard, on a ship or underwater.
Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers 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
- complex problem-solving skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- knowledge of physics
- the ability to work well with others
- design skills and knowledge
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a marine engineering technician
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
- marine engineering
- marine technology
- electrical engineering
- mechanical 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
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree
College
You could take a college course to get some of the skills and knowledge you'll need to get a trainee technician job.
Courses include:
- marine engineering
- mechanical or electrical engineering
- fabrication and welding engineering technology
- T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Maritime Mechanical and Electrical Mechanic Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, with an engineering company.
You could also apply for a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, for example:
- Maritime Mechanical Fitter
- Maritime Electrical Fitter
- Maritime Pipeworker
- Metal Fabricator
- Marine Engineer
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Work
You could train to become a marine engineering technician with the Merchant Navy or Royal Navy .
Restrictions and requirements
You'll usually need a knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD).
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a supervisor or project manager. You could also qualify as a marine engineer after further training.
As your career goes on you may wish to specialise in a particular area, such as:
- boat refurbishment and conversions
- underwater work on rigs and pipelines
- maritime equipment and boat sales
- marine salvage and insurance
Career tips
You may be able to apply for courses, training or jobs, if you have experience and qualifications in science or engineering from other industries.
Guides for this industry
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