Working in the maritime industry is a unique and dynamic environment, full of responsibilities and rewards. With the potential opportunity to travel to different destinations and interact with individuals from around the world, shipping and engineering jobs are becoming highly sought after.
If you’re looking for a career in engineering, have you ever wondered what the difference is between different types of engineers in the maritime industry? Here, we’re breaking down the core differences between marine engineers and ship engineers to give you insights into a potential career path.
What Is A Ship Engineer?
A ship engineer is responsible for all the ship’s mechanical and electrical systems. This includes their operation, maintenance, and repair. This highly skilled job is imperative to the safety and efficiency of the vessel.
Ship engineers can work across a wide variety of vessels, including cruise liners, offshore drilling rigs, and cargo ships.
Some of the main responsibilities of a ship engineer include:
- Engine Operation – all of the ship’s engines, auxiliary equipment and propulsion systems are the responsibility of the ship engineer. Their job is to ensure that they run efficiently and properly throughout the duration of the voyage.
- Environmental Compliance – The marine ecosystem is delicate, so a ship engineer’s role is to ensure that any waste or fuel usage is disposed of correctly to avoid any negative impact.
- Maintenance and Repair – Routine inspections and maintenance are required to prevent any breakdown and malfunctions on any of the mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems.
- Watchkeeping – Ship engineers must continually keep watch of any irregularities in performance or issues that arise during the operation. If issues are to arise, they must be quickly diagnosed and resolved.
What Is A Marine Engineer?
Marine engineers are in charge of all of the installation and operation of any engines on the ship or offshore.
The role is similar to that of a ship engineer but comes with some additional responsibilities, such as controlling the speed of the vessel and monitoring other areas, such as heating, ventilation, and refrigeration onboard.
Marine engineers may work on a variety of vessels, including passenger liners and ferries, freight ships, fishing vessels, research vessels, and barges.
What Is A Naval Engineer?
A naval engineer’s role is much more specialised, with these engineers solely working on naval vessels such as warships and submarines.
The role includes working on the entirety of the vessel, including weapon systems, hull design, propulsion systems, and general performance. Its emphasis on military application and the need to work closely with the crew’s naval architect is what makes this role particularly unique.
What To Consider When Working At Sea
Working at sea can come with some challenging conditions. Engineers are required to be away from home for a long period of time and can work in all weathers regardless of the sea conditions.
A ship’s engine room itself can be hot, noisy and dirty and requires a lot of resilience in mindset and in body. In many cases, marine or ship engineers may also be required to work from confined spaces or at heights, depending on the vessel. Many of the roles can be isolated, and while they require a lot of communication with the ship’s captain and other crew members, a lot of pressure is put directly on the engineer to ensure the safe passage of the vessel on its voyage.
In Conclusion
While the role of an engineer (whether a ship engineer or marine engineer or naval engineer) can be high-pressure in confined environments, it can be a highly rewarding career path.
These roles are often well-paid and offer opportunities to travel the world and make strong life-long connections with other crew members.
