Maintaining the ship's functions from the engine room
Marine engineers control the installation, operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment on ships and offshore structures.
Marine engineers work in the engine departments of cargo ships, dredges, offshore supply and drill vessels, floating production storage and offtake facilities, oil tankers, passenger ships and tugs. They need to be familiar with various types of diesel, steam and gas turbine engines.
Duties and Tasks
Marine engineers may perform the following tasks:
make sure that the main engines and associated machinery, electrical, refrigeration, airconditioning and cargo-handling equipment on ships are operating efficiently
monitor automatic data recording equipment, or record readings manually on ships without such equipment
analyse the readings for trends and make adjustments to machinery operation as required
carry out regular maintenance of the main engine and repair defective auxiliary equipment
stand watch in the engine room at sea and in port
make sure that the operations of the vessel do not create pollution
maintain engine room stores and record usage of parts and equipment
supervise staff and carry out major maintenance work while the ship is in port
be involved with the operation of small craft such as patrol boats, tugs, river ferries and port authority vessels.
Marine engineers may work onshore or at sea, or both. Those who work at sea may be away from home for long periods. They may work long shifts and be on call to work in emergencies. Engine rooms can be very noisy, hot and dirty. Physical exertion is required when repairing machinery.
This information is based on the 2006 census conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Earnings of persons working full-time and part-time, 2006
Sea Transport Professionals
Employment Status
Weekly Income ($)
Full-time
1,378
Copyright 2007 education.au
This information is based on the Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership survey conducting annually by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
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