Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

The Work

The Marine Engineer's principal concern is to carry out continuous maintenance and repairs to keep the main propulsion machinery operating safely and economically.  
 
The Marine Engineer's responsibilities also involve the maintenance of the ship's auxiliary machinery, including electricity generators, pumps, refrigerators, winches, and the ventilating system together with a range of other electronic and electrical equipment. At sea, the routine work in the engine room department is divided into watches.  
 
Merchant shipping legislation requires all Irish ships with a registered power in excess of 750kw to carry Engineer Officers with the appropriate certificate of competency.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Design complete hull and superstructure according to specifications and test data, in conformity with standards of safety, efficiency, and economy.
• Supervise other engineers and crew members and train them for routine and emergency duties.
• Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics of craft, such as sise, weight, speed, propulsion, displacement, and draft.
• Perform monitoring activities to ensure that ships comply with international regulations and standards for life-saving equipment and pollution preventatives.
• Oversee construction and testing of prototype in model basin and develop sectional and waterline curves of hull to establish center of gravity, ideal hull form, and buoyancy and stability data.
• Evaluate performance of craft during dock and sea trials to determine design changes and conformance with national and international standards.
• Prepare plans, estimates, design and construction schedules, and contract specifications, including any special provisions.
• Check, test, and maintain automatic controls and alarm systems.
• Design layout of craft interior, including cargo space, passenger compartments, ladder wells, and elevators.
• Evaluate operation of marine equipment during acceptance testing and shakedown cruises.

Further Information

• Marine Engineer - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Marine Engineer - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Marine Engineer - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Marine Engineer - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

Entrants to a career path as a Sships Engineer, may choose to apply to be taken on by a shipping company.  They may will sponsor You onto a training programme. Training varies according to the employing company. Some develop via Irish Naval Pathways or by Specific Skills building via Irelands Mercantile Marine. 

Irish Engineer Cadets study for a B Eng. in Marine Engineering. This degree course, together with one further year spent at sea, constitutes the full programme for the Marine Engineers Cadet Training Scheme. Success in the Degree Examination merits consideration for exemption from certain parts of the Irish Department of the Marine’s Second Engineer Officer and Chief Engineer Officer Certificates of Competency The course aims to provide a sound knowledge of marine engineering and all aspects of maritime affairs. Additionally it provides a comprehensive engineering education as required by Marine Engineering Officers. Detailed information is available on the college website. 

Key Skills: Seafarers & Maritime Skills

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Engineering Operations, Engineering Technology at NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Civil, Mechanical & Electronics Engineering, Engineering and Electronic Technology, Engineering Technology with Electronics, Pre-University Engineering, Engineering - Preliminary, Engineering Pre University, Engineering Technology at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO Entry: General Engineering, Electronic, Mechanical engineering, Marine Engineering courses at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

BIM] Bord iascaigh Mhara Your skills & knowledge of Maritime career can be developed via courses in one of Ireland National Fisheries & Maritime centre See NMCI

IMDO Career Development Pathways Mercantile, and Maritime career Development for Marine Engineer 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €91k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Eirieri/ Glassdoor/ Indeed/ Morgan McKinley/ WEI

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a strong five-year annual average employment growth rate, the numbers employed declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. Over half (55%) were employed in the professional activities sector with the remainder spread across industry and other sectors. The number of employment permits issued in 2022 grew strongly (and remained strong in the first five months of 2023) in roles including electrical, mechanical, automation, and validation engineers. There is evidence in the Recruitment Agency Survey of difficulties in filling vacancies for roles in electrical, automation, mechanical, and environmental health & safety (EHS) engineers.

Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data highlight issues with sourcing mechanical, automation and process engineers, with project management, Lean Six Sigma, and CAD/AutoCAD skills in particular demand for these roles. Despite a 3% fall in 2022, this occupation was amongst the most frequently mentioned in online job adverts. Overall demand for this occupation may moderate, although this may be offset by any increase in the extension of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5 technologies to more traditional manufacturing sectors and smaller sized companies; in addition, increased activity associated with the generation of green energy (mechanical/electrical) will also drive demand for these skills. As such, difficulty in sourcing suitably qualified and experienced engineers is expected to continue, albeit in smaller numbers.

• IMDO – Irish Maritime Development Office

  • Wilton Park House, Wilton Place D02 NT99, Dublin 2, Ireland
  • (01) 7753900
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM)

  • Crofton House, Crofton Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
  • (01) 214 4100
  • Click Here

• National Maritime College of Ireland

  • Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork
  • (021) 433 5600
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here