Engineers in the merchant marine tend a ship's machinery. They work in the engine rooms of different kinds of ships and are responsible for operating the engines that propel, or move, the vessel. Engineers also maintain all other complex machinery on the ship, keeping it in good working order. Most merchant marine ships are freighters or tankers that carry cargo. A few carry passengers as well as cargo.
There are several ranks under the title of marine engineer. The chief engineer supervises the seamen in the engine department. The chief engineer is responsible for the main power plant and its auxiliary equipment. In addition, the chief engineer directs and keeps records of the repair and maintenance of the ship's engineering equipment.
Next in rank below the chief engineer is the first assistant engineer, who is in charge of starting, stopping, and controlling the speed of all the engines on board ship. The second assistant engineer is responsible for the fuel and water aboard ship, including all boilers and pumps. The third assistant engineer is in charge of the lubrication system. Some third assistant engineers are in charge of their ship's refrigeration and electrical equipment.
In addition, the ship's engine department includes people working as firers and water tenders, oilers, and wipers. Firers and water tenders check the flow of oil and water in the ship's oil burning equipment and boilers. Oilers lubricate the moving parts in the ship's mechanical equipment. Wipers clean the engine room and its machinery.
Education and Training
Most marine engineers are graduates of an approved training program. The required U.S. Coast Guard test for engineers is difficult. It demands a thorough understanding of ship machinery and includes tests on electricity, propulsion systems, and ship structure. Knowledge of steam fitting and metal shaping and assembly is necessary for the test.
Because of the test, candidates generally need the strong background offered by marine academies. Graduates of these academies receive U.S. Coast Guard licenses as third assistant engineers along with their bachelor's degree. In school they take courses in marine steam systems and diesel engines. There are a number of different marine academies in the United States. They include the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and six state academies in California, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, and Texas.
It is possible to get a third assistant engineer's license without formal training. Workers who have had 3 years of experience in a ship's engine room may take the test if they are over 19 years old. However, the test is so difficult that few people pass it without training.
Getting the Job
You must pass the U.S. Coast Guard licensing test before you can become a marine engineer. You need either training or experience to get the license. To get training, you should go to a marine academy. Your school placement office can help you decide where to go. If you are interested in the U.S. Naval Academy or U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, you must be nominated by a member of Congress. Write your local congressperson for details. Admission to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy is based solely on competition.
You can contact the labor unions for job information. Once you have your license, either your academy placement office or the union will help you find a job. You will start as a third assistant marine engineer and advance with training and experience.
Employment Outlook
Third assistant engineers may advance to second assistant engineer after 1 year of work. They must pass the U.S. Coast Guard test for the position and be at least 21 years old. Second assistant engineers may progress to jobs as first assistants and then as chief engineers after they pass the U.S. Coast Guard exams. Labor unions offer training programs to help employees pass promotional examinations.
The employment outlook for marine engineers is expected to be poor through the year 2006. Some marine engineers will be hired each year to replace those who retire or leave their jobs for other reasons. The merchant marine fleet is expected to grow somewhat. However, marine engineers will face stiff competition for available positions because the newer automated ships require fewer workers than the older ones.
Working Conditions
Marine engineers are away from home for long periods of time. Accommodations on board ship are adequate and clean but not luxurious. Although conditions are better in newer ships, engine rooms are usually hot and cramped, and the work is hazardous. Exposure to the weather and the risk of fire, collision, and sinking are part of the job.
Marine engineers are on call at sea 24 hours a day. Usually engineers work two 4 hour shifts during each day, with 8 hours off between shifts. In port engineers work 40 hours a week.
Earnings and Benefits
Wages for marine engineers depend on their rank and the size of the ship. Currently, third assistant engineers earn a base pay of about $17,500 a year. Second assistants' base pay is about $19,500 a year. First assistants earn about $30,000 a year. Chief engineers earn approximately $55,000 for their annual base pay.
Marine engineers earn no overtime pay while at sea. In place of overtime they receive an additional monthly amount that equals approximately 50 percent of their base pay. When in port, they receive overtime pay for all work over 40 hours a week and for all night work.
Benefits include room and board, 18 to 30 days of paid vacation for each 30 days of work, and medical, dental, and hospital insurance programs. Generous pensions are available to marine engineers. Partial pensions are available for marine engineers forced to retire prematurely by a permanent disability.
Marine Services Technician
Nature of the Work
Marine services technicians inspect, maintain, and repair boats of all kinds. This maintenance includes hulls, propulsion systems, rigging, and navigational equipment.
Technicians remove the boats from the water using cranes, railroad tracks, and winches. They block the boats in position with wooden blocks and timbers. Supervisors and technicians inspect the boats and decide on the work to be done and how long the repairs should take.
When working on hulls, technicians clean the bottom of the boats. They remove barnacles and loose paint using scrapers, scrubbers, power washers, and sometimes sandblasting equipment. The technicians remove any damaged or rotted sections of wood or fiberglass from the hull. Technicians repair wooden hulls by cutting and shaping wooden replacement sections. They replace fiberglass sections by using fiberglass cloth mixed with resins. Then technicians smooth the replaced sections with sanding equipment and paint the finished repair.
Marine services technicians may also test and repair boat engines, propellers, rigging, masts, sails, and navigational equipment. They use measuring equipment to diagnose problems and make the necessary repairs. In some cases they make the replacement parts themselves. Inside a boat marine services technicians install and test sanitation and refrigeration systems, cabinetry, electrical systems, steering gear, and accessories.
Education and Training
Many employers prefer to hire people with a high school diploma, but one is not required. However, you should take as many shop courses as possible. Many technicians also have 2 years of training at a vocational or technical school. Useful courses include blueprint reading, machine repair, woodworking, and fiberglass repair.
Most training is received on the job. Many employers send their technicians to short training courses offered by boat and engine manufacturers and distributors.
Getting the Job
You should check the help wanted ads in your newspaper for jobs for marine services technicians. You can also apply directly to marine and boat sales and service yards. The placement office of your vocational and technical school may also be able to help you find a job.
Employment Outlook
The advancement possibilities for marine services technicians are limited. In large marinas and boatyards some technicians can become supervisors. A few experienced technicians open their own sales and service yards.
The employment outlook for marine services technicians is good through die year 2006. As people have more leisure time, the sales of boats are expected to increase. However, as boat design and construction become more complicated and as more electronic parts are used, the outlook will be best for well trained technicians.
Working Conditions
The largest boatyards and marinas, employing up to 10 marine services technicians, are found in coastal areas. Smaller marinas, employing fewer people, are found near lakes and water recreation facilities.
The number of hours marine services technicians work varies according to the work available. In spring and summer technicians may be required to work more than 40 hours a week, including some weekend work. In the winter most of the work is routine maintenance, and some technicians may be laid off.
The shops and indoor areas where marine services technicians work can often be noisy and dirty. Technicians must take safety measures when working with fiberglass, resins, and other chemicals. Although lifting equipment is used, marine services technicians should be in good physical condition because some heavy lifting is required of them.
Earnings and Benefits
Most employers pay their technicians an hourly rate. Marine services technicians earn an average of $9 to $13 an hour. Experienced technicians can earn up to $20 an hour. Benefits may include paid holidays and vacations and health and pension plans.
