Chief Engineer
Nature of the Work
A Chief Engineer starts off his seafaring career as a Fourth Engineer on board a ship.

The Chief Engineer is charged with the operations and maintenance of all engineering (propulsion, electrical plants and other machinery) equipment throughout the ship.  He supervises all work that is done in the engine room. He also determines the consumables required by the ship for all voyages, such as the fuel and lubrication oil needed. When the engine room is due for inspection by the local marine or safety authorities, the Chief Engineer ensures that the engine room is ready for inspection.

The Second Engineer plays a supervisory role in the engine room, ensuring that systems are properly maintained. He is also responsible for systems not being maintained by other Engineers, and ensures that the engine room is prepared for arrival, departure or standby.

A Third Engineer is in charge of maintaining the main engine and ensuring that spare parts for the main engine are in supply. He also ensures that purifiers, boilers and compressors are in good working condition.

A Fourth Engineer is in charge of maintaining the numerous generators onboard a ship. He is also responsible for electrical maintenance, sewage treatment systems and oily water separations.

Typical employers include:
• Shipping companies
• Classification societies
• Offshore and marine engineering companies that build ships and /or repair and maintain ships
• Marine equipment suppliers

Working Conditions
A Chief Engineer may travel onboard a ship for about 24 weeks at a stretch, with paid rest periods of about 12 weeks between sea voyages.

(This varies from company to company based on contract)

Qualification, Training and Advancement
Required:
• A Class 1 Engineer Officer  (Chief Engineer) Certificate of Competency (CoC)

Opportunities abound for Chief Engineers beyond seafaring. Their leadership experience onboard ships may lead them to senior management positions in both maritime and non-maritime companies (hotels, factories, hospitals etc). They may also work as Marine Surveyors in classification societies.  

A typical career progression track for Engine officers would be:
Fourth Engineer -> Third Engineer -> Second Engineer -> Chief Engineer

Personal characteristics & Core competencies
You should possess the following key traits:
• Ability to make decisions under pressure
• Able to lead and manage a team of engineers
• Good planning and project management skills
• Willing to spend time at sea

Job availability
Chief Engineers and deck engineers are in demand due to the increase in shipping trade activities globally, and the consequent high demand for ships needed to transport the cargo.

Earnings
With a starting pay of $2500, Junior Engineers can work their way up to Chief Engineer position and earn around $7200 and above.