Merchant Navy engineering officer

As a Merchant Navy engineering officer, you'll:

• inspect and test electrical, mechanical and hydraulic equipment
•  read engineering diagrams to carry out maintenance
•  respond to equipment failure and repair faults
•  maintain fuel levels and stocks of spare parts
•  update record management systems

As you move up through the ranks to a senior engineering post, you'll also supervise a team of engineers.

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• problem-solving skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of maths 
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent verbal communication skills
• persistence and determination
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

With experience and further training, you could work your way up to third then second engineer before taking on the role of chief engineer.

You could also work towards chartered engineer status through professional development with the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).

You might join the Royal Fleet Auxiliary as an engineering officer.

If you decide to work onshore you could move into:

• marine engineering design
•  naval architecture
•  ship and boatyard management
•  research