Ship assistant engineer
Also known as: second assistant engineer, third assistant engineer, junior engineer, assistant shipping engineer, shipping assistant engineer, maritime assistant engineer
About this occupation
Ship assistant engineers assist the ship chief engineer and the ship duty engineer in the operations of the ship's hull. They support the operation of the main engines, steering mechanism, electrical generation and other major subsystems. They communicate with maritime engineers about the performance of technical operations. They also ensure appropriate safety and regulatory standards compliance and are able to take on higher level positions if needed.
Essential skills and knowledge
- engine components
- help prepare lifeboats
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
- manage vessel engines and systems
- perform routine lube oil tests
- electrical systems used in transportation
- operate diesel propulsion plants
- use maritime English
- provide support in vessel machinery systems
- maintain vessel inventory
- operate vessel engine room
- principles of mechanical engineering
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (O*NET 17-2121.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Perform monitoring activities to ensure that ships comply with international regulations and standards for life-saving equipment and pollution preventatives.
- Design complete hull and superstructure according to specifications and test data, in conformity with standards of safety, efficiency, and economy.
- Conduct analyses of ships, such as stability, structural, weight, and vibration analyses.
- Study design proposals and specifications to establish basic characteristics of craft, such as size, weight, speed, propulsion, displacement, and draft.
- Maintain contact with, and formulate reports for, contractors and clients to ensure completion of work at minimum cost.
- Coordinate activities with regulatory bodies to ensure repairs and alterations are at minimum cost and consistent with safety.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking
US median pay: US$112,230 a year (2025), 8,250 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.2)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (4.2)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.0)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.0)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.6)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (3.6)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionVery important (3.6)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.5)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Ship Engineers
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Aerospace Engineers
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Mechanical Engineers
- Industrial Engineers
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Civil Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.