Еngineering department
up to 40m 2010HP
up to 50m 4010HP
up to 50m 4010HP
up to 50m 4010HP
up to 70m 8040HP
Unlimited
4th Engineer
OOW
3rd Engineer
2rd Engineer
Chief Engineer <3000kW
Chief Engineer <6000kW
Chief Engineer Unlimited
Y3-CE(Yachts) <3000
Y2-CE(Yachts) <6000
Y1-CE(Yachts) Unlimited
Position on Board
Certificate
Yacht Size/HP
AEC 1
AEC 1
AEC 2
OOW
Maintaining the engine room and operating the most complex machinery on a ship is one of the most responsible professions in the world. It demands courage, knowledge, and self-confidence.
Command the power. Become a marine engineer.



Minimum required documents:
Basic STCW:
Personal Survival Techniques
Fire Prevention & Firefighting
Elementary First Aid
Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities
ENG1 (seafarer medical certificate)
AEC 1 (Approved Engine Course)
ENG1 or equivalent



4th Engineer
(Entry Level)Where: Large yachts (typically 50–60m+)
Role: Assisting senior engineers, standing watches,
routine maintenance of onboard systems.

It is possible to get a job without time at sea,
but further growth will require at least 6-12 months.
3rd Engineer
Role: Independent work on technical systems — generators, HVAC, watermakers, fuel systems.
Usually required:

STCW Basic
AEC 1 + AEC 2
Engine Room Watch Rating (or equivalent)
Accumulated sea time

Exams
AEC 2 Oral Exam Internal Flag Exam (if required)




Courses
Engine Resource Management (ERM)
High Voltage Operations
Stability & Damage Control
ISM Code basics
MARPOL regulations
Fuel management & pollution prevention

Exam
Exams OOW written and oral exams Oral exam
at the administration office (e.g., UK Oral)

2nd Engineer
Role:
Deputy to the Chief Engineer. Oversees
maintenance and may act as the sole engineer
on 30–40m yachts.

Certificates required:
Officer of the Watch (Engine) (OOW)
Advanced Firefighting
Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC)
STCW Medical Care
Sea time (typically 12+ months)
Chief Engineer (<3000 kW)



Recommended Courses & Professional Skills:
  • Management Level:
  • MCA HELM (Management Level): Mandatory for senior officers under the MCA .
  • Engine Room Resource Management (ERM) .
  • Stability & Damage Control (Basic/Operational).
  • Technical Expertise:
  • High Voltage (Operational Level): While <3000kW yachts often don't have complex HV systems, Operational level knowledge is a significant advantage .
  • ISM Code Fundamentals: Understanding of the Safety Management System .
  • MARPOL Regulations: Practical knowledge of pollution prevention (Annex I, IV, V, VI) .
  • Practical Skills for the Role:
  • CMMS Proficiency: Competent use of Planned Maintenance Systems (e.g., Birchs, MarineRM).
  • Manufacturer-Specific Certifications: Courses from MTU, CAT, MAN, Volvo are highly desirable and can command higher salaries .
  • Troubleshooting: Advanced ability to diagnose faults in hydraulic systems, HVAC, Watermakers, stabilizers, and bow thrusters .
  • Inventory & Budget Control: Managing spare parts inventory and assisting with the technical budget .
  • Dual-Season Skills: Proficiency with tenders, jet skis, and water toys.

Exams and Assessment:
  • Written Exams (IAMI): Includes modules like "Chief Engineer Statutory & Operational Requirements," "Auxiliary Equipment Part 2," and "Applied Marine Engineering" .
  • Oral Exam (e.g., MCA Oral): A rigorous exam covering machinery maintenance, fault finding, legislation (ISM, MLC, MARPOL), emergency procedures, and management duties .
Role:
The Chief Engineer (SV) is the head of the technical department on yachts wpower is less than 3000 kW. They hold ultimate responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of all machinery, electrical systems, and technical equipment. This role can vary significantly depending on the vessel's size :

Mandatory Certificates (STCW & Statutory):
  • STCW III/3 Chief Engineer (<3000 kW) Certificate of Competency (CoC)
  • STCW III/1 Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW) CoC:
  • STCW Basic Safety Training (BST)
  • STCW Advanced Firefighting
  • STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC)
  • STCW Medical Care or Medical First Aid
  • ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate (or equivalent)
  • Designated Security Duties (DSD)

Sea Time Requirements:
  • Direct Path (from EOOW): Minimum 12 months of sea service as Second Engineer (or in a similar capacity) on vessels with >750kW propulsion power. Total required service is typically 24 months at the operational level .
  • Upgrade Path (from <500GT CoC): If you already hold the lower Chief Engineer ticket, you need an additional 6 months on vessels with >750kW propulsion .
Chief Engineer (<6000 kW)




  • Advanced Practical Skills:
  • CMMS Proficiency: Expert-level use of Planned Maintenance Systems (e.g., Birchs, MarineRM, ABS Nautical Systems) .
  • Manufacturer-Specific Certifications: Courses from MTU, CAT, MAN, Volvo are highly desirable .
  • Advanced Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose faults in main engines, generators, hydraulics, HVAC (Chillers), Watermakers, stabilizers (zero-speed), and bow thrusters .
  • Dry Dock Management: Experience preparing dry dock specifications, hull inspections, tail shaft removal, and surveys .
  • Inventory & Budget Control: Managing spare parts inventory and the technical department budget .
  • Refit & Project Management: Involvement in new builds or major refits is highly valuable .
  • Administrative Skills: Strong computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, email) for technical reporting and procurement .

Sea Time Requirements:
  • Minimum 12 months of sea service as Second Engineer (or equivalent) on vessels powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW or more .
  • Total required service at the operational level is typically 24-36 months including the 12 months as Second Engineer .
  • Sea service must be properly documented in a Seaman's Discharge Book and backed by testimonials.

Exams and Assessment:
  • Written Exams (IAMI): Includes modules covering marine engineering systems, electrical and control engineering, maintenance and repair, and statutory requirements.
  • Oral Exam (e.g., MCA Oral): A rigorous exam covering machinery maintenance, fault finding, legislation (ISM, MLC, MARPOL), emergency procedures, and management duties
Role:
The Chief Engineer (STCW III/3 <6000kW) is the head of the technical department on yachts where the main propulsion power is less than 6000 kW. They hold ultimate responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of all machinery, electrical systems, and technical equipment . This role varies significantly depending on the vessel's size:

Mandatory Certificates (STCW & Statutory):
  • STCW III/3 Chief Engineer (<3000 kW) Certificate of Competency (CoC):
  • STCW III/1 Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW) CoC
  • STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) .
  • STCW Advanced Firefighting .
  • STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC) .
  • STCW Medical
  • ENG1 Seafarer
  • Designated Security Duties (DSD) .

Recommended Courses & Professional Skills:
  • Management Level:
  • MCA HELM (Management Level): Mandatory for senior officers under the MCA.
  • Engine Room Resource Management (ERM) .
  • Stability & Damage Control (Advanced) .
  • ISM Code Internal Auditor: Understanding of the Safety Management System and audit processes .
  • Technical Expertise:
  • High Voltage (Operational or Management Level): Essential for modern yachts with complex electrical systems, even below 6000kW .
  • MARPOL Regulations (Advanced): Practical knowledge of pollution prevention (Annex I, IV, V, VI) and maintaining the Oil Record Book .
  • Electrical Systems: AC/DC distribution, switchgear, motor controllers, and fault finding .
Chief Engineer (Unlimited)

Recommended Courses & Professional Skills:

Management Level:
  • MCA HELM (Management Level):
  • Mandatory for senior officers under the MCA .
  • Engine Room Resource Management (ERM) .
  • Stability & Damage Control (Advanced) .
ISM Code Internal Auditor:
  • Understanding of Safety Management Systems and audit processes .
  • Project Management Certificate: Highly valued for refit and new build oversight .
  • Technical Expertise:
  • High Voltage (Management Level):
  • Essential for modern large yachts with complex electrical propulsion systems .
  • MARPOL Regulations (Advanced):
  • Comprehensive knowledge of pollution prevention and environmental compliance .
  • Electrical, Electronic and Control Engineering:
  • Advanced troubleshooting of automation, integrated bridge systems, and AV/IT equipment .
  • SOLAS, PSC, ISPS Code:
  • Regulatory compliance expertise .
  • Advanced Practical Skills:
  • CMMS Mastery:
  • Expert-level use of Planned Maintenance Systems (e.g., Birchs, MarineRM, ABS Nautical Systems) 
  • Manufacturer-Specific Certifications:
  • Courses from MTU, CAT, MAN, Wartsila command higher salaries .
  • Dry Dock & Refit Management:
  • Experience preparing specifications, managing contractors, hull inspections, and tail shaft surveys .
  • Budget & Financial Management:
  • Creating and managing annual operating budgets, contractor negotiations .
  • New Build Experience:
  • Involvement in yacht construction projects is highly valuable .
  • Staff Supervision & Training:
  • Performance management, mentoring junior engineers, and conducting crew evaluations .
  • Emergency Response:
  • Crisis management, enclosed space rescue, damage control procedures .



Exams and Assessment:

  • Written Exams (IAMI): Advanced Engineering Knowledge, Naval Architecture, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, and Statutory Requirements .
  • Oral Exam (e.g., MCA Oral): A rigorous examination covering marine engineering systems, emergency procedures, legal/administrative duties, and management-level responsibilities . Topics include certification and survey, MARPOL/SOLAS/ISM/ISPS, health and safety regulations, and personnel management .
Role:

The Chief Engineer (Unlimited) is the head of the technical department on large luxury superyachts (typically 60m+), holding ultimate responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of all machinery, electrical systems, and technical equipment . This is a senior management position with strategic oversight of multi-million dollar technical operations .



Mandatory Certificates (STCW & Statutory):

  • STCW III/2 Chief Engineer (Unlimited) Certificate of Competency (CoC):
  • STCW III/1 Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW) CoC
  • STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) .
  • STCW Advanced Firefighting .
  • STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC) .
  • STCW Medical Care or Medical First Aid .
  • ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate (or Transport Canada equivalent) .
  • Designated Security Duties (DSD) / Vessel Personnel with Security Responsibilities .
  • Valid Passport .
  • TWIC Card (for USCG recognition) .

Sea Time Requirements:

  • Minimum 360 days (12 months) of service as First Assistant Engineer (equivalent to 2nd Engineer) while holding appropriate certification .
  • Total sea service requirements vary by administration, typically requiring 24-36 months at the operational level including time as 2nd Engineer .
  • Recency requirement: 90 days of service in the past 3 years on vessels of appropriate horsepower .
  • Sea service must be properly documented with Sea Service Letters or Discharges and backed by 3 letters of recommendation .