Marine Engineers
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Marine Engineers control and manage the operation and maintenance of ship's plants and equipment.
Specialisations: Mechanical Engineering Officer (Navy), Weapons Electrical Engineering Officer (Navy).
A certificate III or IV in maritime operations (marine engineering) is needed to work as a Marine Engineer. Some workers have a diploma or advanced diploma.
Tasks
-
Plans, controls and co-ordinates the operational and maintenance requirements of a ship's propulsion and domestic plant and equipment.
-
Operates plant and equipment and performs routine maintenance on ship's systems including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, steam generating, and fire prevention and control systems.
Characteristics
-
University
-
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
-
Practical
-
Administrative
-
Enterprising
-
Very Heavy
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. Employment projections data are only produced for occupations at the broad four digit Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) level. While data are not available for this occupation, projections data are available for the parent occupation, Marine Transport Professionals, under the outlook section.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
-
Around 93% of people employed as Marine Engineers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 27 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 57 hours per week in their main job. This is 13 hours more than the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
Sources:Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average.
Industries
Main industries
-
Marine Engineers work in industries like:
- Transport, postal and warehousing
- Public administration and safety
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Marine Engineers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 25.9 | 31.6 |
VIC | 12.1 | 25.6 |
QLD | 26.2 | 20.0 |
SA | 7.3 | 7.0 |
WA | 19.3 | 10.8 |
TAS | 5.1 | 2.0 |
NT | 3.0 | 1.0 |
ACT | 1.1 | 1.9 |
-
Around 49% of Marine Engineers live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania have a large share of employment relative to their population size.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
-
The median age of Marine Engineers is 45 years. This is higher than the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 35 to 44 years.
Females make up 2% of the workforce. This is 46 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Marine Engineers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 0.6 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 3.7 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 18.7 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 26.2 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 24.7 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 12.9 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 7.8 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 5.4 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 45 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
A certificate III or IV in maritime operations (marine engineering) is needed to work as a Marine Engineer. Some workers have a diploma or advanced diploma.
Visit
- Course Seeker to search and compare higher education courses.
- ComparED to compare undergraduate and postgraduate student experiences and outcomes.
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Maritime VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Marine Engineers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 4.7 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 20.7 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 40.7 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 30.3 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 2.8 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 0.0 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 0.8 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Marine Transport Professionals who work well in a team, can communicate clearly with a diverse range of people and are reliable.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
-
54%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
-
54%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
-
54%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
-
54%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
-
52%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
-
52%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
-
52%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
-
50%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
-
48%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
-
48%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
-
48%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
-
48%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
-
46%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
-
46%
Management of personnel resourcesMotivating, developing, and directing people as they work, and choosing the best people for the job.
-
46%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
-
45%
SpeakingTalking to others.
-
45%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
-
43%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
-
43%
Systems analysisFiguring out how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect it.
-
41%
WritingWriting things for co-workers or customers.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
-
82%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
63%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
-
63%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
-
56%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
-
55%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
-
52%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
-
52%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
-
50%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
-
49%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
-
49%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
-
48%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
45%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
-
45%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
-
44%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
-
41%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
39%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
-
37%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
-
36%
GeographyDescribing land, sea, and air, including their physical characteristics, locations, how they work together, and the location of plant, animal, and human life.
-
30%
Medicine and dentistryDiagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities, including preventive health-care measures.
-
19%
Economics and accountingEconomics and accounting, the financial markets, banking and checking and reporting of financial data.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
-
59%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
-
59%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
-
57%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
-
57%
Written comprehensionRead and understand written information.
-
55%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
-
55%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
-
55%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
-
55%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
-
54%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
-
54%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
-
52%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
-
50%
Extent flexibilityBend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
-
48%
Auditory attentionPay attention to a certain sound when there are other distracting sounds.
-
46%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
-
46%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
-
46%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
-
46%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
-
46%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
-
46%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
-
46%
Speech recognitionIdentify and understand the speech of another person.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
84%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
-
83%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
-
73%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
-
69%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
-
67%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
-
63%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
-
62%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
-
61%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
-
61%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
-
59%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
-
59%
Working with electronic equipmentServicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing electronic devices and equipment.
-
57%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
-
57%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
-
53%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
-
53%
Documenting or recording informationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
-
51%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
-
50%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
-
46%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
-
43%
Estimating amounts, costs and resourcesWorking out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.
-
41%
Explaining things to peopleHelping people to understand and use information.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
-
100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
-
76%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
71%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
-
43%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
-
29%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
-
14%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
Values
-
71%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
-
71%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
71%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
67%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
-
67%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
-
60%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
Demands
-
99%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
97%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
-
97%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
-
95%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
94%
Very hot or cold temperaturesWork in very hot or cold temperatures.
-
93%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
-
93%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
-
91%
Dangerous equipmentWork near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.
-
91%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
90%
Outdoors, exposed to weatherWork outdoors, exposed to the weather.
-
87%
Indoors, not heat controlledWork indoors without heating or cooling (e.g., warehouse without heat).
-
86%
Dangerous conditionsWork near dangers like high voltage electricity, flammable material, explosives or chemicals.
-
83%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
-
81%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
-
80%
Consequence of errorWork where mistakes have serious consequences.
-
79%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
79%
Electronic mailUse electronic mail.
-
78%
Cramped work spaceWork in an awkward position or in cramped work spaces.
-
77%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
-
77%
Physically close to peopleWork physically close to other people.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 53-5031.00 - Ship Engineers.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
-
Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.