Ship Engineers - 53-5031.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.

DOT Titles Included in this O*NET-SOC Code

  • Engineer

Sample of Occupations in this SOC Family

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Act as a liaison between a ship's captain and shore personnel to ensure that schedules and budgets are maintained and that the ship is operated safely and efficiently.
  • Clean engine parts, and keep engine rooms clean.
  • Fabricate engine replacement parts such as valves, stay rods, and bolts, using metalworking machinery.
  • Install engine controls, propeller shafts, and propellers.
  • Maintain and repair engines, electric motors, pumps, winches and other mechanical and electrical equipment, or assist other crew members with maintenance and repair duties.
  • Maintain complete records of engineering department activities, including machine operations.
  • Maintain electrical power, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, and sewerage systems.
  • Monitor and test operations of engines and other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified.
  • Monitor engine, machinery, and equipment indicators when vessels are underway, and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff.
  • Monitor the availability, use, and condition of lifesaving equipment and pollution preventatives, in order to ensure that international regulations are followed.
  • Operate and maintain off-loading liquid pumps and valves.
  • Order and receive engine room's stores such as oil and spare parts; maintain inventories and record usage of supplies.
  • Perform and participate in emergency drills as required.
  • Perform general marine vessel maintenance and repair work such as repairing leaks, finishing interiors, refueling, and maintaining decks.
  • Record orders for changes in ship speed and direction, and note gauge readings and test data, such as revolutions per minute and voltage output, in engineering logs and bellbooks.
  • Start engines to propel ships, and regulate engines and power transmissions to control speeds of ships, according to directions from captains or bridge computers.
  • Supervise the activities of marine engine technicians engaged in the maintenance and repair of mechanical and electrical marine vessels, and inspect their work to ensure that it is performed properly.

Detailed Work Activities

  • assemble, dismantle, or reassemble equipment or machinery
  • direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
  • erect machinery in marine or maritime setting
  • inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
  • maintain or repair ship/boat engine, machinery or equipment
  • maintain records, reports, or files
  • monitor production machinery/equipment operation to detect problems
  • monitor worker performance
  • operate auxiliary power plant equipment
  • operate lathes
  • operate power generation equipment
  • oversee work progress to verify safety or conformance to standards
  • perform hydraulic plumbing
  • perform safety inspections in transportation setting
  • read blueprints
  • read technical drawings
  • read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
  • repair commercial transportation equipment
  • select ship repair method
  • set up and operate variety of machine tools
  • stand watch on vessel
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use acetylene welding/cutting torch
  • use combination welding procedures
  • use engine diagnostic equipment
  • use hand or power tools
  • use pneumatic tools
  • use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
  • use two-way radio or mobile phone
  • use weighing or measuring devices in transportation