Ship Engineers
Supervising marine power plants, propulsion systems, machinery inspections, and overhauls transfers directly to shipboard engineering operations.
How to prepare: Compile sea-service and training records, then use National Maritime Center requirements to identify the appropriate USCG engine endorsement and any remaining approved training or sea time. Entry typically requires several years of maritime experience, a TSA Transportation Worker Identification Credential, and a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential with related endorsements; screening and written and physical examinations may apply, and open-ocean service requires USCG-verified STCW training.
What the civilian work involves
- Monitor engine, machinery, or equipment indicators when vessels are underway, and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff.
- Monitor and test operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified.
- Start engines to propel ships, and regulate engines and power transmissions to control speeds of ships, according to directions from captains or bridge computers.