Marine engineering technician

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a supervisor or project manager. You could also qualify as a marine engineer after further training.

As your career goes on you may wish to specialise in a particular area, such as:

• boat refurbishment and conversions
• underwater work on rigs and pipelines
• maritime equipment and boat sales
• marine salvage and insurance

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• complex problem-solving skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• knowledge of physics
• the ability to work well with others
• design skills and knowledge
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll usually need a knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD).

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Engineering - Marine engineering technicians work directly with mechanical and electrical engineering systems on boats, ships, and submarines. They install, service, and repair engines, propulsion systems, and onboard machinery, making engineering knowledge central to everything they do.
• Physics - Marine engineering technicians need to understand forces, fluid dynamics, buoyancy, and how materials behave under pressure – all of which affect how vessels perform at sea. Physics also underpins their work with electrical systems, hydraulics, and propulsion.
• Mathematics - Marine engineering technicians use maths daily to calculate measurements, tolerances, power loads, and material quantities. They also need to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications, which rely heavily on geometry and algebra.
• Design and Technology - Marine engineering technicians work with tools, materials, and technical plans to build and repair marine systems. Skills like reading engineering drawings, understanding manufacturing processes, and using computer-aided design (CAD) are a regular part of the job.
• Electronics - Marine engineering technicians service and repair electronic systems including radar, sonar, navigation instruments, and safety equipment on board vessels. Understanding electronic circuits and sensors is essential for diagnosing faults and keeping these critical systems running.

Also relevant

• Computer Science - Marine engineering technicians use computer-aided design (CAD) software and may work with remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) that rely on programmed control systems. Understanding how software and digital systems work helps when configuring and troubleshooting these technologies.
• Chemistry - Marine engineering technicians need to understand how materials like metals and composites react to saltwater, corrosion, and extreme conditions. This knowledge helps them choose the right materials and protective coatings to keep vessels safe and seaworthy.
• Environmental Science - Marine engineering technicians increasingly work with systems designed to reduce pollution and protect marine environments, such as fuel-efficient engines and waste management systems. Understanding environmental impacts helps them maintain vessels in line with regulations.