Engineer
Job Description:
The main function of the Engineer is to maintain the mechanical
and electrical operations of the yacht. This position will
entail very large, complicated jobs, and it can, at the same time,
incorporate something as small as fixing a remote control for
guests, or fixing a toilet.
An Engineer must be a very technically-minded individual who can
wear many hats during the course of the day. He/she must be
able to transition well between engine room work and interacting
with guests. The Engineer will ultimately be responsible for
keeping the mechanical side of the yacht, particularly Hotel
Services, running without a hitch.
An Engineer is responsible for just about everything on the
yacht that could break and need to be fixed. This includes
everything from the main engines to smaller pieces of equipment
like jet skis, televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.
This individual must be able to trouble-shoot and repair
virtually everything in the confines of the
yacht. Additionally, a good engineer will have a good
knowledge base of finding and purchasing parts for the yacht.
As most yachts travel around the world, it is important to
maintain and inventory all parts and be prepared for breakages,
replacements, etc.
The Engineer is directly responsible to the Chief Engineer and
may look after the electrics and electronics if there isn't an
electrician or ETO (Electronic Technical Officer) on board.
Assistant Engineers are sometimes employed on larger yachts as
an entry-level position. It is the Assistant Engineer’s job to
assist all other members of the Engineering department with their
work. As your gain experience you may be responsible for
specific tasks yourself. It is a great way of learning all
about engineering on board a superyacht in a ‘hands-on’ way, and
can be a good stepping-stone to an Engineer position.
Required Skills and Experience:
An Engineer may have experience of working on board superyachts,
either as an Assistant Engineer or as a
Deckhand. Alternatively they may have experience of working in
other marine engineering or engineering sectors. Any skills or
experience relevant to the systems on board (eg marine engines
(inboard and outboard), generators, air conditioning, water makers,
electric and electronic systems, etc) will be advantageous.
An Assistant Engineer is an entry-level position, and while no
previous experience is required, candidates should be
technically-minded, hard working and keen to learn and
progress.
Required Certification:
An Engineer should hold the MCA STCW Basic Safety certification,
or Merchant Navy or Royal Navy Engine Room Watch Keeping
Certificate or equivalent.
Salary Range:
An Engineer would usually earn a salary of between £2,000 and
£3,500 per month, depending on the size of yacht and the scope of
the position. With around 5 or more years experience, this
could rise to between £2,800 and over £4,000 per month.
An Assistant Engineer could expect to earn around £1,500 per
month.
Career Progression:
ENGINEER:
Superyacht Crew:
The natural progression for an experienced Engineer is to a
Chief Engineer role. However, in some cases an Engineer
develops a specialism in Electrics or Electronics and may decide to
become an Electronic Technical Officer (ETO) or an Electrician.
Marine Industry:
An experienced Engineer would be in demand in a number of roles
within the marine industry. Boatbuilding and shipbuilding
firms employ Engineers and Engineering Supervisors and Managers to
lead their Engineering Teams. Port Operators also require
Engineers.
Other Industries:
Engineering skills are valued in many other
industries. Depending on the position, it may however be
necessary to attend training courses or gain qualifications to
convert your marine engineering skills to those relevant to the
position.
ASSISTANT ENGINEER:
Superyacht Crew:
An Assistant Engineer will usually progress to become an
Engineer.
Marine Industry:
Assistant Engineer on board a superyacht is usually a junior,
entry-level position which will give you a good background in
knowing how a superyacht engineering department runs. There
are a whole host of Engineering roles available in the wider
maritime sector, for example in the leisure sector as a Marine
Engineer, or as an Engineer in a Port Operation. You may also
wish to consider the Merchant Navy’s Engineering Officer Training
programme. Without relevant qualifications you are likely to
need to start at the bottom, but your experience will certainly be
advantageous in getting your chosen job.
Other Industries:
There are a whole host of Engineering roles available in many
other industries. Without relevant qualifications you are
likely to need to start at the bottom, but your experience will
certainly be advantageous in getting your chosen job.