He must ensure that the engine room be kept in compliance and ready for inspection by others, including the Coast Guard (or any other applicable government agency) at any time. The chief engineer would be held responsible if anything were amiss. He has to formulate the general duties and requirements of the engine room on a daily basis.
To qualify for this position, a person would need to have at least two years’ experience as a landing craft chief engineer onboard a similar sized ship. He or she should also have a Bachelor (or higher) degree, or have similar qualifications, education or training with maritime engineering. The person would also need to be adept in communication, and be fluent in English, both in speaking and in writing. as with airlines, English is the universal language used on ships.
The advertisement for this specific position stated that it paid between USD3,500 and 4,500. However, it seemed geared toward those in developing countries. In developed countries, the pay-scale would most likely be much higher.
Unlike many positions which work in shifts throughout the 24-hours day, the engineers usually work only during the day as the engine room is computer controlled during the night.
Before you rush out to apply for this or a similar position, you need to know that ships’ engine rooms are hot, humid, cramped and very noisy. It is similar to working on the tarmac of an airport, although in a much more confined area. Communication is important, but in this aspect, it can be done only by hand signals, lip-reading or written directions.
In short, though, if you do enjoy engineering; if you do enjoy ships, travel and the sea; and if you are fascinated by the logistics of commerce then this is the career for you.