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How to Become A Maritime Engineer

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What is a Maritime Engineer

A maritime engineer keeps ships running safely and efficiently. They manage the engines, electrical systems, and mechanical equipment on board. It is a hands-on career that blends engineering knowledge with real-world problem-solving at sea.

Day-to-day, maritime engineers plan and run maintenance for a ship’s propulsion and domestic systems. They fix faults, check safety equipment, and write technical reports. They also work with crews, port engineers, and naval architects to keep vessels in top shape.

The career spans many industries. You could work on ferries, oil rigs, defence vessels, bulk carriers, or research ships. There are around 1,900 marine engineers employed in Australia (ABS, 2021). The role is in moderate demand, with strong full-time employment at 92% (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024).

If you love the sea and engineering, this could be your path. You can start with a Certificate IV in maritime operations and work your way up to chief engineer. Salaries average around $115,000 a year, making it a well-paid career too. The role also opens doors to offshore work in Australia’s booming energy sector.

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Career Outlook for Maritime Engineer

Marine engineering is a steady career with strong full-time employment. Around 1,900 people work as marine engineers in Australia (ABS, 2021). About 92% work full-time, averaging 55 hours per week (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). The median age is 45, showing a mature and skilled workforce. Only 4% of workers are women, so there is real scope to grow diversity in the field.

The Australian Government rates future demand as Moderate (YourCareer, 2024). Work is spread across Queensland (25%), Western Australia (23%), New South Wales (22%), and Victoria (11%). The main industries are transport and shipping, manufacturing, public administration, and mining. Australia is expanding its offshore energy sector and growing its defence fleet. This is expected to keep demand for skilled marine engineers steady. It is a secure and well-paid career path.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Maritime Engineer in Australia

Understanding the Role

A maritime engineer controls and maintains a ship’s engines, propulsion systems, and onboard equipment. They work on commercial vessels, defence ships, ferries, and offshore platforms. The path to this career combines study, sea service, and formal certification through AMSA.

Step 1: Complete a Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Marine Engineering)

Enrol in a Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Marine Engineering) at an RTO or TAFE maritime college. This qualification takes 12 to 18 months full-time. It covers mechanical systems, electrical theory, hydraulics, and safety procedures. It is the entry-level requirement for working as a marine engine driver on Australian commercial vessels. Confirm the current national code on training.gov.au.

Step 2: Gain Sea Service Hours and Apply for AMSA Certification

After your certificate, you must log sea service hours to get an AMSA Certificate of Competency (CoC). The level of CoC depends on vessel size and engine power. You start as a Marine Engine Driver (MED) Grade 3. You move up through grades with experience, to Engineer Class 1. Apply through AMSA’s myAMSA online portal.

Step 3: Complete a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Marine Engineering

A Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Marine Engineering deepens your technical skills. It usually takes 1 to 2 years full-time at a TAFE or maritime college. This helps you move up to senior engineer roles on larger commercial vessels. Confirm the current national code on training.gov.au.

Step 4: Consider a Bachelor of Engineering (Marine and Offshore Engineering)

For design or management roles, consider a Bachelor of Engineering (Marine and Offshore Engineering) at AMC, Launceston. This four-year degree is accredited by Engineers Australia. It opens paths to design work, consulting, and defence sector roles.

Step 5: Join the Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers (AIMPE)

AIMPE is the peak professional body for marine engineers in Australia. Joining AIMPE gives you industry news, career support, and enterprise agreement protections. It connects you to a national network of working engineers. Membership is open to qualified marine engineers at all career stages.

Step 6: Continue Your Learning and Pursue Senior Certification

Maritime engineering evolves with new technologies, including LNG propulsion, hybrid systems, and autonomous vessels. Attend training courses, update your CoC, and explore areas such as offshore engineering or marine surveying. Experienced engineers can register with Engineers Australia under the maritime area of practice, launched in 2023.

What does a Maritime Engineer do?

A maritime engineer’s day is never dull. They run the full upkeep and operation of a ship’s propulsion and domestic systems. This means checking engines, managing hydraulics, running safety inspections, and fixing faults. Much of this happens at sea. They work with crews and shore-based teams to keep every system running. They also write upkeep reports and ensure compliance with AMSA standards. Whether on a tanker, a ferry, or an offshore platform, maritime engineers keep the vessel moving and the crew safe.

Tasks

A maritime engineer is responsible for the technical heart of a vessel. They manage everything from engines to fire prevention systems. Their work is vital for keeping ships safe and fully operational.

  • Operational Planning: Plans and runs maintenance schedules for a ship’s propulsion and domestic plant and equipment.
  • System Operation: Operates all onboard systems, including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, steam, and fire prevention systems.
  • Design and Development: Works on the design of new marine vessels and their components to meet safety and performance standards.
  • Prototype Testing: Tests vessel systems and components before full-scale production or deployment.
  • Supervision: Oversees the installation and maintenance of marine systems to ensure compliance with regulations.
  • Problem Solving: Diagnoses and resolves technical faults in ship machinery and systems.
  • Collaboration: Works with naval architects, shipbuilders, and port engineers on vessel projects.
  • Documentation: Prepares technical reports, maintenance records, and operational guidelines.

Skills for Success

To do well as a maritime engineer, you need solid technical skills across mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems. You also need to read engineering drawings, run system checks, and write clear upkeep reports. Safety awareness is non-negotiable. Mistakes at sea can have serious outcomes.

Beyond the technical side, teamwork and clear talking matter a great deal. You will work with ship crews, engineers, and port staff every day. Being ready to learn keeps you current as marine technology changes fast. These skills grow with every voyage and every problem you solve.

Skills & Attributes

  • Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
  • Strong fault diagnosis and problem-solving skills
  • Maintenance planning and scheduling
  • Report writing and technical documentation
  • Safety compliance and risk management
  • Teamwork and communication with crews and shore-based engineers
  • Proficiency in engineering software and monitoring tools
  • Adaptability to work in offshore and onshore environments
  • Commitment to professional development and continuous learning

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for a maritime engineer in Australia is around $115,000 (source: YourCareer, 2024). This is based on median weekly earnings of $2,218. Pay ranges from about $85,000 for entry-level roles to over $143,000 for chief engineers. Vessel type, seniority, and employer sector are the main factors that affect pay.

min $85 K

max $143 K

av $115 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.