Ship Engineers
Medium39.11%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$57,140
Median$94,270
High (90th %)$141,910
AI Prompt Guides for Ship Engineers
Unlock expert prompt guides tailored for this Ship Engineers. Get strategies to boost your productivity and results with AI.
AI Prompt Tool for Ship Engineers
Experiment with and customize AI prompts designed for this occupation. Try, edit, and save prompts for your workflow.
Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
The occupation of "Ship Engineers" has been assessed with an automation risk of 39.1%, which is only slightly lower than the base risk of 39.7%. This relatively moderate risk stems from the dual nature of the tasks performed by ship engineers, involving both repetitive monitoring duties and more complex, hands-on responsibilities. The job entails a significant amount of technical vigilance, system checks, and process optimization to ensure the mechanical and electrical integrity of vessels during operation. With advancements in sensor technology, remote monitoring, and automated reporting systems, many routine observational tasks are increasingly susceptible to automation. The top three most automatable tasks for ship engineers highlight this trend. For example, the ongoing monitoring of engine, machinery, or equipment indicators while vessels are underway is a task that modern automated systems and AI-driven diagnostics can handle efficiently, instantly reporting abnormalities to the appropriate personnel. Similarly, monitoring the condition and availability of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure regulatory compliance can be streamlined through networked sensors and digital record-keeping. Additionally, testing and monitoring engine operations to identify malfunctions can be supported by predictive maintenance algorithms, making these processes ripe for automation and thus contributing to the overall automation risk. However, significant aspects of the ship engineer’s role remain resistant to full automation. Crafting bespoke engine replacement parts using metalworking machinery requires manual dexterity and the ability to improvise in response to unforeseen challenges—a skill area where automation still falters. Supervising marine engine technicians and ensuring high-quality maintenance or repair work demands human judgment, adaptability, and leadership. Serving as a liaison between the ship’s captain and shore personnel to maintain schedules, budgets, and safety involves complex human communication and decision-making. Bottleneck skills such as Originality, rated at 3.0%, underscore the importance of creative problem-solving and unique situational handling that remains challenging for AI, preserving the necessity of experienced human engineers aboard ships.
Filter by Automatable Status
Monitor engine, machinery, or equipment indicators when vessels are underway, and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff.
Automatable
Monitor and test operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified.
Partially Automatable
Start engines to propel ships, and regulate engines and power transmissions to control speeds of ships, according to directions from captains or bridge computers.
Partially Automatable
Perform or participate in emergency drills, as required.
Non-Automatable
Perform general marine vessel maintenance or repair work, such as repairing leaks, finishing interiors, refueling, or maintaining decks.
Partially Automatable
Maintain or repair engines, electric motors, pumps, winches, or other mechanical or electrical equipment, or assist other crew members with maintenance or repair duties.
Partially Automatable
Maintain complete records of engineering department activities, including machine operations.
Automatable
Operate or maintain off-loading liquid pumps or valves.
Non-Automatable
Maintain electrical power, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, or sewerage systems.
Non-Automatable
Install engine controls, propeller shafts, or propellers.
Non-Automatable
Clean engine parts and keep engine rooms clean.
Non-Automatable
Order and receive engine room stores, such as oil or spare parts, maintain inventories, and record usage of supplies.
Partially Automatable
Act as a liaison between a ship's captain and shore personnel to ensure that schedules and budgets are maintained and that the ship is operated safely and efficiently.
Partially Automatable
Supervise marine engine technicians engaged in the maintenance or repair of mechanical or electrical marine vessels, and inspect their work to ensure that it is performed properly.
Non-Automatable
Fabricate engine replacement parts, such as valves, stay rods, or bolts, using metalworking machinery.
Partially Automatable
Monitor the availability, use, or condition of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure that international regulations are followed.
Partially Automatable
Record orders for changes in ship speed or direction, and note gauge readings or test data, such as revolutions per minute or voltage output, in engineering logs or bellbooks.
Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyFine ArtsDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingHistory and Archeology
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersDocumenting/Recording InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Oracle DatabaseComputer aided dispatch softwareElectronic data interchange EDI softwareWonderware softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectSAP softwareSalesforce softwareApple macOSMicrosoft AccessDamen DAMOSKongsberg Maritime K-LOG Electronic LogbooksMarine Software Marine Safety ManagerMicrosoft OutlookCustomer relationship management CRM softwareCustomer relationship management CRM softwareComputer aided dispatch softwareElectronic data interchange EDI softwareApple macOSDamen DAMOSMarine Software Marine Planned MaintenanceOracle DatabaseMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft WordSAP softwareSalesforce softwareMicrosoft AccessWord processing softwareWonderware softwareWord processing softwareComputerized maintenance management system CMMSComputerized maintenance management system CMMSKongsberg Maritime K-LOG Electronic LogbooksMarine Software Marine Safety ManagerMarine Software Marine Planned MaintenanceEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Word
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
Medium49.96%
Design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Medium35.83%
Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Medium39.01%
Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.
Avionics Technicians
Low28.44%
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Medium43.09%
Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Low23.99%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Low26.56%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Medium41.90%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
Low28.53%
Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Low30.19%
Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Low28.35%
Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.
Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Medium63.42%
Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
Power Plant Operators
Medium52.63%
Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Medium39.93%
Monitor and control activities associated with hydropower generation. Operate plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards, and battery banks. Monitor equipment operation and performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance. Perform equipment maintenance and repair as necessary.
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Medium43.49%
Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Medium54.55%
Operate or control petroleum refining or processing units. May specialize in controlling manifold and pumping systems, gauging or testing oil in storage tanks, or regulating the flow of oil into pipelines.
Locomotive Engineers
Medium54.80%
Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.
Sailors and Marine Oilers
Low31.77%
Stand watch to look for obstructions in path of vessel, measure water depth, turn wheel on bridge, or use emergency equipment as directed by captain, mate, or pilot. Break out, rig, overhaul, and store cargo-handling gear, stationary rigging, and running gear. Perform a variety of maintenance tasks to preserve the painted surface of the ship and to maintain line and ship equipment. Must hold government-issued certification and tankerman certification when working aboard liquid-carrying vessels. Includes able seamen and ordinary seamen.
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
Medium49.50%
Inspect and monitor transportation equipment, vehicles, or systems to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.
Wellhead Pumpers
Medium33.60%
Operate power pumps and auxiliary equipment to produce flow of oil or gas from wells in oil field.
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
Medium40.17%
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.
Firefighters
Low13.98%
Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.
Commercial Divers
Low26.77%
Work below surface of water, using surface-supplied air or scuba equipment to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures. May use a variety of power and hand tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment. May conduct tests or experiments, rig explosives, or photograph structures or marine life.
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Medium52.34%
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.
Commercial Pilots
Medium45.15%
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
Airfield Operations Specialists
Medium55.65%
Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Medium40.89%
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Medium40.83%
Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Medium46.86%
Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.
Motorboat Operators
Medium33.94%
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
Bridge and Lock Tenders
Medium54.95%
Operate and tend bridges, canal locks, and lighthouses to permit marine passage on inland waterways, near shores, and at danger points in waterway passages. May supervise such operations. Includes drawbridge operators, lock operators, and slip bridge operators.
Aircraft Service Attendants
Low22.22%
Service aircraft with fuel. May de-ice aircraft, refill water and cooling agents, empty sewage tanks, service air and oxygen systems, or clean and polish exterior.
Transportation Inspectors
Medium58.03%
Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.
Aviation Inspectors
Medium49.28%
Inspect aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with Federal safety regulations.