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Marine Engineer

Are you looking for a hands-on career in the marine industry that challenges your creativity and your mind, and can be done either at sea or on land?

There are two types of Marine Engineer – one that keeps the boats in tip top shape while they’re at sea, and the other that fixes them up on land in a factory, port, shipyard or dry dock. The industry needs both, and we can provide the training you need to be successful at either.

Whether you work on a navy ship, a cruise liner, an oil tanker or a super yacht – engineers are in high demand to keep the vessel running efficiently at sea, and to build, repair, service and maintain it between trips.

£

1000

55000
– £4,853 per month
ear
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The Pluses

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Adventure

Working at sea offers a chance to travel and see the world, visiting ports and destinations that many people never have the opportunity to experience.

Accomplish

Working at sea can be physically and mentally demanding, but the satisfaction of a job well done can be very rewarding. 

Unique

The dynamic and ever-changing environment at sea can be both challenging and exciting, and offers a unique work experience that sets it apart from traditional land-based careers.

Advance

There are many opportunities for career advancement in the maritime industry, and the skills and experience gained working at sea can be valuable for future job opportunities. .

Dream Team

Life at sea can foster a strong sense of community, as crew members work and live closely together for extended periods of time. 

Benefit

Many careers at sea offer competitive salaries, health insurance, and other benefits, which can be a significant draw for those looking for financial stability.

The Pluses

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A Huge Growth SectorThe demand for goods and services is rapidly increasing, leading to a greater need for shipping and transportation. As a result, skilled Marine Engineers are in high demand.

The demand for goods and services is rapidly increasing, leading to a greater need for shipping and transportation. As a result, skilled Marine Engineers are in high demand.
Specialist SkillsYou’ll play a vital role in building and maintaining the complex machinery and systems that power some of the largest and most advanced vessels in the world.

You’ll play a vital role in building and maintaining the complex machinery and systems that power some of the largest and most advanced vessels in the world.
Contribute to Societyhe work of marine engineers is essential for safe and efficient maritime transportation, contributing to global trade, economic development, and the well-being of communities around the world.

he work of marine engineers is essential for safe and efficient maritime transportation, contributing to global trade, economic development, and the well-being of communities around the world.
High end Salary ScalesAs a Marine Engineer, you’ll have the potential to earn a very good salary and enjoy job and financial security.

As a Marine Engineer, you’ll have the potential to earn a very good salary and enjoy job and financial security.
Explore New PlacesWorking at sea offers you the chance to travel and see the world, visiting ports and destinations that many people never have the opportunity to experience.

Working at sea offers you the chance to travel and see the world, visiting ports and destinations that many people never have the opportunity to experience.
A career like no otherThe dynamic and ever-changing environment at sea can be physically and mentally demanding. It’s challenging, but exciting, and offers a unique work experience that sets it apart from traditional land-based careers.

The dynamic and ever-changing environment at sea can be physically and mentally demanding. It’s challenging, but exciting, and offers a unique work experience that sets it apart from traditional land-based careers.

The Pluses

There are so many reasons to become a Marine Engineer, here are just a few plus points to take into account whilst making your decision.

A Huge Growth Sector

The demand for goods and services is rapidly increasing, leading to a greater need for shipping and transportation. As a result, skilled Marine Engineers are in high demand.

Specialist Skills

You’ll play a vital role in building and maintaining the complex machinery and systems that power some of the largest and most advanced vessels in the world.

Contribute to Society

he work of marine engineers is essential for safe and efficient maritime transportation, contributing to global trade, economic development, and the well-being of communities around the world.

High end Salary Scales

As a Marine Engineer, you’ll have the potential to earn a very good salary and enjoy job and financial security.

Explore New Places

Working at sea offers you the chance to travel and see the world, visiting ports and destinations that many people never have the opportunity to experience.

A career like no other

The dynamic and ever-changing environment at sea can be physically and mentally demanding. It’s challenging, but exciting, and offers a unique work experience that sets it apart from traditional land-based careers.

A Huge Growth SectorThe demand for goods and services is rapidly increasing, leading to a greater need for shipping and transportation. As a result, skilled Marine Engineers are in high demand.

The demand for goods and services is rapidly increasing, leading to a greater need for shipping and transportation. As a result, skilled Marine Engineers are in high demand.
Specialist SkillsYou’ll play a vital role in building and maintaining the complex machinery and systems that power some of the largest and most advanced vessels in the world.

You’ll play a vital role in building and maintaining the complex machinery and systems that power some of the largest and most advanced vessels in the world.
Contribute to Societyhe work of marine engineers is essential for safe and efficient maritime transportation, contributing to global trade, economic development, and the well-being of communities around the world.

he work of marine engineers is essential for safe and efficient maritime transportation, contributing to global trade, economic development, and the well-being of communities around the world.
High end Salary ScalesAs a Marine Engineer, you’ll have the potential to earn a very good salary and enjoy job and financial security.

As a Marine Engineer, you’ll have the potential to earn a very good salary and enjoy job and financial security.
Explore New PlacesWorking at sea offers you the chance to travel and see the world, visiting ports and destinations that many people never have the opportunity to experience.

Working at sea offers you the chance to travel and see the world, visiting ports and destinations that many people never have the opportunity to experience.
A career like no otherThe dynamic and ever-changing environment at sea can be physically and mentally demanding. It’s challenging, but exciting, and offers a unique work experience that sets it apart from traditional land-based careers.

The dynamic and ever-changing environment at sea can be physically and mentally demanding. It’s challenging, but exciting, and offers a unique work experience that sets it apart from traditional land-based careers.

There are so many reasons to become a Marine Engineer, here are just a few plus points to take into account whilst making your decision.

To become a Marine Engineer, you’ll need GCSEs in Maths, English and Science. You can then study either a pre-cadet course to prepare you for a career at sea, or an engineering based A Level, BTEC, T Level or apprenticeship. Maths is vital for this career route so make sure your keep your maths skills sharp. For a career on land, you can progress onto an HND, Foundation Degree or Honours degree. To work at sea, you’ll need to enrol on a fully sponsored three year officer cadet training programme that involves academic and practical training at University, alongside hands on training at sea. At the end of the course you will qualify from your course along with a Certificate of Competency as an Engineer Officer of the Watch.

If you’re unsure what level you should be applying for you can find out more how all of the levels compare here

How do I start bullets

Your Journey to Becoming a Marine Engineer

Naval Architecture
At the South Coast Institute of Technology, you’ll learn the principles of naval architecture, including the design and construction of ships, as well as hydrodynamics, stability and resistance. You’ll cover the different types of marine propulsion systems, alongside the principles of marine electro technology.
Technical Knowledge
Covering the properties of materials used in marine engineering, you’ll leave with a full understanding of metals, composites and coatings. You’ll also learn about the important topic of marine safety and environmental protection, including maritime law, pollution prevention and safety regulations.
Professional Competence
Through real world learning and sea phases you’ll work collaboratively with other crew members, enhancing your communication skills whilst working effectively as part of a ship's engineering team. You’ll develop problem-solving skills to handle various engineering challenges and hone your leadership and project management skills overseeing maintenance and repair projects.

How Do I Start?

To become a Marine Engineer, you’ll need GCSEs in Maths, English and Science. You can then study either a pre-cadet course to prepare you for a career at sea, or an engineering based A Level, BTEC, T Level or apprenticeship. Maths is vital for this career route so make sure your keep your maths skills sharp. For a career on land, you can progress onto an HND, Foundation Degree or Honours degree. To work at sea, you’ll need to enrol on a fully sponsored three year officer cadet training programme that involves academic and practical training at University, alongside hands on training at sea. At the end of the course you will qualify from your course along with a Certificate of Competency as an Engineer Officer of the Watch.

If you’re unsure what level you should be applying for you can find out more how all of the levels compare here

Level 2

Pre-cadetship for the Merchant Navy Level 2 Diploma

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Marine Technologies Level 2 Diploma

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Engineering Level 2 Technical Diploma

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Engineering Technologies Level 2

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Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Level 2

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Electrical Installation Level 2 Diploma

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Maritime Defence Level 2 Diploma

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Marine Technologies Level 2 (Part 1)

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Marine Technologies Level 2 (Part 2)

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Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles Level 2 Diploma

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Performing Engineering Operations level 2 NVQ Diploma

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Marine Engineering Level 2 Diploma

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Engineering Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship

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Engineering Lean Manufacturing Operator Apprenticeship Level 2

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Level 3

Pre-cadetship for the Merchant Navy Level 3 Diploma

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Engineering Level 3 Extended Diploma

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Level 3 T Level in Design & Development for Engineering & Manufacturing (Electrical)

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Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Level 3 Diploma

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Electrical Installations Level 3 Advanced Diploma

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Maritime Defence Level 3 Diploma

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Marine Engineering Level 3 (Advanced)

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Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing Level 3 T Level

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Engineering and Manufacturing - Processing and Control Level 3 T Level

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Engineering and Manufacturing - Design and Development Level 3 T Level

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Engineering Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship

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Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship

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Engineering Boat Builder Level 3 Apprenticeship

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Marine Engineering Level 3 Apprenticeship

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Engineering Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship

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Engineering Fitter Level 3 Apprenticeship

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Engineering Metal Fabricator Level 3 Apprenticeship

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Engineering Maintenance and Operations Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship

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Engineering Plate Welder Level 3 Apprenticeship

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Engineering Level 3 T level

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Science and Engineering Foundation Year

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Engineer Cadet - Higher National Diploma Programme

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Level 4

Engineering Manufacturing Technician – Level 4 Apprenticeship

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Automation and Controls Engineering Technician Level 4 Apprenticeship

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Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Marine Engineering (Part-time)

- Starts 2024/25

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Level 4-6

HNC / HND Electrical Engineering

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HNC / HND Mechanical Engineering

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Small Vessel Engineer Apprenticeship

- Starts 2025

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HNC Mechanical Engineering

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HNC Engineering: Electronics

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HND General Engineering

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Associate Project Management Level 4 Apprenticeship

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HNC Engineering

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HND Marine Engineering Cadetship - Includes Certificate of Competency as an Engineer Officer of the Watch

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FdEng Marine Engineering - Includes Certificate of Competency as an Engineer Officer of the Watch

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FdEng Mechanical Engineering

- Start date 2024

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FdEng Renewable Energy Engineering

- Start date 2024

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BEng Marine Engineering - Includes Certificate of Competency as an Engineer Officer of the Watch

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BEng (Hons)Mechanical Engineering

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BEng (Hons) Renewable Energy Engineering

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BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

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BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

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BEng (Hons) Renewable Energy Engineering

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Level 4/5

HNC & HND Mechanical Engineering

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HNC & HND Manufacturing Engineering

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Engineering HND

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Level 5

Operations or Departmental Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship

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Level 5 Higher National Diploma in General Engineering

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Level 6 Top Up

BEng (Hons) Marine Engineering Top up

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Level 7

MSc (Hons) Engineering Studies (Learning at Work)

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MSc (Hons) Engineering and Management Studies (Learning at Work)

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