Chief engineer officer

Professions Updated 9.1.2020

Chief engineer officers act as the head of the ship’s engine department, being responsible for the operation of the machinery. Chief engineer officers work on passenger ships and cargo vessels, as well as on icebreakers and tugboats. In particular, the profession requires high technical competence, independent decision-making skills, and adaptation to the ship’s small work community.

Passenger ships, cargo vessels, icebreakers, tugboats, machinery industry, and power plants.

Browse job postings: Chief engineer officer

Maritime chief engineer officers are required to have extensive technical expertise and in-depth knowledge of the operation of the vessel’s machinery, technical systems, and safety protocols. The chief engineer officer must be able to plan, manage, and supervise the operations of the engine department and to solve technical problems quickly and reliably. Chief engineer officers must be familiar with the processes of energy production and distribution, engine technology, electrical systems, and the vessel's automation systems.

The profession also requires strong leadership skills, as the chief engineer officer is responsible for training and coordinating the tasks of the engine department personnel. In addition, the chief engineer officer must be familiar with international regulations and safety standards that guide the technical operation of the vessel. Good stress tolerance, decision-making skills, and the ability to cooperate with other departments and adapt to varying working conditions are emphasised in this job.

Working on board vessels requires adaptation to a small work community, where people must get along both at work and in their free time. Work schedules impose certain constraints on private life. However, long periods off also provide the opportunity to spend extended time onshore. The job also requires adapting to an occasionally rolling work environment.

Good command of English is essential for carrying out work tasks in international transport. In Finnish shipping, Swedish language is also important.

electrical systems used in transportation
electronics
electronics principles
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
international regulations for preventing collisions at sea
maritime electric drives
mechanical tools
physical parts of the vessel
principles of mechanical engineering

Source: ESCO 1.2.0 (esco.ec.europa.eu)⁠

At universities of applied sciences, you can complete a Bachelor of Engineering (technology) degree, specialising in seafaring. The Vocational Qualification in Seafaring (watchkeeping engineer) also provides the readiness to act as chief engineer officer on certain types of vessels.

Search for study options (studyinfo.fi)⁠

A certificate of competency for chief engineers, second engineer officers, or sub engineer officers depending on the manning of the vessel. In addition to suitable studies, a sufficient amount of work experience is required for certificates of competency of different degrees (Decree on the Manning of Ships, Certification of Seafarers, and Watchkeeping).

Maritime certificates of competency (traficom.fi)