Second engineer officer
Second engineer officers are maritime professionals responsible for the technical condition of the vessel and the functioning of the machinery systems. They take care of, for example, the maintenance, supervision, and repairs of the ship’s engines, electrical systems, heating, ventilation, and other technical equipment. Second engineer officers work on passenger ships, cargo vessels, icebreakers, and tugboats, as well as onshore in power plants and shipyards. The work of a second engineer officer requires technical competence, as well as supervisory and cooperation skills.
Shipping companies’ passenger ships and cargo vessels, tugboats and icebreakers, as well as power plants, shipyards, and engineering workshops.
Second engineer officers need extensive technical competence and practical skills related to the operation and maintenance of the ship’s machinery and systems. Key competence areas include knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, diagnostic and troubleshooting skills, and the ability to carry out repairs and maintenance work independently. In addition, second engineer officers must be familiar with power units and heating systems.
The profession requires the ability to read technical drawings and instructions, as well as good problem-solving skills. As the work often takes place in close cooperation with other crew members, good cooperation and communication skills are essential. Safety-related competence, knowledge of regulations, and adaptation to the varying working conditions of the vessel are also key requirements for second engineer officers.
Good command of English is essential for carrying out work tasks in international transport. In Finnish shipping, Swedish language is also important.
Work schedules impose certain constraints on family and social 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.
- construction equipment related to building materials
- mechanics
Universities of applied sciences offer a Bachelor of Engineering (technology) degree, specialising in seafaring. At upper secondary level, you can complete the Vocational Qualification in Seafaring (watchkeeping engineer). You can also complete the qualification through an apprenticeship.
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).
Upon receiving a watchkeeping engineer’s certificate of competency, a person may serve as watchkeeping officer of the engine watch on merchant vessels engaged in international trade and as chief engineer officer on domestic vessels.
Based on work experience, the Master’s Degree Programme in Maritime Engineering provides qualifications for various degrees of chief engineer’s certificates on ships. Holders of a chief engineer’s certificate are qualified to work on merchant vessels as chief engineer officers and second engineer officers.
Median salary
5460 €/mo
The data is based on the median income, meaning the amount of salary which is the middle of the salary amounts arranged in order of magnitude.
Source: Statistics Finland's structural statistics on wages and salaries
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