Choosing a career as a marine engineer means stepping into a world where innovation meets the open sea. Marine engineers are the problem solvers and designers behind the ships, submarines, and offshore structures that keep global trade, exploration, and maritime travel moving. It’s a field that blends advanced engineering with adventure, offering the chance to work on cutting edge technology while contributing to industries that shape the world’s economy.
Whether maintaining powerful engines, developing sustainable propulsion systems, or ensuring the safety and efficiency of complex vessels, marine engineers play a vital role in keeping our oceans connected and our future afloat.
There are many aspects to working within the marine industry. This can be working in the shipyard itself, onboard a vessel, in the office or underwater.
What are the benefits of working in marine?
With the right training and experience, you could be a:
- Project Manager specialising in project management, research and development or consultancy
- Marine Safety Engineer
- Marine Salvage Engineer working on salvage operations
- Vessel Design Engineer designing vessels or shipping fleet management
- Offshore Engineer
Examples of the Type of Roles in Marine Engineering:
- Marine Engineer
- Marine Technician
- Ship Fitter
- Marine Systems Engineer
- Offshore Oil & Gas Engineer
What day-to-day tasks would I undertake?
As a marine engineer, you could:
- Work with naval architects to design and build ships, boats and submarines
- Service and repair vessels in shipyards and docks
- Install engines, navigation equipment and safety systems
- Inspect and test electrical and electronic instruments
- Refurbish and maintain offshore energy platforms and wind turbines
- Assist with marine surveys for buying and insurance purposes
- Keep technical documents for jobs up to date
- Manage a team of technicians
How to start your career in marine engineering?
You can get into this job through:
- A university course
- An apprenticeship
- Working towards this role
University Courses
You can complete a foundation degree in:
- Marine engineering
- Marine technology
- Naval architecture
- Offshore engineering
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
Apprenticeships
You could apply to do a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, with an engineering company. These can take between 3 and 4 years to complete and combine workplace training with off-site study.
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science