Chief engineer, ship

What does a Chief Engineer do on a ship? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Chief Engineer on a ship has overarching responsibility for the vessel's mechanical and technical systems. Tasks include leading the engineering crew, planning and executing maintenance, operation, and repair of machinery, engines, and technical equipment onboard. The Chief Engineer also ensures safety procedures related to machinery and electricity, documentation, environmental efforts, and reporting to the shipping company's management and authorities. The work environment is often technically demanding and involves working in the engine room, which requires high safety awareness, problem-solving skills, and leadership. The position often involves shift work and longer periods at sea.

Salary Development Over Time

The salary for Chief Engineers on ships has shown stable growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 44,300 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, it decreased slightly to 43 900 SEK, a decline of about 0.9%. In 2024, the salary increased again and reached 45 100 SEK, an increase of approximately 2.7% compared to the previous year. This variation can be linked to market demand, changes in agreements, and the availability of qualified personnel. Salary levels also reflect the profession's demands for technical competence, responsibility, and experience, while industry fluctuations and ship operating costs influence the development.

Chief Engineer Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 45 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 33,400 SEK/month (men), 35,700 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 51,000 SEK/month (men), 39,100 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage (average): 271 SEK
• Gender differences: Men: 45 700 SEK, Women: (no complete average data)
• Regional differences: Data on regional salary differences is unavailable

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Chief Engineer on a ship, extensive education in maritime and mechanical engineering is required. The most common is a post-secondary maritime engineering program, which includes both theoretical and practical components. In addition to the degree, sea service, certifications, and often special licenses according to international regulations are required. Practical experience and leadership training are especially important for progressing to a Chief Engineer position.

• Post-secondary education: Maritime engineering program (3 years or more)
• Certificates: Engineering officer certification according to STCW convention
• Practical experience: Mandatory sea service and onboard training
• Prerequisites: Approved high school or equivalent, often with a technical focus
• Leadership training: Recommended for managerial roles

Common Benefits and Compensation

Chief Engineers on ships are often offered benefits such as free travel to and from the vessel, per diems during international assignments, onboard accommodation and meals, and often additional pension contributions and insurance. Bonuses and compensation for overtime or special efforts may occur, along with opportunities for further training and healthcare.

Competition and Challenges

The profession of Chief Engineer on ships is characterized by a relatively limited job market in Sweden but with good opportunities internationally. Competition is influenced by the number of trained maritime engineers and engineering officers, as well as the maritime industry's economic cycles. Technical changes and increased demands for environmental and safety standards require continuous further education. Long periods at sea and work environment risks can be challenging, as well as high demands on leadership and responsibility. For those with the right qualifications and experience, there are often multiple job openings, especially within international shipping.

Tips for Aspiring Chief Engineers on Ships

To succeed as a Chief Engineer on a ship, it is advantageous to have a strong technical interest and good analytical skills, facilitating problem-solving in complex onboard situations. Precision and safety awareness are crucial, as the Chief Engineer is responsible for both personnel and technical systems. Developing leadership skills and the ability to work in multicultural teams are also important, since the crew often consists of personnel from different countries. Flexibility and stress resilience are needed to handle unexpected events and long periods at sea. Being communicative and pedagogical makes it easier to instruct and motivate the crew, while continuous skills development and interest in new technology are highly beneficial.

Key Facts About a Chief Engineer on a Ship

• Educational level: Post-secondary maritime engineering education (minimum 3 years)
• Work environment: Onboard ships, often in engine rooms and international waters
• Work arrangement: Shift work, sometimes long periods at sea
• Job openings in the profession: 412 (2024)
• Special skills: Mechanical engineering, leadership, safety, and international regulations

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After several years of experience as a Chief Engineer on ships, opportunities include advancing to technical manager on larger vessels, technical inspector, or land-based roles within shipping companies and port operations. Consulting, training new engineers, and project management within the maritime industry are also common. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecasts, no specific assessment is made for Chief Engineers on ships, but the job market is considered stable within the engineering officer profession with about 412 job openings. International demand remains high, especially for those with specialized skills in environmental technology and advanced engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chief Engineer, Ship

• What does a Chief Engineer earn?
  - The average salary is 45 100 SEK per month, but it varies depending on experience, education, and sector.
• What education is required to become a Chief Engineer on a ship?
  - A post-secondary education as a maritime engineer, usually at least 3 years, along with certifications and sea service, is required.
• What is the work environment like for a Chief Engineer on a ship?
  - The work environment is technically demanding, often in the engine room and with shift work onboard ships.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Men have an average salary of 45 700 SEK, while the highest female salary is 39,100 SEK; complete average data for women is unavailable.
• What career opportunities are there after a few years as a Chief Engineer?
  - Opportunities include advancing to technical manager, inspector, trainer, or land-based management roles within the maritime industry.
• How many job openings are there in the profession?
  - Approximately 412 job openings for engineering officers in Sweden according to current statistics.
• What personal qualities are important for the profession?
  - Technical interest, leadership, accuracy, stress tolerance, and good communication skills are central qualities.