Graduates first become Officer of the Watch on a vessel after graduating and passing relevant examinations. They can advance to Second Engineer or Chief Engineer with further study, examinations, and sea-service. Career opportunities exist on a range of different types of ocean going vessels: bulk carriers, oil tankers, container ships, cruise ships, and ferry vessels.
Potential Areas of Employment
- Ship’s Officer (from Junior Ranks to Chief Engineer)
- Marine Superintendent
- Power Plant Engineers
- Marine Consultants/Surveyors
Career prospects are excellent with shipping companies at this time and there are opportunities in a wide range of shore based industries, in addition to sea going careers. Many of our graduates, after time at sea and acquiring qualifications, have taken up positions of responsibility in chemical and process plants, refineries, hospitals and utilities. Other careers include Surveying, the Naval Service, Department of the Marine, Department of Transport and Department of Labour.
The main career path is to become an Officer of the Watch onboard a vessel. With time and further study, you can advance to become a Second Engineer or Chief Engineer. Qualified marine engineers are highly sought after both at sea and ashore. At sea they work on all types and sizes of vessels and with seagoing experience, further study and professional exams, advance to second and chief engineer. Shore roles include marine superintendent in shipping companies, engineering surveyor, engineering management roles in the ports sector, the energy sector and in facility engineering for the pharmaceutical industry.