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What is it like being a Ship Engineer?
When being a ship engineer how important is it for you to be close to your crew?
What is it like working and living out at sea?
I understand it's important to keep your composure but what could happen if you don't?
What are the main issues you usually have to deal with?
Can I be a welder as a Ship Engineer?
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Ravi’s Answer
A marine engineer's life is isolated, tough, physically and mentally challenging and often risky to the point of being life-threatening even on modern ships. While most maritime academies would prepare one well for a life out at sea, an engineer while sailing needs a certain skill-set which demands innovation and an ability to improvise, which most land-based engineers may not need or necessarily possess. Besides routine watchkeeping duties - 4 hour watches at regular intervals - there is an expectation to work a certain amount of overtime and be available in an emergency at any time. Work involves monitoring of running machinery and ancillary equipment, tanks and stores etc. Routine and breakdown maintenance as well as inventory of tools and spares is another aspect of the job. Major overhauls are expected albeit infrequently. The sea is a harsh mistress and maintaining your composure in an isolated environment is perhaps the best way to survive it. It is important to always be disciplined and professional in one's dealings at sea whether with the crew or one's peers. Welding is part of the engineering training and you may at time need to exercise that skill.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hi there, Heavenly!
Becoming a ship engineer is a role that's both challenging and fulfilling. It's a job that calls for technical know-how, a knack for solving problems, and the capacity to work under tough conditions. As a ship engineer, you'd be in charge of looking after, fixing, and operating the ship's propulsion and power systems. Your job would be to make sure that the ship's engines, electrical systems, and other machinery are all working as they should to keep the ship running smoothly and safely.
Building a strong working relationship with the crew is also a key part of being a ship engineer. Good communication and teamwork play a vital role in making sure the ship runs without a hitch. As a ship engineer, you'll often be working hand in hand with other crew members to tackle maintenance issues, figure out solutions to problems, and ensure that all systems are working at their best. Building a good rapport with the crew not only makes for a positive work environment, but it also boosts safety on board.
Life at sea as a ship engineer can be both demanding and rewarding. The job often involves long hours and tough conditions as you'll be responsible for keeping crucial systems running to keep the ship operational. Being at sea means being away from loved ones for long stretches, which can be tough emotionally. But many ship engineers love their job and the unique experiences that come with life at sea, like watching stunning sunsets over the ocean or visiting different ports around the globe.
Keeping your cool is a must as a ship engineer. Any slip in concentration or judgment could have serious repercussions. If a ship engineer loses their cool, it could lead to mistakes during critical operations, potentially putting the safety of the ship and its crew at risk. In emergencies like engine failures or equipment breakdowns, it's crucial to stay calm to make quick, effective decisions to reduce risks and keep everyone on board safe.
As a ship engineer, you'll typically deal with issues like equipment breakdowns, regular maintenance tasks, troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems, making sure safety regulations are followed, and managing spare parts inventory. You'll also need to keep up with the latest in marine engineering technology to use efficient and sustainable practices on ships. As the shipping industry moves towards more environmentally friendly practices, ship engineers may also face challenges related to environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives.
Yes, you can be a welder as a ship engineer. Welding is a key skill for ship engineers as they might need to fix or modify metal structures on the ship. Ship engineers often get training in welding techniques to handle various types of metalwork needed for maintenance and repair tasks on ships. Being good at welding can boost a ship engineer's versatility and ability to tackle a wide range of mechanical problems at sea.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications:
1. Marine Insight - www.marineinsight.com
2. The Nautical Institute - www.nautinst.org
3. International Maritime Organization (IMO) - www.imo.org
Remember, it's perfectly fine to ask for more help if you need it. We're here to assist you, and a little prayer never hurts either!
Best regards,
James.
Becoming a ship engineer is a role that's both challenging and fulfilling. It's a job that calls for technical know-how, a knack for solving problems, and the capacity to work under tough conditions. As a ship engineer, you'd be in charge of looking after, fixing, and operating the ship's propulsion and power systems. Your job would be to make sure that the ship's engines, electrical systems, and other machinery are all working as they should to keep the ship running smoothly and safely.
Building a strong working relationship with the crew is also a key part of being a ship engineer. Good communication and teamwork play a vital role in making sure the ship runs without a hitch. As a ship engineer, you'll often be working hand in hand with other crew members to tackle maintenance issues, figure out solutions to problems, and ensure that all systems are working at their best. Building a good rapport with the crew not only makes for a positive work environment, but it also boosts safety on board.
Life at sea as a ship engineer can be both demanding and rewarding. The job often involves long hours and tough conditions as you'll be responsible for keeping crucial systems running to keep the ship operational. Being at sea means being away from loved ones for long stretches, which can be tough emotionally. But many ship engineers love their job and the unique experiences that come with life at sea, like watching stunning sunsets over the ocean or visiting different ports around the globe.
Keeping your cool is a must as a ship engineer. Any slip in concentration or judgment could have serious repercussions. If a ship engineer loses their cool, it could lead to mistakes during critical operations, potentially putting the safety of the ship and its crew at risk. In emergencies like engine failures or equipment breakdowns, it's crucial to stay calm to make quick, effective decisions to reduce risks and keep everyone on board safe.
As a ship engineer, you'll typically deal with issues like equipment breakdowns, regular maintenance tasks, troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems, making sure safety regulations are followed, and managing spare parts inventory. You'll also need to keep up with the latest in marine engineering technology to use efficient and sustainable practices on ships. As the shipping industry moves towards more environmentally friendly practices, ship engineers may also face challenges related to environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives.
Yes, you can be a welder as a ship engineer. Welding is a key skill for ship engineers as they might need to fix or modify metal structures on the ship. Ship engineers often get training in welding techniques to handle various types of metalwork needed for maintenance and repair tasks on ships. Being good at welding can boost a ship engineer's versatility and ability to tackle a wide range of mechanical problems at sea.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications:
1. Marine Insight - www.marineinsight.com
2. The Nautical Institute - www.nautinst.org
3. International Maritime Organization (IMO) - www.imo.org
Remember, it's perfectly fine to ask for more help if you need it. We're here to assist you, and a little prayer never hurts either!
Best regards,
James.
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
There is some youtube creators who document what life is like working on ships. Look those up. They spend alot of time away from home and travel all over the place. Just search "life as a ship engineer" on youtube.
Hey Travis, could you provide more details? Is there a Youtuber you would recommend?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
JeffHK is a good one
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Updated
David’s Answer
On the navy side, it is long hours. Most of the shipboard engineers on a naval vessel do 12hr shifts. Its time in the engine room and making sure things are running as they're supposed to. Many of the guys I know did their 6yrs and are now in Texas working for oil companies. Its great pay there for them and they travel around the state making sure everything is proper at those locations.