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Chief Engineering Officer

What is a Chief Engineering Officer?

Chief Engineering Officers are in demand!  The Chief Engineering Officer usually works on a ship/cruise ship and is reports to the Master of the ship. A Chief Engineering Officer is in charge of all the engines as well as electrical systems, generators, plumbing, water desalinization, air-conditioning, ventilation, heating and refrigeration.

What does a Chief Engineering Officer do?

  • managing engineering crew
  • keeping inventories and records 
  • ensuring maintenance, service and repair to engines
  • ensuring maintenance, service and repair to generators, plumbing, air-conditioning and ventilation systems
  • ensuring maintenance, service and repair to heating and refrigeration systems
  • ensuring maintenance, service and repair to all electrical systems
  • ensuring correct installation of any new engineering/electrical equipment

Are you … ?

  • passionate about working at sea?
  • mechanically  minded?
  • good with people?
  • organised?
  • good with your hands?
  • practical?
  • able to read instruction manuals?
  • thorough and methodical?
  • a problem solver?
  • good under pressure?
  • able to work in cramped, often noisy areas?

How do I become a Chief Engineering Officer?

School requirements:

Grade 12 or equivalent with Mathematics and Science – 60%+ pass
Grade 10 or equivalent with Mathematics and Science – 60%+ pass rate
Those with Grade 12 certificate but without maths and science can do a 6-month bridging course at any institution offering Maritime Studies.

This is the list you have to complete to become a Chief Engineering Officer:

  • Complete an S1 and S2 certificate in Maritime Studies or Mechanical Engineering at either Durban University of Technology (DUT) or Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
  • Complete 12 months on board ship for in-service-training
  • Qualify as an Engineering Officer by passing the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) appropriate oral exam
  • Complete a National Diploma in Maritime Studies through DUT or CPUT
  • Complete another 12 months on board ship for in-service-training
  • Qualify as an 2nd Engineering Officer by passing the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) appropriate oral exam
  • Complete a Higher Diploma in Maritime Studies through DUT or CPUT
  • Complete another 12 months on board ship for in-service-training
  • Qualify as an Chief Engineering Officer by passing the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) appropriate oral exam

Is becoming a Chief Engineering Officer the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

In Demand Maths Required Qualification Required