A marine engineer deals with the design, construction and maintenance of ships and other water vessels. Jobs are available in a variety of areas including with transport companies, engineering firms, shipbuilders and the military. Some work can be extremely specialised, such as steering and propulsion. Engineers are also responsible for designing and carrying out tests on equipment and initiating any repairs. They may also compile progress reports for clients and contractors
The job requires an extremely good level of technical understanding and the ability to solve complex engineering problems. Sea-going engineers may not need any qualifications as the job can be learnt as a cadet. However, shore-based engineers will require a degree in marine engineering or a related subject such as naval architecture or marine technology
Opportunities in this line of work include working offshore on gas and oil rigs or jobs with the Merchant or Royal Navy or with a shipping company. Advancement might mean moving into a project management or consultancy role or into research or development
The average salary is £29,000 per year but this depends on experience.

• Having IT skills.
• Being able to work alone or with a team.
• Having awareness of safety procedures.
• Being a good negotiator.
• Having math skills.
• Having leadership skills.
• Being physically fit.
• Being adaptable and flexible.
• Having problem solving skills.
• Being able to interpret data.

Marine area require candidates having a degree, Higher National Diploma, or Higher National Certificate in subjects like marine technology, offshore engineering, general engineering, naval engineering or marine engineering. These courses require three A levels/four H grades and five GCSE´s/S grades (A-C/1-3) including science, math or equivalent subjects.

Technicians working on this area can apply to apprenticeship schemes in order to become marine engineers. Another route for people who want to work on this industry is becoming trainee engineers with the Merchant Navy or the Royal Navy.