Engineering Crew
There Are 5 Different Positions In Engineering Crew
Engineers maintain technical, mechanical, electrical and AV/IT equipment throughout the vessel. Positions range from junior level up to Chief Engineer, Build Engineer and specialist positions such as the Electrical Technical Officer. (ETO).Although it is possible to develop your Engineering career onboard, you can also transition onboard with land-based qualifications and experience.
Engineering Crew Education Overview
Training, Courses, and Certifications
- STCW Personal Survival Techniques (STCW A-VI/1-1) Valid for five years, requires refresher training
- STCW Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW A-VI/1-2) Valid for five years, requires refresher training
- STCW Elementary First Aid (STCW A-VI/1-3)
- STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW A-VI/1- 4)
- STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) (STCW A-VI/6-1) or
- STCW Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) (STCW A-VI/6-2) Either qualification is acceptable, however if you are expected to take a watch on board regardless of position, it is beneficial to take the more advanced qualification PDSD.
- Approved Engine Certificate (AEC) 1 and 2 Certificates of Completion is recommended
- Approved Engine Course Certificate. This is linked to the actual engine manufacturer of the yacht being joined, such as Caterpillar (Cat) – the yacht may request this
Before progressing beyond entry-level, in order to register with an approved MCA SV training provider who will supply the Training Record Book (TRB), a minimum of 24 months on board and six months of sea time is required (for those in a dual role a minimum of four hours a day within engineering (on vessels greater than 200 kW) will equate to one full day of sea time, evidence may be required).
Once registered on a programme, a further 12 months on board and six months of sea time (on vessels greater than 350 kW) is required in addition to the certification, before applying for the Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW) (SV) Certificate of Competence (CoC).
- Approved Engine Certificate (AEC) 1 and 2 Certificates of Completion (if not previously obtained)
- MCA Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (STCW A-V1/2). Valid for five years, requires refresher training
- MCA Advanced Firefighting (STCW A-VI/3). Valid for five years, requires refresher training
- MCA Proficiency in Medical First Aid (STCW A-V1/4-1) – Valid for five years
- MCA Human Element Leadership and Management at the Operational Level (HELM O)
- SQA Marine Diesel Engineering *
- SQA Auxiliary Equipment Part-1 *
- SQA Operational Procedures, Basic Hotel Services and Ship Construction *
- MCA-approved two-week SV Workshop Skills Training, followed by two weeks sea service on vessels over 350 kW or an additional two weeks of MCA-approved additional Workshop Skills Training
- MCA Oral Exam Pass
Application to obtain the CoC requires a Notice of Eligibility (NoE), providing evidence of certification and sea time.
* Pass certificates are valid for three years, and will need to be in-date at the time of the issue of the CoC. If these certificates have expired, course and exam re-takes will be required.
- Before being able to progress to Chief Engineer less than 500 GT and 3000 kW – six months of sea time as EOOW on vessels greater than 350 kW is required.
- SQA Chief Engineer Statutory and Operational Requirements *
- SQA Auxiliary Equipment Part-2 *
- MCA Human Element Leadership and Management at the Management Level (HELM M)
- MCA Oral Exam Pass (there is the option to proceed directly to Chief Engineer (SV) less than 3000 GT and 9000 kW, without taking this oral exam, however, the above certification will still be required, and will need to be in date at time of applying for the CoC)
Application to obtain the CoC requires a Notice of Eligibility (NoE), providing evidence of certification and sea time.
* Pass certificates are valid for three years, and will need to be in-date at the time of the issue of the CoC. If these certificates have expired, course and exam re-takes will be required.
- Before progressing to Chief Engineer, less than 3000 GT and 9000 kW a further six months of sea time as EOOW or Chief Engineer on vessels greater than 750 kW is required.
- SQA Applied Marine Engineering *
- SQA General Engineering Science (GES) parts I & II (if you have an approved UK Foundation Degree or HND, you will not need to complete General Engineering Science I & II)
- MCA Oral Exam Pass
Application to obtain the CoC requires a Notice of Eligibility (NoE), providing evidence of certification and sea time.
* Pass certificates are valid for three years, and will need to be in-date at the time of the issue of the CoC. If these certificates have expired, course and exam re-takes will be required.
All senior members of the crew will be expected to take on a leading role regarding security duties onboard. Anyone who is involved with security muster duties, must have this qualification.