Second engineer

A second engineer has to be familiar with their ships systems, repair schedules, and test results obtained from oil or water samples.

While attending any one of these certified institutions, engineering students meet requirements for STCW standards and are streamlined through the process of becoming an officer over the course of four years.

[4] In their final year students are tested by the US Coast Guard on various ship systems, such as gas turbines or diesel propulsion for engineers or navigation and signals for mates.

One can also can begin the process by working as a lower member of the engine department, such as a wiper, for a minimum of three years; afterwards, with at least six months as a motorman, electrician, or machinist.

After extra required training courses and evaluations by the ship’s captain one can begin the exams for a third assistant engineer license.

[2] The Merchant Marine uniform distinguishes the First Engineer and the Chief Mate by a propeller on their shoulder boards, or epaulets.

Often these are thick cotton or denim clothes that are more suited to an engineer's working conditions, but are often subject to company policy.

As of May 2014, engineers aboard US flagged deep sea sailing vessels earned a mean salary of $47.67 an hour, or roughly $97,720.

Approximately 8,300 marine engineering jobs are available in the United States with only the top 40 percent, mainly officers, making over $100,000 annually.