Also called: Engine Rating, Junior Engineer
A skilled engine-room rating who operates and maintains ship machinery.
QMEDs take readings, change filters, run fuel purifiers, and help engineers rebuild pumps and engines. Many specialize as electricians, pumpmen, or refrigeration techs.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Union school (like SIU's Paul Hall Center) or trade program plus a QMED endorsement.
Ways in: Certification, Trade school, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Marine Engine Technology (trade school).
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. Sensors reduce routine rounds, but changing filters, running purifiers and rebuilding pumps stay hands-on.
Classes: Auto mechanics CTE class, Physics, Welding CTE class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-5011.
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