Also called: 3rd Engineer, Junior Marine Engineer
A licensed junior engineer who keeps a ship's machinery running on watch.
The third engineer stands engine-room watches, logs readings from gauges, and handles boilers, fuel systems, and generators. Expect grease, heat, and a lot of hands-on problem solving with a wrench in one hand and a manual in the other.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Marine engineering degree from a maritime academy plus a USCG Third Assistant Engineer license.
Ways in: 4-year college, Apprenticeship. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Marine Engineering, Marine Engineering Technology.
Growing slowly (about 1% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. Automated engine rooms reduce gauge-reading watches, but breakdowns at sea still need trained hands with tools.
Classes: Physics, Small-engine or auto CTE class, Algebra II.
Official data: O*NET occupation 53-5031.
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