Yacht Engineer
Mechanical Maintenance of the Yacht
The engineer is responsible for the yacht's mechanical systems, including engines, generators, and other equipment.
How to Become an Engineer on a Yacht
To become an engineer on a superyacht, you will typically need the following qualifications and skills:
- A relevant engineering education or experience, such as a marine engineering degree or a mechanical or electrical engineering degree with marine experience.
- Relevant professional engineering qualifications, such as a marine engineering officer’s certificate of competency, issued by the maritime authority of the country you are working in.
- Experience working with marine propulsion systems, electrical systems, and other marine engineering systems.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot and repair complex systems.
- Familiarity with marine engineering regulations and safety standards, such as SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships).
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, as superyacht engineers are often responsible for maintaining and repairing a wide range of systems and equipment.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work well in a team.
- A valid ENG1 medical certificate, which is required for all professional mariners in the UK, is issued by a doctor who is approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) or the equivalent being a Seafarers medical certificate.
- STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) certificate, which is required for all professional mariners in the UK, and is issued by the MCA.
- A valid seaman’s book or a discharge book, which is issued by the flag state, to prove your sea-going experience.
- A valid marine engineering officer’s certificate of competency issued by the maritime authority of the country you are working in.
- A valid safety management course (SMC) certificate issued by the maritime authority of the country you are working in.
- A valid security awareness certificate issued by the maritime authority of the country you are working in.
- A valid first-aid certificate issued by the maritime authority of the country you are working in.
- A valid fire prevention and firefighting certificate issued by the maritime authority of the country you are working in.
- A valid personal survival techniques certificate issued by the maritime authority of the country you are working in.
- A valid survival craft and rescue boat certificate issued by the maritime authority of the country you are working in.
- A valid ship security officer certificate issued by the maritime authority of the country you are working in.
- A valid fast rescue boat certificate issued by the maritime authority of the country you are working in.
- A valid medical care certificate issued by the maritime authority of the country you are working in.
It is worth noting that the requirements for yacht engineers can vary depending on the yacht and the area in which you plan to operate, so it is essential to check the specific regulations and requirements in your area. It’s also worth noting that some yacht owners may require some specific certifications or training for the yacht systems, so being familiar with the yacht systems, including navigation and communication systems, generators, sewage treatment and water-making systems, and refrigeration and air conditioning systems, is essential.
Yacht Engineer FAQs
What are the qualifications and experience required to be an engineer on a superyacht?
Engineers on superyachts typically hold a marine engineering or mechanical engineering degree or equivalent certification, such as a marine engineer officer’s license. They should also have experience in marine engineering and knowledge of the systems and equipment used on superyachts.
- RYA Diesel Engine Course
- MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC 1 & 2) Certificate
- MCA Engine Watch Rating Certificate
- MCA Marine Engine Operator License (Y)
- RIII/3 Y4 Chief Engineer (<200gt <1500kW)/ Second Engineer/ EOOW (SV) (<3000gt <9000kW)
- RIII/3 Y3 Chief Engineer (<500gt <3000kW)/ Chief Engineer (SV) (<500gt 3000kW)
- RIII/2 Y2 Chief Engineer (<3000gt <3000kW)/ Chief Engineer (SV) (<3000gt <9000kW)
- RIII/2 Y1 Chief Engineer (<3000gt <9000kW)/ Chief Engineer (SV) (<3000gt <9000kW
- RIII/1 Engineer Officer of the Watch (Unlimited)
- RIII/2 2nd Engineer (Unlimited)
- RIII/2 Chief Engineer (Unlimited)/ Class 1
What are the main responsibilities of an engineer on a superyacht?
Engineers on superyachts are responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operation of the yacht’s engines, generators, propulsion systems, and other mechanical and electrical equipment. They also work closely with the captain and crew to ensure the yacht’s systems are functioning correctly and safely.
How does the engineer interact with the rest of the crew and guests?
Engineers interact with the rest of the crew to ensure the yacht’s systems are functioning correctly and to provide technical support and troubleshoot issues that arise. They also interact with guests to ensure their comfort and safety by providing information about the yacht’s systems and handling any requests for repairs or maintenance.
How does the engineering plan and maintain the yacht’s systems?
Engineers plan and maintain the yacht’s systems by developing and implementing a schedule for regular maintenance, inspections, and repairs, as well as monitoring the yacht’s systems during operation and troubleshooting any issues that arise. They also keep detailed records of all maintenance and repairs and report any issues or concerns to the captain and crew.
What is the typical schedule of an engineer on a superyacht?
Engineers on superyachts typically work long hours, including evenings and weekends, as they are responsible for monitoring the yacht’s systems at all times. They are also on call 24/7 in case of any emergency situations.
How does the engineer handle emergency situations?
Engineers handle emergency situations by quickly assessing the situation and taking appropriate action, such as shutting down systems or activating the fire suppression system. They also work with the rest of the crew to ensure the safety of the guests and crew and to troubleshoot and repair any damage as quickly as possible.
What are the everyday challenges of being an engineer on a superyacht?
Engineers on superyachts face many challenges, including dealing with extreme weather conditions, managing maintenance and repair schedules, and ensuring the safety of the guests and crew. They also face the challenge of working in a confined space with limited resources and must be able to think and act quickly in emergency situations.
What is the typical salary range for an engineer on a superyacht?
Chief engineers on a 100-metre-plus (328-foot) yacht typically earnt around €12,000 (c. $13,073) to €15,000 (c. $16,341) per month in 2021. Comparatively, a chief engineer on a 30- to 40-metre (98- to 131-foot) yacht earnt on average between €4,000 to €6,000 (c. $4,357) to ($6,535) per month.
Yacht Engineer Jobs
Engineer
**PLEASE NOTE-POSITION NOW FILLED** JUNE 2023
Engineer urgently required for an immediate start for a 33m private motor yacht. This is a full time position, non rotation.
Homeport Barcelona and cruising Western Mediterranean.
The yacht runs with a crew of 5 and will require the successful candidate to be hands on and a team player.
Salary in the region of USD $7,000 per month
38 days leave with option to take further unpaid leave subject to the yacht cruising programme.
AEC required as minimum.
Y4 advantageous
STCW
ENG 1
IT/AV skills and experience essential.
Volvo Main engine.
A good level of English language is essential
*Male applicants only please due to the cabin arrangement*
Engineer
Our client is urgently seeking an Engineer/Deck for a private 46m classic sailing yacht. Mediterranean cruising for the summer and yard period in Spain for a number of months in the winter. The yacht will be embarking on a circumnavigation next year and will also be chartering. This opportunity is ideal for someone who has a solid sailing background and who is keen for an adventure. This is very much a family oriented yacht and candidates must also be prepared to help out on deck and in other areas when required.
Candidates already holding EOOW would be a great benefit but not essential.
AEC 1&2 as minimum.
Salary on offer in the region of €4,500 per month. DOE
Start date: Immediate to join the yacht in Mallorca.
Leave is flexible but is offered at 30 ‘natural days per month.
SEA contract given.
3rd Engineer
Our clients are seeking a 3rd engineer for a rotational position on a 70m classic motor yacht. This offers a great opportunity for those wishing to cross over from a commercial background into the yachting industry. Certificates required: AEC 1&2 as minimum, preferably EOOW. STCW, ENG 1, Discharge book, PDSD – Start 4th May Opportunity to work on a unique classic motor yacht running original main engines, these 90-year-old slow speed, open rocker reversing engines are only driven from the engine room, and as the successful applicant, will essentially be driving them. Watch-keeping experience, IDEA Planned maintenance, self-driven and the desire to learn a must. Commercial or previous engineering experience. AEC2 – Y4 min, ideally EOOW. 2:1 rotation 3.2K Euro paid monthly. All flights to and from vessel paid for. When underway, operating 4 hours on 8 hours off, during this watch, required to conduct oiling rounds on the mains, shafts every hour, constant observation of the plant, a full log is completed and is a busy watch. Mediterranean cruising summer 2022/Caribbean winter 22/23