Engineer Officers, Water Transport
(NOC 2274)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyEngineer officers, water transport, operate and maintain main engines, machinery and supporting equipment aboard ships and other vessels, and supervise and coordinate the activities of engine room crews. They work for marine transportation companies and federal government departments.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. However, competition for positions may be low due to few qualified jobseekers. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Engineer Officers, Water Transport most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers.
Hourly Pay
$19.89
Minimum$36.00
Median$48.72
MaximumAnnual Pay
$22,762
Minimum$80,919
Median$158,330
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$34.90
Median$54.10
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Engineer officers, water transport, operate and maintain main engines, machinery and supporting equipment aboard ships and other vessels, and supervise and coordinate the activities of engine room crews. They work for marine transportation companies and federal government departments.
Job duties
Engineer officers, water transport:
- Run main engines, machinery, and all supporting equipment aboard ships like boilers, steering and deck machinery, motors, pumps, generators, and condensers.
- Stand engine room watch, monitoring and noting performance of engines, machinery, and all supporting equipment.
- Inspect, maintain, and repair engines, machinery, and all supporting equipment.
- Supervise and coordinate the activities of the engine room crew.
- Maintain records and prepare reports on engine performance and failures.
Sample job titles
- chief engineer - water transport
- engineer officer - water transport
- fishing vessel engineer officer
- offshore drilling rig marine engineer officer
- second engineer - water transport
- ship engineer officer
- third engineer - water transport
- watchkeeping engineer
Skills
- You should enjoy being at sea. A sense of responsibility and strong leadership qualities are needed. You must be in good health and meet eyesight and colour vision requirements. Problem-solving and decision-making skills are important. Mechanical skills may be helpful.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- A three-year cadet program in marine engineering from an approved marine training institute or about three years of experience as an engine room crew member and six months of formal training at an approved marine training institute or approximately three years of experience as an engine mechanic and six months of experience as an engine room crew member are required for certification as a fourth class marine engineer.
- A marine engineer officer certificate of competency, issued by Transport Canada, is required.
Other considerations
- Employment opportunities will mainly depend upon export levels and the ability of shipping companies to be competitive with other forms of transportation. Fourth Class Marine Engineer certificate is the entry level of a four-level certification program administered by Transport Canada. Movement from one level of certification to the next requires additional experience, training and testing. Movement between employers is possible for positions requiring the same level of certification. Progression to management positions in transportation is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$100,046 median annual incomeCape Breton
$72,980 median annual incomeSouthern
$85,123 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$77,224 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$88,575 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Transportation and warehousing
Public administration
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
65+
35-44
25-34
15-24
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$87,496 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$77,114 median annual incomeBachelor
$92,474 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
$88,102 median annual incomeHigh school
$53,271 median annual incomeCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Marine Maintenance/Fitter and Ship Repair Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair outboard and inboard engines, test, maintain, and repair steering devices and electrical systems, repair hulls and vessel components, make and maintain sails, and repair and balance propellers and drive shafts.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Nautical Science/Merchant Marine Officer
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to serve as captains, executive officers, engineers and ranking mates on commercially licensed inland, coastal and ocean-going vessels. They include courses in maritime traditions and law, maritime policy, economics and management of commercial marine operations, basic naval architecture and engineering, shipboard power systems engineering, crew supervision, and administrative procedures.
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Not Provincially Regulated: This job may be regulated by a federal regulatory body.
Not Provincially Regulated: This job may be regulated by a federal regulatory body.
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.