Engineer Officers, Water Transport
(NOC 2274)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyEngineer officers, water transport, operate and maintain main engines, machinery and auxiliary equipment aboard ships and other self-propelled vessels, and supervise and coordinate the activities of engine room crews. They are employed by 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 moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some 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.
The median employment income for 32% of Engineer Officers, Water Transport who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $95,487. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$19.78
Minimum$35.26
Median$60.44
MaximumAnnual Pay
$22,762
Minimum$80,919
Median$158,330
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$17.69
Minimum$31.35
Median$47.18
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 auxiliary equipment aboard ships and other self-propelled vessels, and supervise and coordinate the activities of engine room crews. They are employed by marine transportation companies and federal government departments.
Job duties
Engineer officers, water transport, perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate main engines, machinery and all auxiliary equipment aboard ships, such as boilers, steering and deck machinery, motors, pumps, generators and condensers.
- Stand engine room watch, monitoring and noting performance of engines, machinery and all auxiliary equipment.
- Inspect and conduct maintenance and emergency repairs to engines, machinery and all auxiliary 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
As a ship's officer, 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. A mechanical aptitude may be helpful.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is required.
- Completion of a three-year cadet program in marine engineering from an approved marine training institute or approximately 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. Progression from one level of certification to the next requires additional experience, training and testing. Mobility 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
Cape Breton
Southern
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Transportation and Warehousing
Public Administration
Fishing
Food and Beverage Product Manufacturing
Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
55-64
25-34
45-54
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$113,029 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$72,515 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$55,733 median annual incomeHigh school
$53,136 median annual incomeUniversity certificate or diploma
$78,677 median annual incomeCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College certificate or diploma
$52,476 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$58,011 median annual incomeHigh school
$35,125 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$37,706 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$54,923 median annual incomeEducation & training
Marine maintenance/fitter and ship repair technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair outboard and inboard engines; test, maintain, and repair steering devices and electrical systems; repair metal, wood, and fibreglass hulls and vessel components; fabricate and maintain sails; and repair and balance propellers and drive shafts.
Institutions providing this program
5685 Leeds Street
Halifax, NS B3K 2T3
(902) 491-6722
226 Reeves Street
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625-2380
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Nautical science/merchant marine officer
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to serve as captains, executive officers, engineers and ranking mates on commercially licensed inland, coastal and ocean-going vessels. These programs 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.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
226 Reeves Street
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625-2380
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.