ONET Insights: Ship Engineers

U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration https://www.onetonline.org 13m 3,185 #insights

Tasks

5 of 17 displayed

All 17 displayed

Start engines to propel ships, and regulate engines and power transmissions to control speeds of ships, according to directions from captains or bridge computers.
Maintain or repair engines, electric motors, pumps, winches, or other mechanical or electrical equipment, or assist other crew members with maintenance or repair duties.
Perform or participate in emergency drills, as required.
Monitor engine, machinery, or equipment indicators when vessels are underway, and report abnormalities to appropriate shipboard staff.
Maintain complete records of engineering department activities, including machine operations.
Perform general marine vessel maintenance or repair work, such as repairing leaks, finishing interiors, refueling, or maintaining decks.
Maintain electrical power, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, or sewerage systems.
Monitor and test operations of engines or other equipment so that malfunctions and their causes can be identified.
Monitor the availability, use, or condition of lifesaving equipment or pollution preventatives to ensure that international regulations are followed.
Install engine controls, propeller shafts, or propellers.
Record orders for changes in ship speed or direction, and note gauge readings or test data, such as revolutions per minute or voltage output, in engineering logs or bellbooks.
Clean engine parts and keep engine rooms clean.
Operate or maintain off-loading liquid pumps or valves.
Supervise marine engine technicians engaged in the maintenance or repair of mechanical or electrical marine vessels, and inspect their work to ensure that it is performed properly.
Order and receive engine room stores, such as oil or spare parts, maintain inventories, and record usage of supplies.
Fabricate engine replacement parts, such as valves, stay rods, or bolts, using metalworking machinery.
Act as a liaison between a ship’s captain and shore personnel to ensure that schedules and budgets are maintained and that the ship is operated safely and efficiently.

Find occupations related to multiple tasks

Technology Skills

Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

Knowledge

5 of 7 displayed

All 7 displayed

Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Skills

5 of 19 displayed

All 19 displayed

Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Time Management — Managing one’s own time and the time of others.

Read Another Confession: A Homeowner’s Guide To Effective Pest Control Methods

Abilities

5 of 31 displayed

All 31 displayed

Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Speed of Closure — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without ‘giving out’ or fatiguing.
Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

Work Activities

5 of 21 displayed

All 21 displayed

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Read Another Confession: What To Expect From A Quality Painting Company

Detailed Work Activities

5 of 15 displayed

All 15 displayed

Operate ships or other watercraft.
Maintain watercraft engines or machinery.
Monitor engine operation or functioning.
Direct emergency management activities.
Report vehicle or equipment malfunctions.
Record operational or production data.
Monitor availability of equipment or supplies.
Install parts, assemblies, or attachments in transportation or material handling equipment.
Record operational details of travel.
Clean facilities or work areas.
Clean machinery or equipment.
Control pumps or pumping equipment.
Direct maintenance or repair activities.
Acquire supplies or equipment.
Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.

Find occupations related to multiple detailed work activities

Work Context

5 of 35 displayed

All 35 displayed

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 96% responded “Every day.”
Exposed to Contaminants — 86% responded “Every day.”
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 91% responded “Every day.”
Freedom to Make Decisions — 84% responded “A lot of freedom.”
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — 79% responded “Every day.”
Duration of Typical Work Week — 88% responded “More than 40 hours.”
Contact With Others — 66% responded “Constant contact with others.”
Face-to-Face Discussions — 80% responded “Every day.”
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — 77% responded “Every day.”
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 64% responded “A lot of freedom.”
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — 64% responded “Every day.”
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — 75% responded “Every day.”
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — 55% responded “Every day.”
Work With Work Group or Team — 50% responded “Very important.”
Time Pressure — 39% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Consequence of Error — 19% responded “Fairly serious.”
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 45% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions — 45% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Electronic Mail — 22% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Physical Proximity — 47% responded “Moderately close (at arm’s length).”
Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 38% responded “Very high responsibility.”
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting — 53% responded “Every day.”
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 57% responded “Very important.”
Frequency of Decision Making — 66% responded “Every day.”
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 46% responded “Very important results.”
Telephone — 37% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 36% responded “Extremely important.”
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — 38% responded “More than half the time.”
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — 23% responded “Never.”
Spend Time Standing — 49% responded “More than half the time.”
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 38% responded “Less than half the time.”
Coordinate or Lead Others — 30% responded “Very important.”
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — 33% responded “Extremely important.”
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 36% responded “High responsibility.”
Spend Time Walking and Running — 35% responded “Less than half the time.”

Read Another Confession: Most Exciting Career Opportunity of the 21st Century [Infographic]

Job Zone

Title	Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education	Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree.
Related Experience	Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training	Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples	These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
SVP Range	(6.0 to < 7.0)

Interests

All 3 displayed

Interest code: RCE

Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.

Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Work Styles

5 of 16 displayed

All 16 displayed

Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Independence — Job requires developing one’s own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

Work Values

All 3 displayed

Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2020)	$36.53 hourly, $75,990 annual
State wages
Local wages

Employment (2019)	8,700 employees
Projected growth (2019-2029)	Slower than average (1% to 2%)
Projected job openings (2019-2029)	1,000
State trends

Top industries (2019)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data
and 2019-2029 employment projections
.
“Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2019-2029). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Sources of Additional Information

All 8 displayed

Disclaimer:
Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries.
Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

(

ONET Insights: Ship Engineers

Tasks

Technology Skills

Knowledge

Skills

Abilities

Work Activities

Detailed Work Activities

Work Context

Job Zone

Interests

Work Styles

Work Values

Wages & Employment Trends

Sources of Additional Information

Related Confessions

Latest Confessions

Random Confessions

Popular Confessions

Latest Infographics

Random Infographics

Popular Infographics

Latest ONET Insights

Random ONET Insights

Popular ONET Insights

Upcoming Confessions

Upcoming Confessions

Upcoming Infographics

Confessions Highlights Archive

Confessions Highlights Archive

Confessions Highlights Archive