Role overview
Open recruitment for crewing agencies and shipowners we work with. This is not a single vacancy with a fixed joining date: apply to be considered for upcoming Fourth Engineer vacancies.
What a Fourth Engineer does
The fourth engineer is the most junior engineer officer. He or she keeps engine-room watches or duty days and usually looks after the purifiers, air compressors, pumps, the sewage plant and the fresh water generator, and the daily soundings and records. The fourth engineer works closely with the oilers and wipers and supports the senior engineers during overhauls and bunkering.
Certificates required
- Certificate of Competency as Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch (STCW Reg. III/1)
- Advanced fire fighting (STCW Reg. VI/3)
- Medical first aid (STCW Reg. VI/4)
- Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats (STCW Reg. VI/2)
- Basic Training (STCW Reg. VI/1): personal survival techniques, fire prevention and fire fighting, elementary first aid, personal safety and social responsibilities
- Proficiency in designated security duties (STCW Reg. VI/6)
- Seafarer medical certificate (STCW Reg. I/9 and MLC 2006 Reg. 1.2), valid for a maximum of 2 years
- Flag endorsement (STCW Reg. I/10) if the ship flies a different flag from the country that issued your certificate
Sea service and promotion
The fourth engineer holds the same STCW Reg. III/1 certificate as the third engineer; the difference is experience on board. Many fourth engineers are former engine cadets on their first contracts as officer. After experience as fourth and third engineer, and at least 12 months as engineer officer, the next certificate is second engineer (STCW Reg. III/2 or III/3).
Typical ships
- Bulk carriers
- Container ships
- Oil and chemical tankers
- General cargo and multipurpose ships
- Passenger ships and ferries
- Tugs and offshore supply vessels
Contract length
Commonly 4 to 6 months, set by the employer for each vacancy. MLC 2006 limits continuous service on board to less than 12 months before the seafarer is entitled to repatriation.
How to apply
- Create a free seafarer account and confirm your email address.
- Fill in your online CV: rank, sea service, certificate of competency, STCW certificates, medical and seaman’s book. Upload copies of your documents.
- Apply to this post with one click and make your profile visible to verified employers, so crewing agencies and shipowners can find you when a vacancy opens.
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Related ranks
Seafarers: see how Seafarers Recruitment works for seafarers. Employers and crewing agencies: post a vacancy or search crew.