Second Engineer Jobs on Tankers

Role overview

Open recruitment for crewing agencies and shipowners we work with. This page is not a single vacancy: apply to be considered for Second Engineer posts on oil and chemical tankers when they open.

The second engineer runs the tanker’s engine room day to day and plans the maintenance of the cargo machinery together with the main engine and generators. Tankers have short port stays and long cargo operations, so most overhauls are planned for sea passages: cargo pump and hydraulic power pack work, inert gas blower and scrubber maintenance, boiler cleaning, and purifier overhauls. The second engineer also takes part in bunkering and keeps the engine-room side of the Oil Record Book correct.

Certificates for Second Engineer posts on oil and chemical tankers

Certificate of Competency as Second Engineer Officer (STCW Reg. III/2 or III/3)
Advanced training for oil tanker and/or chemical tanker cargo operations (STCW Reg. V/1-1): STCW requires it for the second engineer as well as the chief engineer
High-voltage training where fitted, and proficiency in designated security duties (STCW Reg. VI/6)
Flag endorsements (STCW Reg. I/10) for the CoC and the tanker endorsement

Watches, trade and contract

On ships with an unmanned machinery space (UMS) the second engineer works days and takes alarm duty in rotation with the other engineers; on manned engine rooms many tankers put the second engineer on the 4 to 8 watch. During discharge the engine room supports the cargo pumps at high load, so the second engineer checks generators, boilers and the hydraulic system before each port.

Contract length: commonly 4 to 5 months, set by the employer for each vacancy.

What employers ask for

Previous contracts as second engineer, or as third engineer on tankers with the tanker endorsement already issued
Hands-on experience of cargo pumps, inert gas and boilers
Good planned maintenance records and spare parts control
Experience with the main engine type, including electronically controlled engines where fitted

How to apply

Create a free seafarer account and confirm your email address.
Fill in your CV with your sea service on oil and chemical tankers, your CoC and the certificates listed above, and upload copies.
Apply to this post and make your profile visible to verified employers, so crewing agencies and shipowners can find you when a vacancy opens.

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