Second Engineer Jobs

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 Second Engineer vacancies.

What a Second Engineer does

The second engineer runs the engine room day to day under the chief engineer. He or she plans and supervises the daily work of the engineers and engine ratings, carries out main engine and generator overhauls, prepares bunkering and machinery for arrival and departure, and keeps the planned maintenance records and spare parts up to date. The second engineer also leads the engine-room side of fire and emergency drills and takes over from the chief engineer when needed.

Certificates required

Certificate of Competency as Second Engineer Officer (STCW Reg. III/2) for 3,000 kW or more, or STCW Reg. III/3 for 750 to 3,000 kW
Management-level training of the flag state, including high-voltage systems (over 1,000 V)
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
On tankers and gas carriers: advanced tanker endorsement (STCW Reg. V/1-1 or V/1-2)

Sea service and promotion

For the second engineer certificate, STCW Reg. III/2 requires at least 12 months of approved seagoing service as assistant engineer officer or engineer officer. To become chief engineer: 36 months as engineer officer, or 24 months if 12 of them were as second engineer.

Typical ships

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.