WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A YACHT ENGINEER?

If you're interested in becoming a yacht engineer, it's important to understand the qualifications and requirements necessary to get started, as well as what the day-to-day work entails and how to land your dream job.

The following tips on how to succeed in a maritime career are adapted from an article originally published on Wilsonhalligan. Whether you're just starting or looking to advance in your career, these tips can help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of the maritime industry.

Yacht engineers are responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of all mechanical, electrical, electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, and sometimes structural systems and appendages found on modern yachts and superyachts, depending on the type, size, and usage of the vessel.

To be a successful yacht engineer, you'll need a keen eye for planning and organization, as planned maintenance is an important aspect of modern marine engineering. Additionally, skills in project management, resource allocation, time management, and extensive and diverse technical ability are desirable. Many yachts use asset management software programs to aid in planned and preventative maintenance, record failures and repairs and maintain an accurate inventory of spares held on board.

Engineering on a superyacht has particular challenges, as some yachts, especially charter yachts, can be very busy and demanding, with high expectations from owners and guests in terms of service and entertainment. Furthermore, many of the systems on yachts are safety critical, and breakdowns and failures offshore bring a whole new set of challenges and risks.

There are two primary entry routes into the yacht and superyacht engineering: entering from commercial shipping or working through yacht-based certification routes.

The commercial shipping route typically involves a sponsored cadetship with a shipping company working in partnership with a maritime training provider. Candidates apply to one of several cadetship schemes and, if accepted, undertake approximately three years of study and work experience on the sponsoring company's vessels, culminating in the Officer of the Watch (Engineering) or EOOW ticket, and usually either an HND or BSc Degree in Marine Engineering or similar. Once the EOOW certificate is obtained, candidates may be considered suitably qualified and experienced for junior engineering officer roles on large yachts.

The yacht certification route involves obtaining six key certificates: the Approved Engine Course (AEC), Marine Engine Operators Licence (MEOL), Y4 Engineer, Y3 Engineer, Y2 Engineer, and Y1 Engineer. Each certificate allows engineers to work as Chief Engineer on yachts of increasing size and power. Some course providers offer yachting cadetships as well.

Engineering departments on yachts vary widely depending on the type, size, and usage of the vessel. They can range from a sole engineer to a department of six or more engineers. Regardless of the structure, the Engineering department is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of all onboard systems, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and safely.

Overall, job hunting can be a challenging process, but by following these tips and staying positive, you can increase your chances of finding the right job for you. Remember to tailor your application materials to each job, network and leverage your connections, and stay organized and persistent. For more detailed information and additional tips, be sure to check out the original article.

If you're looking to connect with other crew members, apply for a job, or expand your network, be sure to check out Crew Pages, a great resource for maritime professionals. Happy job hunting!