How to become a marine engineer
Marine engineers keep ships, ferries, boats and offshore equipment running. You can start through a marine engineering apprenticeship at a shipyard or boatbuilder, or a sponsored Merchant Navy engineering cadetship at sea.
How do I become a marine engineer?
Train through a marine engineering apprenticeship at a shipyard, boatbuilder or naval base, a sponsored Merchant Navy engineering cadetship at sea, or Royal Navy technician training. Most routes ask for GCSEs at grade 4 in maths, English and science. The National Careers Service lists pay of about £24,000 rising to £43,000.
Last reviewed by the Shine careers team.
What does a marine engineer do?
- Maintain and repair engines, pumps, generators and deck machinery
- Carry out safety checks and planned maintenance
- Fault-find mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems
- Work in shipyards, ports, on vessels or offshore
Pay
Typical salary: £24,000 as a starter, rising to £43,000 with experience.
Apprentices under 19, or in their first year, earn at least £8.00 an hour from April 2026. Many employers pay more.
Sources: National Careers Service (marine engineering technician), gov.uk minimum wage rates. See also how much apprentices are paid.
What you need to get in
- Usually GCSEs at grade 4 or above in maths, English and science
- Cadetships need a seafarer medical and often A levels or equivalent
- Being comfortable working at sea or in confined spaces
Routes in
Marine engineering apprenticeship
Level 3 marine engineer or boatbuilder apprenticeships at shipyards, naval bases and marinas.
Merchant Navy engineering cadetship
Sponsored training split between college and sea time, leading to an engineering officer certificate. Training is funded and you receive an allowance.
Royal Navy engineering technician
Paid training as a marine engineering technician in the armed forces.
College engineering course
A Level 3 engineering course, then a shipyard or port job.
How to become a marine engineer, step by step
- 1
Build your maths and science
Grade 4 or above in maths and science makes most schemes open to you.
- 2
Decide: shore or sea
Shipyard apprenticeships keep you ashore; cadetships mean months at sea.
- 3
Search sponsors and yards
Look at shipping companies, ferry operators, naval dockyards and boatbuilders, plus Shine's board.
- 4
Pass the medical
Cadetships need a seafarer medical before you start.
- 5
Progress to officer or specialist
Engineers move up to chief engineer, surveyor or offshore specialist roles.
Skills employers look for
- Mechanical aptitude
- Teamwork in tight spaces
- Staying calm in emergencies
- Maths and problem-solving
Not sure you have them yet? Read our guide to transferable skills, or prepare for an interview.
Related guides
FAQs
- How do I become a marine engineer without a degree?
- Through a marine engineering apprenticeship at a shipyard or boatbuilder, a Merchant Navy engineering cadetship, or Royal Navy technician training.
- How much does a marine engineer earn?
- The National Careers Service lists about £24,000 rising to £43,000 for marine engineering technicians. Officer roles at sea can pay more.
- What is a Merchant Navy engineering cadetship?
- A sponsored programme mixing college study with time at sea, leading to a certificate of competency as an engineering officer.
- Do marine engineers have to work at sea?
- No. Many work ashore in shipyards, ports, marinas and design offices.
- What GCSEs do I need?
- Usually grade 4 or above in maths, English and a science.
Last reviewed 23 September 2026 by the Shine careers team.
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