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OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
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72603.00 – Engineer officers, water transport

Engineer officers, water transport, operate and maintain main engines, machinery and auxiliary equipment aboard ships and other self-propelled vessels, and supervise and coordinate the activities of engine room crews

Overview

Example job titles

  • Chief engineer - water transport
  • Engineer officer - water transport
  • Fourth engineer - water transport
  • Marine engineer officer
  • Second engineer
  • Third engineer - water transport
  • Tugboat engineer

Core competencies

  • Repairing and Troubleshooting to effectively maintain and overhaul complex marine machinery and systems as well as troubleshooting to quickly identify and resolve technical issues under pressure
  • Preventative Maintenance to systematically assess, diagnose and address potential issues in marine machinery and systems for optimal operational performance, improved safety and prolonged equipment lifespan
  • Hearing Sensitivity to detect and interpret subtle sounds related to machinery operation, navigation signals and potential hazards
  • Control of Settings to set controls of main engines, machinery and all auxiliary equipment aboard ships such as boilers, steering and deck machinery
  • Attention to Detail to meticulously monitor navigational instruments, conduct thorough machinery inspections and adhere to safety protocols
  • Knowledge in Mechanics and Machinery to understand operating and maintaining marine engines, mechanical systems and auxiliary equipment, for vessel safety and performance

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Operate main engines, machinery and all auxiliary equipment aboard ships, such as boilers, steering and deck machinery, motors, pumps, generators and condensers
  • Stand engine room watch, monitoring and noting performance of engines, machinery and all auxiliary equipment
  • Inspect and conduct maintenance and emergency repairs to engines, machinery and all auxiliary equipment
  • Supervise and coordinate the activities of the engine room crew
  • Maintain records and prepare reports on engine performance and failures.

Additional information

  • Fourth class marine engineer certificate is the entry level of a four-level certification program administered by Transport Canada. Progression from one level of certification to the next requires additional experience, training and testing.
  • Mobility between employers is possible for positions requiring the same level of certification.
  • Progression to management positions in transportation is possible with experience.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Deck officers, water transport (72602)
  • Managers in transportation (70020)
  • Marine and naval engineers (21399.04)
  • Water transport deck and engine room crew (74201)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

7 – Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

TEER

2 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of two or more years; or supervisory occupations

Major group

72 – Technical trades and transportation officers and controllers

Sub-major group

726 – Transportation officers and controllers

Minor group

7260 – Transportation officers and controllers

Unit group

72603 – Engineer officers, water transport

Occupational profile

72603.00 – Engineer officers, water transport

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.