Yacht engineer jobs on Superyachts
Responsibilities of yacht engineerDepending on the vessel and whether you are a Junior or Chief Engineer, responsibilities can include:
ò€¢ Maintaining the smooth running of mechanical and electrical systems from AV to sewage systems and everything in between!
ò€¢ Ensuring that the vessel is in good mechanical order and is safe to take guests and crew out to sea.
ò€¢ Polishing/cleaning, correct maintenance of engine room & all technical equipment, computer/electronics/network administration skills. Safe fuelling/fuel handling. Air conditioning. Electrical.
ò€¢ General maintenance of interior technical equipment such lights, vacuums, galley & laundry equipment, etc.
ò€¢ In more senior positions this can include budgeting, accounting/bookkeeping, purchasing, scheduling, human resources/crew management, business relations (with management, accounting, owners office, etc.)
There are increasing numbers of dedicated computer system and networking engineers as superyachts get bigger and more complex.
On some smaller yachts a single person may be both Engineer and Mate. In more senior positions, Engineer responsibilities can easily and often escalate into refit/build management, with many more specialists skills required, such as planning for tankage, engine rooms, electronics/computer, security requirements, etc. as well as Project management/Owners Representative.
Experience of a yacht engineer
You will need to be highly practical and have a good understanding of how the systems on the yacht work ò€“ most of all be ready to get your hands dirty and work in noisy, sometimes confined spaces.
Skills are built up over time and may mean you start off as a Junior Engineer ò€“ for more specific experience required for certain positions refer to qualifications and courses needed. Practical experience with repairs of mechanics, such as with watersports equipment, air conditioning, refrigerators, electrical wiring, diesel engines, generators, and plumbing is useful. Almost all vessels will require the Engineer to have some formal training, certification and licensure ò€“ particularly the larger superyachts.
Qualifications and courses needed for yacht engineer:
All Engineers going to sea will need the STCW95 Basic Crew Training (Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping) this course is split into four modules, including Fire, Sea Survival, First Aid and Personal Safety.
The MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Associatation) have an established Engineer Path from the basic Approved Engine Course (AEC) up to Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency Y1 Large Yacht Endorsement.