How to become a water transport Engineer officer
Official title: Engineer officers, water transport
Also called: Second engineer, Tugboat engineer, Ship engineer officer, Marine engineer officer, Fishing vessel chief engineer, Fishing vessel engineer officer, Chief engineer - water transport, Third engineer - water transport, Coast guard vessel chief engineer, Coast guard vessel third engineer, Fourth engineer - water transport, Junior engineer - water transport
Engineer officers in 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. They are employed by marine transportation companies and federal government departments. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is required. Completion of a three-year cadet program in marine engineering from an approved marine training institute or Approximately three years of experience as an engine room crew member and six months of formal training at an approved marine training institute or Approximately three years of experience as an engine mechanic and six months of experience as an engine room crew member are required for certification as a fourth class marine engineer. A marine engineer officer certificate of competency, issued by Transport Canada, is required.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 48% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Mechanical engineering related technologies/technicians; Vehicle maintenance and repair technologies/technicians; Naval architecture and marine engineering.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $72,150 a year The middle half earn $64,545 to $91,650.
- About 4,100 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 4,700 are projected by 2033. (+14.6%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
- Air traffic controllers and related occupations
- Deck officers, water transport
- Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators
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Questions people ask
How do I become a water transport Engineer officer?
Completion of secondary school is required. Completion of a three-year cadet program in marine engineering from an approved marine training institute or Approximately three years of experience as an engine room crew member and six months of formal training at an approved marine training institute or Approximately three years of experience as an engine mechanic and six months of experience as an engine room crew member are required for certification as a fourth class marine engineer. A marine engineer officer certificate of competency, issued by Transport Canada, is required.
How much does a water transport Engineer officer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $72,150 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $64,545 to $91,650.
Is a water transport Engineer officer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 15% by 2033, from about 4,100 to about 4,700 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a water transport Engineer officer?
Usually not. Only 16% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03