Vacancies for 2nd Engineer

2nd Engineer (also Second Engineer or 2/E) is the second-in-command in the engine department and the direct deputy of the Chief Engineer. This officer is responsible for the daily running of the engine room, maintenance planning, machinery checks and supervision of the engine crew. Today, 2nd Engineer jobs are among the better-paid engine vacancies, especially on tankers, gas carriers and larger specialized vessels.

2nd Engineer Salary Expectations

2nd Engineer salary depends mainly on vessel type, engine room complexity, contract terms, trading area and the company itself. Smaller general cargo vessels and coasters usually offer lower rates, while bulk carriers, container ships, RO-RO and heavy-lift vessels often pay more. The highest wages are usually found on tanker and gas fleets, especially on larger and more demanding ships. For a broader overview, see the 2nd Engineer salary statistics page.

Duties

The 2nd Engineer keeps an engine room watch and is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of main and auxiliary machinery. Together with the Chief Engineer, he plans maintenance, follows repair work, orders spares and consumables, checks equipment condition and helps deal with technical problems before they affect the vessel’s operation.

The job also includes assigning work to the 3rd Engineer, 4th Engineer and motormen, checking that routine jobs are done properly, and keeping engine room log-books up to date. On many ships, the 2nd Engineer handles much of the engine department’s daily practical work.

Some vessel types require additional experience. Reefer ships may need good knowledge of refrigeration systems. Offshore vessels often require DP-related maintenance knowledge or similar technical background. LNG and LPG carriers usually expect previous gas experience and the documents required for that type of fleet.

Requirements

A 2nd Engineer vacancy usually requires a valid management-level engineering certificate in line with STCW III/2, an appropriate national Certificate of Competency, and previous sea service as a 3rd Engineer or another equivalent engine officer. Depending on vessel type, employers may also ask for tanker endorsements, high-voltage training, DP-related certificates for offshore vessels, or other fleet-specific documents.

If you are looking for the best 2nd Engineer jobs, compare not only salary, but also vessel type, engine room workload, crew size, contract length, joining area and the reputation of the employer. The best contract is not always the one with the highest wage. Clear terms, a well-run vessel and a reliable company often matter just as much.