Vacancies for 4th Engineer

4th Engineer (also Fourth Engineer or 4/E) is a junior engine officer and an important part of the engine department. On many vessels, the 4th Engineer works under the 2nd Engineer and helps with the daily running of the engine room. This job usually includes watchkeeping, maintenance of auxiliary machinery, record keeping and routine technical work that keeps the ship operating smoothly.

4th Engineer Salary Expectations

4th Engineer salary today usually starts at around USD 2,300 - 2,500 per month on simpler merchant fleet contracts and can move into the USD 3,500 - 4,500 range on stronger tanker and specialized vessel jobs. The average 4th Engineer salary on Maritime Zone is USD 3,351/month. In current vacancies on the site, you can see around USD 2,300 on General Cargo, about USD 3,200 on Bulk Carrier, roughly USD 3,000 - 4,100 on Container Ship, around USD 3,000 - 3,300 on LPG Tanker, about USD 4,000 on VLCC and USD 4,300 - 4,500 on Chemical Tanker. For a broader overview, see the 4th Engineer salary statistics page.

Duties

The 4th Engineer stands an engine room watch and is often responsible for purifiers, compressors, pumps, fuel and lube oil systems, and other auxiliary machinery. On many ships, this officer also helps monitor bilge and sludge handling, keeps machinery records up to date and supports the engine department in routine maintenance and repair work.

The job often includes planned maintenance, troubleshooting and preparation for inspections, audits and environmental checks. Depending on the vessel and engine department structure, the 4th Engineer may also work closely with the 3rd Engineer and engine ratings such as oilers on daily engine room tasks.

Some fleets expect extra background. Tanker companies may ask for the right tanker endorsements. On some ships, employers may also look for high-voltage training, refrigeration knowledge or previous experience with specific engine room systems. Because the rank is junior, companies often pay close attention to practical sea time and the ability to handle routine work without constant supervision.

Requirements

A 4th Engineer vacancy usually requires a valid engineering Certificate of Competency in line with STCW III/1, the national CoC required by the flag or company, and the documents needed for a junior watchkeeping engine officer position. Depending on vessel type, employers may also ask for tanker endorsements, high-voltage training or other fleet-specific certificates.

If you are looking for the best 4th Engineer vacancies, compare not only salary, but also vessel type, engine room workload, contract length, promotion prospects and the reputation of the employer. The best contract is not always the one with the highest number. Clear terms, a well-run engine department and solid sea time often matter just as much.