Vacancies for Engine Cadet

Engine Cadet (E/C, Engine Department Cadet, Trainee Engineer) is an entry-level engine department position for cadets and graduates of maritime colleges and universities. It is usually the first sea practice where a future marine engineer gains real onboard experience in watchkeeping, maintenance and work with ship machinery under the supervision of senior engineering officers.

Typical offers for Engine Cadet jobs in 2026 are in the range of USD 500-1,100 per month, depending on the vessel type, company, cadet program and candidate's previous experience. Below you can find current Engine Cadet vacancies and a short overview of the position, duties, requirements and salary expectations.

Engine Cadet duties

On merchant vessels, an Engine Cadet assists the engine department and completes practical onboard training. Common duties include:

• Keeping engine room watch together with the duty engineer: rounds, monitoring of main and auxiliary engines, lubrication systems, cooling systems and fuel systems;
• Assisting with planned maintenance under the supervision of the 3rd Engineer, 2nd Engineer and Chief Engineer;
• Helping with repair work, dismantling and assembling machinery parts, replacing filters, oil and other consumables;
• Maintaining the Cadet Training Record Book and recording completed tasks and acquired skills;
• Keeping engine spaces, workshop and stores clean and in good order;
• Taking part in onboard drills, fire training, safety exercises and ship security training.

To work as an Engine Cadet, candidates usually need to study at a maritime university or college in a marine engineering-related program, hold basic STCW training certificates, a valid medical certificate and a seaman's passport or seafarer's document. A standard cadet contract often lasts 4-6 months.

After completing sea practice and gaining the required sea time, an Engine Cadet may continue a career in the engine department, for example as a Wiper, Motorman or Junior Engineer. After obtaining the required certificates and documents, the next career step may be the position of 4th Engineer.

Engine Cadet salary by vessel type

Engine Cadet salary depends on the vessel type, contract duration, company and candidate requirements. On Maritime Zone, the most common salary ranges are:

• General Cargo, Coaster and multipurpose vessels: USD 400-700 per month. A common option for a first contract and initial sea practice;
• Bulk carriers and container ships: USD 700-1,000. A good choice for gaining basic experience on larger merchant vessels;
• Tanker fleet: USD 900-1,200. Salaries are usually higher because of more complex equipment, stricter safety procedures and additional onboard requirements;
• Passenger and cruise vessels: USD 600-900. These jobs often require good English and readiness to work in a larger crew;
• Offshore fleet: cadet positions are less common. Companies may require previous sea experience, offshore certificates or additional training.

Not all Engine Cadet vacancies are published openly. Many shipping companies and crewing agencies fill cadet positions through maritime colleges, partner programs and direct recruitment. If you are just starting your maritime career, it is worth checking this page regularly and also applying directly to companies with cadet programs.