Vacancies for Chief Engineer

Chief Engineer is the senior officer in the engine department and, on most merchant vessels, the second-most senior officer on board after the Master. The Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the engine room, main engine, generators and all essential machinery on the vessel. In practice, this is the person who keeps the ship technically ready to sail, work cargo and complete the voyage without engine-related problems.

Chief Engineer Salary Expectations

Chief Engineer salary today often falls in the USD 7,000 - 14,500 per month range on the merchant fleet, depending on vessel type, engine plant, company and contract terms. The average Chief Engineer salary on Maritime Zone is USD 10,139/month. In current vacancies on the site, you can see around USD 7,000 on General Cargo, USD 9,200 - 11,600 on Container Ship, about USD 10,000 - 11,000 on Bulk Carrier, around USD 13,500 - 14,500 on Chemical and Crude Oil Tanker, and up to USD 22,000 on LNG Tanker. Offshore contracts are often quoted as day rates, with stronger offers on more specialized vessels - up to USD 550 - 600 per day on MPSV, around USD 320 - 450 per day on AHTS, and about USD 400 - 485 per day on DSV and similar vessels. For a broader overview, see the Chief Engineer salary statistics page.

Duties

The Chief Engineer manages the engine department and is responsible for the overall condition of the engine room. The job includes supervising watchkeeping, maintenance, repairs, spare parts, fuel and lube oil management, engine room records and the technical readiness of the vessel for daily operation.

On most ships, the Chief Engineer also takes part in surveys, inspections and audits, works with class, flag, port state control, service engineers and technical superintendents, and makes sure the vessel meets technical and environmental requirements. This role also includes planning maintenance, organizing repair work and coordinating the daily work of the 2nd Engineer, ETO and the rest of the engine team.

Some fleets expect extra background. Tanker companies may require strong tanker experience and the right endorsements. Offshore employers often look for previous offshore sea time, experience with more complex machinery and confidence working with specialized deck or subsea support equipment. On gas vessels, companies usually expect a Chief Engineer who is already comfortable with more complex propulsion and cargo handling systems, including modern fuel arrangements such as LNG or other advanced setups.

Requirements

A Chief Engineer vacancy usually requires a valid management-level engineering Certificate of Competency in line with STCW III/2, the national CoC required by the flag or company, and solid previous sea service as a 2nd Engineer. Depending on vessel type, employers may also ask for tanker endorsements, high-voltage training, gas experience, familiarity with specific engine makers, or other fleet-specific certificates and documents.

If you are looking for the best Chief Engineer vacancies, compare not only salary, but also vessel type, contract length, crew setup, engine room workload and the reputation of the company. The best contract is not always the one with the highest number. Clear technical standards, a well-run vessel and a company that supports the engine department properly often matter just as much.