Duties of The 2nd Engineer In The Merchant Navy

The 2nd Engineer in the Merchant Navy is a senior officer in the engine department of a merchant navy vessel.

Reporting to the Chief Engineer, the Second Engineer is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the engine room and other machinery onboard the ship. This position requires vast technical knowledge, strong leadership and communication skills, and the ability to make decisions quickly.

What are the duties and responsibilities of the second engineer? How can one become a second engineer in the merchant navy? What is the salary? We will answer all these questions in this article.

2nd engineer

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Duties of Second Engineer In the Merchant Navy

Managing and overseeing the daily operations of the engine room.
Perform watchkeeping duties in the engine room.
Monitoring the functioning of the main engine, auxiliary engines, power generators, pumps, boilers and other systems.
Conduct regular maintenance and repair on all engine room equipment.
Diagnose and deal with the mechanical and electrical issues.
Keep maintenance records up to date, along with records of bunkering operations.
Ensure compliance with international maritime safety regulations.
Conduct routine safety inspections and drills for engine room staff.
Keep records of fuel consumption
Record maintenance, fuel usage, and performance data.
Ensure the required spare parts are available.
Supervise junior engineers and engine room crew.
Assign tasks and monitor the performance of engineering staff.
Conduct routine training sessions to ensure crew competency.
Ensure fire-fighting equipment and life-saving gear are ready at all times.

Eligibility Criteria

To become a second engineer, also referred to as 2/E, a candidate must meet the eligibility criteria mentioned below.

Requirement of a minimum of 12 months sea service as an Assistant Engineer or Watchkeeping Engineer on ships with 750 kW or more power after getting the MEO Class IV CoC.
Completion of Advanced STCW Courses such as MEO Class 2 Preparatory Course and Engine Room Management Course.

Path To Becoming a Second Engineer In the Merchant Navy

Clear class 12th with Physics, Chemistry and Maths. This is the basic requirement for studying marine engineering.

After this, you can either take a B.Tech in Marine Engineering (4 years) or a Graduate Marine Engineering. These courses give you the knowledge and training to work on merchant navy ships.

Try to secure sponsorship from a reputed shipping company, which means you will get onboard training and placement after your course completion.

Eligibility Criteria

A candidate starts as an Engine cadet and rises to the rank of 4th Engineer, while practically learning how the engine room and other machinery work.

After seatime and courses, one must pass the MEO Class 2 Certificate of Competency or CoC examination. This exam checks your knowledge and whether you are eligible to become a Second Engineer.

Once a candidate passes this exam, they become eligible to become a Second Engineer.

Syllabus for MEO Class 2

Part A Syllabus

Function: Marine Engineering at the management level.
Mechanics and Hydromechanics
Thermodynamics and Heat Transmission

Part B Syllabus

Function: Marine Engineering at the management level.
Marine Engineering Knowledge (General)
Marine Engineering Knowledge (Motor or Steam)
Oral examination.
Function: Maintenance & Repair at the management level.
Marine Engineering Practice
Oral examination.
Function: Electrical, Electronics and Control Engineering at the management level.
Marine Electro Technology
Oral examination.
Function: Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the management level.
Naval Architecture
Ship’s Safety, Environmental protection and Personnel care
Oral examination

2nd Engineer Salary in the Merchant Navy

The monthly salary for a Second Engineer can vary based on the type of ship, the shipping company hiring them and their experience.

Ship Type	Typical Monthly Salary Range (USD)	Notes
VLCC, LPG/LNG Tanker	$10,000 - $12,000+	These specialized vessels often offer highest salaries due to the complexity and risk involved.
Crude Oil / Products Tanker	$7,500 - $11,400	Tankers generally offer higher pay than dry cargo ships.
Bulk Carrier	$7,000 - $8,000	A common range for bulk carriers.
Container Ship	$7,000 - $8,000	Salaries are competitive within the dry cargo sector.
Chemical Tanker	$6,000 - $12,000	Pay is higher due to specialized cargo handling.
Offshore Vessels (e.g., AHTS, Drilling Ship)	$8,000 - $30,000+	Salaries are highly variable; offshore/drilling ships can pay very high rates, sometimes day rates which can result in up to $30,000 or more per month.

Conclusion

The role of a Second Engineer is important for the safe and efficient operation of a merchant navy vessel. This role is perfect for those who have a passion for engineering and a commitment to maintaining high standards. A career as a Second Engineer is very challenging and extremely rewarding as it brings forth many growth opportunities within the industry along with financial benefits.

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About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.

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