Marine Engine Mechanics
Background
The military operates many types of watercraft from small motor launches to large ships. Many of these vessels are powered by gasoline or diesel engines. Marine engine mechanics repair shipboard mechanical and electrical equipment. Marine engine mechanics repair and maintain gasoline and diesel engines on ships, boats, and other watercraft.
What They Do
Marine engine mechanics in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Locate and repair machinery parts, including valves and piping systems
- Repair and maintain shipboard gasoline and diesel engines
- Repair and service hoisting machinery and ship elevators
- Repair engine-related electrical systems
- Repair refrigeration and air conditioning equipment on ships
- Repair ship propulsion machinery
Physical Demands
Normal color vision is required to work with color-coded diagrams and wiring.
Special Requirements
No information available.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to use hand and power tools
- Interest in fixing engines and machinery
- Preference for doing physical work
Helpful School Subjects
Helpful school subjects include:
- Shop mechanics
Helpful Fields of Study
No information available.
Work Environment
Marine engine mechanics work aboard ships, normally in the engine or power rooms. Sometimes they work in repair centers on land bases. Working conditions in engine rooms tend to be noisy and hot.
Services offering this career:
- Army
- Coast Guard
- Marine Corps
- Navy
Hiring Practices
To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
This position is for enlisted personnel.
Wages
The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.
Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay.
Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.
There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.
Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.
Training Provided
Job training consists of nine to 24 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in marine engine maintenance and repair. Training length varies depending on specialty.
Course content typically includes:
- Internal combustion engine theory
- Repair of shipboard electronic and electrical machinery systems
- Service and repair of fuel injection systems
- Use and care of hand and power tools
Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian marine engine mechanics work in many industries, including marine transportation, commercial fishing, and oil exploration and drilling. They perform duties similar to military marine engine mechanics.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 7,000 marine engine mechanics. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new mechanics due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, they work under close supervision in repair centers or shipboard engine rooms. With experience, they work more independently and may supervise other mechanics. In time, marine engine mechanics may become supervisors of marine engine repair centers or shipboard maintenance sections.