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Marine Engineer Career in South Africa

Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.

OFO Code2021-315101
Trade occupationNo
Green occupationNo
Related qualifications5

Occupation overview

Controls and manages the operation and maintenance of the plant and equipment of ships.

What does a Marine Engineer do?

A Marine Engineer manages the operation and maintenance of a ship’s plant and equipment. The work involves coordinating equipment operation, monitoring performance, planning maintenance and addressing technical problems so that shipboard systems remain reliable and effective.

Specialisations

Electro Technical Officer

How to become a Marine Engineer in South Africa

  1. Consider the Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Marine Engineering (NQF level 7, 360 credits) as a listed direct pathway.
  2. Consider the Bachelor of Marine Engineering (NQF level 7, 360 credits) as another listed direct pathway.
  3. The Further Education and Training Certificate: Marine Engineering Watchkeeping (NQF level 4, 122 credits) is also listed as a direct pathway.
  4. For further study, the Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Marine Engineering (NQF level 8, 120 credits) is listed as a progression option.
  5. A National Diploma: Mining Engineering is also listed as a direct pathway; confirm with the relevant institution or employer whether it is suitable for the Marine Engineer role before pursuing it.

Edupstairs Preparation Guidance

Compare the marine-engineering programmes carefully and verify current admission, provider and assessment requirements with the relevant institution or official education body. Training should be supported by the ability to understand, operate and maintain shipboard plant and equipment. The Electro Technical Officer specialisation may offer a related technical direction within the occupation.

Useful school subjects

  • Mathematics
  • Physical Sciences
  • English

Skills that may help

  • Operating and managing shipboard plant and equipment
  • Planning and coordinating maintenance
  • Monitoring equipment performance
  • Technical problem-solving
  • Managing operational responsibilities
Data source: Career information is based on South Africa’s Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO) and Edupstairs career guidance. Employer, training and professional requirements may vary and should be confirmed with the relevant organisation.
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