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Engine Cadet Jobs

1 open vacancy · updated 26 Oct 2026

About the role

Engine Cadet is a trainee in the engine department. You work under the Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, and the watchkeeping engineer, usually the Third Engineer or Fourth Engineer. No one reports to you. You learn engine-room watchkeeping, maintenance, and safety while completing a training record book. Engine Cadets serve on all common merchant ship types, including bulk carriers, container ships, tankers, and offshore vessels. Your main tasks are to assist the engineer on watch, take readings, clean and maintain machinery, and take part in drills. The seatime and training build toward an engineer officer certificate. This is an entry position: you join to learn, not to lead.

Duties on board

  • Assist the engineer on watch with routine checks and small repairs.
  • Record pressure, temperature, and level readings from engine-room gauges.
  • Clean engine-room plates, pumps, purifiers, and bilge areas.
  • Help prepare the engine room for departure, manoeuvring, and arrival.
  • Assist with bunkering and transfer operations under direct supervision.
  • Take part in fire, abandon ship, and engine-room drills.
  • Collect and carry tools and spare parts for the engineers.
  • Complete assigned tasks in the training record book and attend safety meetings.

Requirements

DocumentConventionNote
Basic Safety Training (BST)STCW VI/1Seafarers must receive safety familiarization and basic training or instruction in line with section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code.
Security awareness trainingSTCW VI/6Seafarers must receive security-related familiarization and security-awareness training or instruction.

Sea service

To progress to Third Engineer under STCW III/1, a candidate needs combined workshop skills training and approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months in an approved training programme, or otherwise not less than 36 months with not less than 30 months in the engine department.

Medical fitness

Before beginning work on a ship, seafarers must hold a valid medical certificate. It must state satisfactory hearing and sight, and colour vision where relevant. A STCW medical certificate is accepted under the MLC. It is valid for a maximum of two years, or one year if under age 18.

Documents

  • Passport with valid visa, when the voyage needs it
  • Seaman's book (CDC)
  • Valid medical certificate issued under STCW or MLC
  • Basic Safety Training (BST) certificate
  • Security awareness certificate
  • Training record book for cadet programme

Career path

Next step: Junior Engineer (Trainee Engineer), Fourth Engineer, Third Engineer

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Engine Cadet: questions and answers

What does an Engine Cadet actually do?

You work under the engineer on watch. You help with checks, take readings, clean machinery and engine-room spaces, and carry tools. You also take part in drills and complete your training record book. You do not take charge of a watch. No one reports to you.

Do I need a Certificate of Competency to join as Engine Cadet?

As a cadet, your role is a training role. STCW III/1 states the CoC requirement for an officer in charge of an engineering watch. During the cadet period, you must complete the basic training and security awareness required for all seafarers under STCW VI/1 and STCW VI/6.

Can I join a tanker or gas carrier as Engine Cadet?

You may be assigned to such ships, but tanker cargo certificates under STCW V/1-1 and STCW V/1-2 apply to officers and ratings with specific cargo duties. As a cadet, confirm with the shipowner whether your assigned duties include cargo work. If they do, the relevant basic tanker training may apply.

What medical certificate do I need?

Before beginning work on a ship, you must hold a valid medical certificate. It must show satisfactory hearing and sight, and colour vision where relevant. An STCW medical certificate is accepted under MLC 2006. It is valid for a maximum of two years, or one year if you are under 18.

What seatime do I need for Third Engineer after cadetship?

STCW III/1 requires combined workshop skills training and approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months in an approved training programme, or otherwise not less than 36 months with not less than 30 months in the engine department.
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Sources

Checked against the official texts on 26 Oct 2026.