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What Does the Chief Engineer Do Aboard a Ship or a Maritime Unit? Offshore Functions Series

Written by Paulo Nogueira
Published on 07/03/2023 at 08:28
Chief Engineer Chefe de Maquinas
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Know What a Chief Engineer Is, Salary Range and How to Pursue This Career in Brazil

A Chief Engineer is the senior officer in charge of the operations and maintenance of the propulsion system, machinery, and electrical systems of a ship. It is a position of high responsibility and authority on board, and the Chief Engineer is responsible for ensuring that all systems are functioning correctly and that the crew on board is safe. Check out the entire OFFSHORE FUNCTIONS series here.

He or she also works closely with the captain and other officers on board to ensure that the ship is operating efficiently and safely. In addition, the Chief Engineer is responsible for supervising the team of machinists, operators, and maintenance personnel on board. To become a Chief Engineer, it is necessary to obtain an appropriate license or certification and have years of experience as a machinist or marine engineer.

How Much Does a Chief Engineer Earn in Brazil?

The salary of a Chief Engineer in Brazil can vary significantly depending on the type of ship they work on, the hiring company, the individual’s experience and qualifications, among other factors. However, according to data from the job site Catho, in March 2023, the average salary of a Chief Engineer in Brazil is approximately R$ 17,000.00 per month.

This amount can vary according to the region of the country, the type of ship, and the professional’s experience. Additionally, it is important to highlight that professionals who work on foreign ships may have higher salaries due to labor laws and market conditions in each country.

What Types of Ships or Vessels Is a Chief Engineer Authorized to Work On?

A Chief Engineer can work on various types of ships and vessels, depending on their license, certification, and experience. Some types of ships that a Chief Engineer may work on include:

  1. Cargo Ships: These are ships that transport goods and cargo from one port to another.
  2. Tankers: These are ships designed to carry liquids in large quantities, such as oil and chemicals.
  3. Cruise Ships: These are passenger ships that transport tourists on leisure trips to exotic destinations.
  4. Research Vessels: These are ships designed to conduct scientific research in areas such as oceanography, marine biology, geology, and meteorology.
  5. Warships: These are military ships used for national defense purposes, including aircraft carriers, amphibious warfare ships, and frigates.
  6. Offshore Support Vessels: These are vessels used to support oil and gas exploration and production activities at sea.

These are just a few examples of the ships and vessels that a Chief Engineer may work on, and the authorization to work on each type of ship may vary according to the professional’s license and certification.

Where to Study or How to Take Courses to Become a Chief Engineer?

To become a Chief Engineer, it is necessary to have specific training in the field of naval engineering or marine machinery, as well as to obtain an appropriate license or certification. There are several institutions that offer courses and training programs for those who wish to become a Chief Engineer. Some options include:

  1. Merchant Marine Officer Training Schools: These schools are designed for the training of machinist officers, offering undergraduate courses in naval engineering or marine machinery.
  2. Maritime Training Centers: These centers offer specialized courses for the training of machinists, including basic and advanced machinery, electricity, and maritime electronics courses, among others.
  3. Technology Institutes: There are technology institutes that offer undergraduate and graduate courses in naval engineering and mechanical engineering.
  4. Online Machinist Officer Training Courses: Some institutions offer machinist officer training courses that can be completed online.

It is important to research and choose a recognized and accredited educational institution to ensure that the training is of quality and that certifications are recognized by the maritime sector.

Is There a Demand for Chief Engineer Jobs?

Yes, there is a continued demand for Chief Engineer jobs worldwide, especially in countries with a well-developed maritime industry. As most cargo and goods are transported by sea, the maritime industry is essential for global trade and, consequently, for the global economy. Ships and vessels require highly qualified professionals, such as Chief Engineers, to ensure that all operations are carried out safely and efficiently.

Additionally, the growing demand for energy has also increased the need for qualified professionals in the offshore oil and gas sector, and many Chief Engineers work on tankers and offshore support vessels. With the improvement of technologies, the demand for qualified professionals in the field of machinery and electrical systems is also increasing in other areas, such as scientific research and the exploration of natural resources on the seabed.

Although competition for jobs may vary depending on the region and the type of ship or vessel, generally, the demand for qualified professionals in the machinery field is considered good and is expected to continue to grow in the future.

List of Companies Hiring Chief Engineers in Brazil

There are several companies that hire Chief Engineers in Brazil, including:

  1. Petrobras
  2. Vale
  3. Transpetro
  4. Wilson Sons
  5. CBO
  6. DOF Subsea
  7. BW Offshore
  8. Maersk
  9. Oceaneering
  10. TechnipFMC

This is just a list of some of the companies that may hire Chief Engineers in Brazil. There are many other companies, especially in sectors such as offshore oil and gas, maritime transport, offshore support vessels, and marine scientific research, that may hire qualified professionals in the machinery field. It is always important to research and stay alert to job opportunities on job sites or the companies’ own websites.

Paulo Nogueira

Eletrotécnica formado em umas das instituições de ensino técnico do país, o Instituto Federal Fluminense - IFF ( Antigo CEFET), atuei diversos anos na áreas de petróleo e gás offshore, energia e construção. Hoje com mais de 8 mil publicações em revistas e blogs online sobre o setor de energia, o foco é prover informações em tempo real do mercado de empregabilidade do Brasil, macro e micro economia e empreendedorismo. Para dúvidas, sugestões e correções, entre em contato no e-mail informe@en.clickpetroleoegas.com.br. Vale lembrar que não aceitamos currículos neste contato.

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