Runs the engine room — full responsibility for everything mechanical and technical on board.
Photo: Karan Suthar / Unsplash
The chief engineer is responsible for the yacht's engines, generators, and mechanical and technical systems — planned maintenance, repairs, and regulatory compliance. On larger yachts they lead a small engineering team including a 2nd engineer and an ETO.
What the job actually involves
Running planned maintenance on engines, generators and mechanical systems
Diagnosing and repairing technical faults, often at sea with no outside help available
Managing engineering budgets, spares and contractor relationships during refits
Ensuring compliance with class, flag state and safety regulations
Supervising the 2nd engineer and coordinating with the ETO on integrated systems
Getting hired
An MCA engineering certificate of competence (e.g. AEC1/AEC2, Y1, Y2 or MEOL, depending on yacht size and engine power) built up through sea time and marine engineering study
STCW Basic Safety Training and a valid ENG1
A mechanical/marine engineering background — many chief engineers start with a marine or automotive apprenticeship
Calm, methodical troubleshooting skills — the buck stops with the chief engineer when something breaks
Typical pay
Chief engineers typically earn €7,000–€13,000+ a month, among the highest-paid crew positions, especially on technically complex yachts.
