Chief engineer

This article is about the shipboard occupation. For the corporate title also called "chief engineer" or "chief engineering officer", see Chief technology officer.
Chief engineer in the engine room, for the first time ever, of MF Bastø II, a Norwegian ferry

A chief engineer, commonly referred to as "Chief" or "ChEng", is the most senior licensed mariner (engine officer) of an engine department on a ship, typically a merchant ship, and holds overall leadership and the responsibility of that department.[1] In rank, a chief engineer is equivalent to the rank of a ship's captain. As a person who holds one of the most senior roles on the ship, they must have excellent communication and leadership skills. They will be expected to regularly work alongside other crew members and external consultants, and most importantly, provide guidance to their team.

To be a chief engineer, an engineer must attain a chief engineer's license appropriate to the tonnage, power rating, and type of ship the engineer is employed on. A chief engineer is ultimately responsible for all operations and maintenance that has to do with any and all engineering equipment throughout the entire ship, and supervises all other engineering officer and engine ratings within the department.[2]

  1. ^ Marine Chief Engineer
  2. ^ International Maritime Organization; Chief Engineers Association; Fanning Communications, Inc. "III: Standards Regarding the Engine Department". International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978; Chief Engineer Magazine 1934. Section A–III/1.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)