The career path of an Engineering Officer varies in respect to their expertise within the Technical Department. Qualified engineers manage the maintenance of modern cruise ships, which are powered by a sophisticated range of engineering, electrical, and electronic equipment. They are responsible for the safety, performance, efficiency, and maintenance of the vessel’s mechanical and electrical operations.
There are Marine Engineering Officers (aka: Engine Officers) and Marine Electro-Technical Officers (aka: Electrical Engineers and Electronic Engineers). The engine officers are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ship’s main propulsion machinery and auxiliary plant, including deck machinery, air conditioning and refrigeration. Comparatively, Electrical and Electro-Technical engineers are responsible for the maintenance of on board electrical and electronic systems including radio communications and electronic navigation aids.
Once an engineering cadet becomes a qualified officer, they may apply as an Engineering Officer. Through continuous education and sea time an Engineering Officer may rise through the ranks from Fourth Engineer to Third Engineer to Second Engineer and then to First Engineer. At the top of the career path are the ranks of Chief Electro-Technical Officer, Staff Engineer, and Chief Engineer Officer.
Depending on the rank will dictate how much training and experience is required. Engineering Officer’s licences and certificates must be in compliance with all international conventions and regulations as required by STCW95. Here are a list of the major cruise lines and details on how to apply as an Engineering Officer.
Carnival Cruise Lines – Carnival Cruise Lines recruits most of their officers through their approved network of employment agencies, also known as manning agencies. These agencies help locate, screen and interview potential crew members on Carnival’s behalf.
Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Cruises lists their current “Job Openings” on their employment website and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online. If you don’t see a job posting for a position that matches your qualifications, check with your nearest hiring partner. Celebrity has a network of hiring partners to assist in meeting recruitment goals around the world.
Crystal Cruises – All newly hired engine officers begin their career with Crystal Cruises as Second Engineer. Second Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Electronics Engineers and Refrigeration Engineers are selected according to their schooling and previous experience. Visit the International Cruise Management Agency (ICMA) website and apply online. ICMA is an authorized recruitment partner for Crystal Cruises. They are the only partner that is authorized to process applications for Engineers.
Cunard Line – Visit the Carnival UK Careers website for more information about applying for a cruise ship job in the Engine Department or the Electro-Technical Department with Cunard Line. Applicants may view current vacancies and apply online as well as register their personal details with the Carnival UK database for job alerts. They also offer a cadet program for eligible UK residents.
Disney Cruise Line – To apply for a cruise ship job with Disney Cruise Line as a Marine and Technical Operations Engineering Officer, visit the Disney Parks and Resorts website where candidates may apply online.
Holland America Line – Candidates desiring employment as a Marine Officer, Marine Engineer, or Ship Electrician for Holland America Line, should visit their employment pages for more information. Viking Recruitment also manages over 300 of Holland America’s officers.
Norwegian Cruise Line – To apply to Norwegian Cruise Line as an Engineering Officer, visit Norwegian’s employment pages. Norwegian’s website features current shipboard positions available. Applicants may attach their resume in an email along with a cover letter to be considered for a personal or webcam interview. Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line has recruiting agents throughout the world. If you are from one of the countries that they list on their website, submit your resume to the hiring partner.
Oceania Cruises – To apply for a cruise ship job as an Engineering Officer with Oceania Cruises, visit the employment pages of their website. At the bottom right hand side of their website, click on the ‘Ship Position’ tab for a list of current job openings. Next click on the job title you want to apply for. Applicants may apply through Oceania’s online application form.
P&O Cruises – Visit the Carnival UK Careers website for more information about applying for a cruise ship job in the Engine Department or the Electro-Technical Department with P&O Cruises. Applicants may view current vacancies and apply online as well as register their personal details with the Carnival UK database for job alerts. They also offer a cadet program for eligible UK residents.
Princess Cruises – Princess Cruises cooperates with a world-wide network of recruiting agencies. Contact the recruitment agency that is closest to your permanent residence. Candidates located in the United Kingdom and interested in employment in the Deck and Technical departments may submit resumes directly to the Princess Cruises Recruitment department in Southampton. Princess Cruises also offers cadetships to eligible candidates.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises – To apply, visit the Regent Seven Seas Cruises employment pages of their website. Select the option “Ship” for a list of job vacancies. Applicants may apply online for their selected choice.
Royal Caribbean – Royal Caribbean lists their current “Job Openings” on their employment website and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online. If you don’t see a job posting for a position that matches your qualifications, check with your nearest hiring partner. Royal Caribbean has a network of hiring partners to assist in meeting recruitment goals around the world.