2nd Engineer

Crew Life at Sea Ltd.; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Crew Life at Sea Ltd. seeks a seasoned 2nd Engineer to maintain safe operation of the ship’s engine room, supervise the watch team, and coordinate maintenance during watches.

You will oversee propulsion and auxiliary systems, ensure compliance with environmental and safety rules, and work closely with the Chief and 1st Engineer on planning, spares, and repairs.

Strong English communication, proven leadership, and the ability to handle emergencies are essential.

Qualifications

• Valid 2nd Engineer license / COE under STCW / flag state.
• Experience in ship engine operations, especially as a 3rd Engineer or equivalent.
• Sound technical knowledge of propulsion and auxiliary systems.
• Supervisory ability with crews of engineers/ratings.
• Strong English communication and report-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as Engineer Watch Officer (EWO) in the Engine Control Room.
• Supervise and direct subordinate engineers / ratings.
• Carry out or supervise maintenance, inspections, and repairs to engines and systems.
• Manage water treatment, boilers, pumps, piping, heat exchangers, etc.
• Coordinate with 1st Engineer/Chief Engineer on scheduling and parts.
• Oversee safety & emergency equipment in engine dept.
• Ensure environmental systems comply with regulations and conduct tests.
• Update logs, maintenance records, and work orders.
• Assist with future maintenance planning, spare parts requisition, and cost control.
• Alert the bridge or Chief Engineer to malfunctions or hazards.
• Standby for emergencies or take over watches as needed.

Skills

2nd Engineer license

Experience in ship engine operations

Supervisory ability

Strong English communication

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Ability to work under pressure

Education

STCW Certificate of Competency

Job description

Role Summary

The 2nd Engineer is a senior watchkeeping officer responsible for ensuring safe and efficient operation of engine systems during assigned watches, and for supervising maintenance and repair of major engine systems per delegation by the Chief / 1st Engineer.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Engineer Watch Officer (EWO) in the Engine Control Room, monitoring all propulsion and auxiliary systems during watch periods.

• Supervise and direct subordinate engineers / ratings under your watch.

• Carry out or supervise maintenance, inspections, and repairs to main and auxiliary engines, fuel systems, lube oil systems, boilers, pumps, piping, heat exchangers, etc.

• Manage systems such as evaporators, reverse osmosis, water treatment, bilge, ballast, heeling, etc. (as assigned)

• Coordinate with 1st Engineer / Chief Engineer on scheduling, spare parts, and work orders.

• Oversee safety & emergency equipment in the engine department (firefighting, watertight doors, emergency generators, etc.)

• Ensure environmental systems are properly operated (e.g. fuel systems, emissions, waste) and comply with regulations. Royal Caribbeans 2nd Engineer job description emphasizes environmental policies.

• Perform water / chemical tests (boiler water, cooling water, heeling tank systems, chemical dosing).

• Update logs, maintenance records, and work order systems (e.g. AMOS) as needed.

• Assist with future maintenance planning, spare parts requisition, and cost control.

• Alert the bridge or Chief Engineer to any system malfunctions or hazards.

• Standby for emergencies or take over watches as needed.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Valid 2nd Engineers license / Certificate of Competency under STCW / flag state / classification society. (No limitations if possible)

• Prior experience in ship engine operations, especially as a 3rd Engineer or equivalent.

• Sound technical knowledge of propulsion, auxiliary, and support systems.

• Supervisory ability and experience managing crews of engineers/ratings.

• Strong communication and report-writing skills in English.

• Ability to work under pressure, in shifts, and in emergency situations.

• Understanding of environmental, safety, and regulatory compliance.

• Good planning, organizational ability, attention to detail.