Junior Engineer

You are the entry rung in the engine room on a yacht with three or more engineers. Your day starts with rounds: checking generator oil and coolant, reading tank levels, logging running hours and listening for anything that sounds wrong. You learn the boat's systems pipe by pipe, from fuel transfer and bilge to sewage treatment, watermakers and air conditioning chillers. Most of what you do follows the planned maintenance system, and you sign off each job when it is done.

A lot of the work is hands on and dirty. You change filters, clean strainers, service pumps, chase leaks and help the Second Engineer strip down equipment. You also look after the tenders and water toys with the deck team, so jet skis, Seabobs and compressors are ready before guests ask. On charter you run the rubbish and recycling, fix small cabin faults quietly and keep the engine room spotless, because owners and surveyors do walk through it.

The role is where most yacht engineers build sea time and practical skill towards their first MCA ticket. A good Chief will give you more responsibility as you show you can be trusted alone on watch. Expect to stand engine room watches underway, help with bunkering and shore power changeovers, and spend yard periods working alongside contractors. People with a mechanical, electrical or marine apprenticeship are hired fastest, but a willing new entrant with AEC 1 can get a start.