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Entry Level Cruise Ship Engine Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Paducah, KY · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Bangor, ME · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Decatur, AL · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Portland, ME · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Winona, MN · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 ...

American Cruise Lines

Engineer - Unlicensed

Mobile, AL · On-site

S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 ... At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-- Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit.

American Cruise Lines

Engineer - Unlicensed

Toledo, OH · On-site

S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 ... At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values- Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit.

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Biloxi, MS · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Bar Harbor, ME · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Paducah, KY · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Cascade Locks, OR · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Third Mate American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique ... S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 ...

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Entry Level Cruise Ship Engine information

What are entry level cruise ship engine jobs?

Entry level cruise ship engine jobs are positions within a ship's engine department that do not require extensive prior experience or advanced certifications. These roles often include positions such as wiper, motorman, or engine cadet, where employees assist in the maintenance, cleaning, and basic operation of the ship's machinery and engine spaces. Working in these roles provides hands-on experience in marine engineering and can be a stepping stone to more advanced positions aboard ships. Entry level engine crew members typically work under the supervision of senior engineers and follow strict safety protocols. These jobs are physically demanding and require a willingness to learn and adhere to maritime regulations.

What are the typical responsibilities and work conditions for an entry-level cruise ship engine crew member?

As an entry-level engine crew member on a cruise ship, you'll assist with routine maintenance, inspections, and cleaning of engine room equipment under the supervision of senior engineers. Your daily tasks often include monitoring machinery, checking gauges, and helping with repairs to ensure the ship's propulsion and safety systems run smoothly. Work is typically organized in shifts, including nights and weekends, and you'll work as part of a close-knit engineering team. The environment can be noisy and physically demanding, but it's a great opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and gain skills for career advancement within maritime engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Cruise Ship Engine Crew Member, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cruise Ship Engine Crew Member, you need a basic understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, usually supported by a high school diploma and relevant vocational training. Familiarity with marine engine operation, safety protocols, and certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) are commonly required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for working in confined spaces and responding to operational issues. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the ship's engineering systems.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cruise Ship Engine vs Entry Level Marine Technician?

AspectEntry Level Cruise Ship EngineEntry Level Marine Technician
Required CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety Training, Engine Department CertificationSTCW Basic Safety Training, Marine Technician Certification
Work EnvironmentOnboard cruise ships, engine rooms, marine operationsMarinas, repair shops, onboard vessels, marine facilities
Employer & Industry UsageCruise lines, passenger ships, hospitality industryShipyards, maintenance companies, maritime industry

Both roles require similar certifications and involve working in marine environments, but the Entry Level Cruise Ship Engine focuses on onboard cruise ship engine operations, while the Entry Level Marine Technician often works in repair shops or marinas, servicing various vessels.

More about Entry Level Cruise Ship Engine jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Cruise Ship Engine jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Cruise Ship Engine job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cruise Ship Engine jobs? The most popular types of Cruise Ship Engine jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Cruise Ship Engine jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Cruise Ship Engine jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cruise Ship Engine jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cruise Ship Engine jobs are:
Entry Level Cruise Ship Engine jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cruise Ship Engine job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Third Mate

Third Mate

American Cruise Lines

Paducah, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Third Mate

American Cruise Lines is seeking Third Mates for our growing fleet sailing unique itineraries along inland and coastal waterways of the East Coast, Pacific Northwest, Columbia-Snake Rivers, Great Lakes, and Mississippi-Ohio-Cumberland-Tennessee-Arkansas Rivers. Our U.S. flag ships are state-of-the art designed for safe operation and five-star service to 100-200 guests.
Third Mates are responsible for safe vessel and launch operations, adherence to company and regulatory standards, and representing the company as a professional leader and example. Our Third Mates are licensed mariners with basic maritime experience and keen interest in gaining experience in challenging U.S. coastal and river waterways. Our Third Mates are team-oriented, self-disciplined, and hands-on workers. Third Mates work alongside Deckhands and Engineers completing watch standing, maintenance, sanitation, and logistics tasks. Third Mates operate and maintain our 35ft-50ft certificated passenger launches. Our Third Mates are people-oriented professionals and meticulous officers, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews.
Third mates enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef prepared meals. American Cruise Lines operates our own bridge simulator, enabling rigorous recurrent training and development focused on critical decision-making and advanced piloting skills. American Cruise Lines recruits and retains the best professional mariners in the industry.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Ensure safety and security of passengers, crew, and vessel.
  • Safe launch operations in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
  • Conduct daily inspections of all vessel spaces.
  • Standing helm, security, gangway watches in Deckhand rotation.
  • Execution of vessel cleaning, sanitation, maintenance, and logistics.
  • Standing piloting watches under instruction of Captain or Mate.
  • Assisting Engine Room Attendant with machinery and system maintenance.
  • Support hotel and culinary teams in delivering five-star guest service.
  • Maintain logs, reports, and administrative records.
  • Maintain exemplary professional grooming and uniform appearance
Work Schedule:
  • Typical March through November Cruise Season: 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off or 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off. Additional work periods may be possible during winter months aboard the few vessels operating or repositioning year-round.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.
Qualifications:
  • U.S. Coast Guard Master’s license: Masters 100T.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Piloting and Boat Handling experience on coastal and river waterways: minimum 6months, desired 1yr.
  • Self-disciplined work habits and personal grooming.
  • Good communication skills and team skills.
  • Pre-employment drug test and continual participation in random testing.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Access to advanced simulator-based training.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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