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Vessel Unlicensed Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Yulista

QMED

Panama City Beach, FL · On-site

The Unlicensed Junior Engineer will take tank soundings, test water, and operate reverse osmosis ... the organization and vessel SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This job has no supervisory ...

RSC Energy

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Deckhands & Engineers all levels Nationwide

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$240 - $1.3K/day

Oversee safe vessel navigation, command crew operations, ensure strict adherence to USCG ... Duty & Unlicensed) * Responsibilities: Operate, monitor, and maintain main propulsion systems ...

Tamus

Chief Electrical Officer

Galveston, TX

$9.2K/mo

Maintains operational reliability for critical vessel automation and safety systems. This includes ... The ideal candidate would have a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or any relevant ...

Whoi

Marine Electrician

Iselin, NJ

$39.38/hr

... Engineer or Electrician on a similar vessel; in the absence of a diploma, equivalent work ... In addition, all unlicensed personnel must have all applicable training as required by the ...

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Vessel Unlicensed Engineer information

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$59.5K

$111.6K

$203K

How much do vessel unlicensed engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for vessel unlicensed engineer in the United States is $111,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Vessel Unlicensed Engineers?

Vessel Unlicensed Engineers are crew members on ships who assist with the operation, maintenance, and repair of a vessel's engine room and machinery, but do not hold a formal engineering license. They work under the supervision of licensed engineers and may perform tasks such as monitoring equipment, conducting routine maintenance, and assisting with repairs. Their roles are vital to ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of a ship's propulsion and auxiliary systems. Unlicensed engineers typically hold positions such as Oiler or Wiper and may advance through experience and additional training. They play a key role in supporting the licensed engineering staff and maintaining vessel operations.

What is the difference between Vessel Unlicensed Engineer vs Vessel Licensed Engineer?

AspectVessel Unlicensed EngineerVessel Licensed Engineer
CredentialsNo formal license required, often on-the-job trainingRequires specific licensing/certification (e.g., STCW, license from maritime authority)
Work EnvironmentDeck and engine rooms, onboard shipsSame as unlicensed, but with additional responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in commercial shipping, cruise ships, and ferriesRequired for higher-level engine room roles and supervisory positions

The main difference between a Vessel Unlicensed Engineer and a Vessel Licensed Engineer lies in certification requirements. Unlicensed engineers typically do not hold formal licenses and perform routine maintenance, while licensed engineers have completed certification processes, enabling them to undertake more complex tasks and supervisory roles onboard ships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Vessel Unlicensed Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vessel Unlicensed Engineer, you need a solid understanding of marine engine operation, mechanical systems, and basic electrical troubleshooting, often gained through vocational training or maritime apprenticeship. Familiarity with shipboard maintenance tools, engine monitoring systems, and adherence to safety protocols is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and attention to detail help you respond effectively to emergencies and maintain vessel operations. These skills ensure the vessel runs safely and efficiently, minimizing downtime and supporting the overall mission at sea.

What are some common challenges faced by Vessel Unlicensed Engineers during voyages, and how can these be managed effectively?

Vessel Unlicensed Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining and troubleshooting complex machinery under tight schedules and varying sea conditions. They are expected to quickly diagnose issues, perform routine maintenance, and support licensed engineers, sometimes with limited resources or spare parts. Effective communication with the engineering team and strong problem-solving skills are essential for managing these challenges. Proactively following preventive maintenance schedules and staying organized can help minimize unexpected breakdowns and ensure smooth vessel operations.
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What states have the most Vessel Unlicensed Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Vessel Unlicensed Engineer jobs include:
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Vessel Unlicensed Engineer jobs near you
Licensed Engineers - Windfarm Support

Licensed Engineers - Windfarm Support

McAllister Towing

Providence, RI • On-site

$83K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

With operations established in 1881, Providence Steamboat Company is one of the oldest tugboat operations in New England. Providence Steamboat provides a full range of ship assist services on Narragansett Bay including the ports of Fall River and Somerset Massachusetts and Providence, Tiverton, Melville, Newport, Jamestown Anchorage, Quonset, and Davisville, Rhode Island.

Providence Steamboat has a long record of safe and reliable operations and is well-known for its wheelhouse green tugs, with black stacks and the white disk logo. In addition to assisting tankers, and tugs and barges in the petroleum trade, the company also works bulk cargos at the Providence Municipal dock and coal at local utility plants, serves the Navy in Newport, and assists car ships calling in the port of Davisville. The company operates from two locations with the office and dock at India Street in Providence, and a dock and maintenance facility off Shaw Street in Fall River, Massachusetts. Providence is also the homeport for McAllister Towing's offshore wind vessels Gaspee and Roger Williams.

McAllister of Narragansett Bay is seeking high qualified Licensed Engineers to serve onboard our Windfarm Support Vessel Fleet.  Duties and responsibilities are outlined below:  

Licensed Engineer:

We are looking for a Licensed (Unlicensed) Engineers to work onboard a Windfarm Support Vessel 14/14 schedule.   

The Licensed Engineer is an experienced skilled crewmember on board the vessel's Engineering Department.  The Licensed Engineer is directly responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of all mechanical equipment on the boat.  The Licensed Engineer is responsible and accountable to the Port Engineer.  The Licensed Engineer must keep Captain apprised of issue(s) or his or her relief.

Responsible for the good condition and efficiency working of the entire machinery plant of the vessel including main engines, propulsion, and auxiliary machinery, all electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic machinery, steering machinery, and all associated components, deck machinery and any and all other valves, pipes, watertight integrity of the vessel. 

The Licensed Engineer must maintain compliance with the quality, safety, and environmental management system as detailed in the McAllister Operations Manual.
Supervises the procurement, loading, use and transfer and discharge of all potable water, ballast water, fuel oil, lube oil, ascertaining that said products are of proper quality and quantity when received on board and making the proper entries in the log and on the Fuel Transfer Certificate. 
Repairs all machinery and equipment onboard the vessel within his capacity and completes the daily engine log each day.

Required Skills:

 Valid Merchant Mariner's Credential.
. Valid STCW
Valid TWIC Card
Valid Engineering License or detailed maritime engineering experience.
Must pass pre-employment drug test.
Must pass pre-employment physical.
- A High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

Physical Requirements:
 
The unpredictable, ever-changing and inherently dangerous nature of tug and towing operations require the Engineer to be physically qualified to ensure his/her own safety, as well as that of the vessel and crew.  You must have the physical ability to operate heavy machinery.  Repair work may involve assignments to work beneath machines and close quarters.  Frequent stooping and bending required.  Specific physical requirements include:
  • Adequate vision (i.e., absent any color blindness or impairment that cannot be corrected with prescription lenses).
  • Adequate hearing.Capable of walking and standing on wet surfaces for extended periods of time.
  • Able to handle heavy lines and operate heavy machinery.
  • Ability to climb a 12-foot ladder without assistance.
  • Ability to hoist oneself up and over a 12-inch wide, 6-foot-high barrier.
  • Sufficient strength to:
    • Lift 100 lbs. from deck to waist level.
    • Lift 50 lbs. from deck to shoulder level.
    • Lift 35 lbs. from deck to overhead; and
    • Pull (drag) 120 lbs. at least 20 feet 
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:
 
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of McAllister Towing not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

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