Marine Engineer Health Factors

Marine engineers are responsible for designing and overseeing the manufacture and structural integrity of ships, submarines, tankers and marine-based equipment such as turbines, propulsion systems and oil rigs. Their work sometimes requires them to work under difficult conditions relating to health and safety and they, in turn, are often required to ensure the health and safety of the people manufacturing or operating the equipment.

Physical Health Requirements

• The job takes a marine engineer from an office to manufacturing facilities to the high seas. They are expected to be healthy and able to withstand the stresses of international travel and life on board a ship where they may encounter difficult physical conditions. The job requires strength since some heavy lifting may be needed.

Mental Health

• A marine engineer must be up to the mental challenges required to spend long periods of time on board a ship or other marine facility. This includes the potentially dangerous, stressful or claustrophobic conditions encountered on a submarine or oil rig.

Health and Safety in Manufacture

• Marine engineers must not just be healthy themselves, they are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of those who build their designs. All ships or construction sites, whether at a naval yard or at sea, must meet international requirements for health and safety. Included among those are decisions on dealing with hazardous materials, dangerous equipment involving high heat, cutting, electrical dangers or heights, and processes that require respiratory protection.

Accident Prevention

• When designing equipment the marine engineer considers the ongoing operation of that equipment for safety. He must ensure it meets international requirements for health and safety of the crew, that life saving equipment is available, and staff has the training to meet safety requirements consistently and respond appropriately if dangerous conditions occur.