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Marine Equipment Mechanics

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Service Branches

  • Army logo
  • Marines logo
  • navy logo
  • Coast Guard logo

Work Environment

Marine engine mechanics work aboard ships, normally in the engine or power rooms. Sometimes they work in repair centers on land bases. Working conditions in engine rooms tend to be noisy and hot.

  • Military Status

    Enlisted

  • Average Military Salary

    $57,121

Overview

Marine engine mechanics repair, inspect, test, and maintain gasoline and diesel engines on ships, boats, and other watercraft. They also repair shipboard mechanical and electrical equipment, including refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Specialized tools help them make accurate diagnoses and estimate how long a part will be reliable before it should be replaced.

Military Training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Marine engine mechanics in the Military will gain skills through classroom study, including practice in marine engine maintenance and repair, and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Internal combustion engine theory
  • Repair of shipboard electronic and electrical machinery systems
  • Service and repair of fuel injection systems
  • Use and care of hand and power tools
  • Welding and machine shop fabrication

Helpful Attributes

  • Ability to use hand and power tools
  • Interest in fixing engines, machinery, and auxiliary equipment
  • Preference for doing physical work

Related Civilian Careers

  • Chemical Plant and System Operators
  • Construction and Building Inspectors
  • Machinists
  • Boilermakers
  • Industrial Production Managers
  • Industrial Machinery Mechanics
  • Industrial Machinery Mechanics
  • Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
  • Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
  • Maintenance Workers, Machinery
  • Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
  • Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
  • Ship Engineers
  • Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers and Repairers
  • Electricians
  • Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists