Fourth Engineer Jobs
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- Third Engineer1 vacancy
- Second Engineer1 vacancy
About the role
The Fourth Engineer is a watchkeeping engineer in the engine department. On many ships the Fourth Engineer reports to the Second Engineer and works with the Third Engineer and the Chief Engineer. The rank stands engine-room watches and checks the main engine, generators, boilers, purifiers, compressors, pumps and steering gear. The Fourth Engineer records readings in the engine log, assists with fuel and lube oil transfer, bunkering, cooling water and boiler water tests, and does routine maintenance under the planned maintenance system. Typical ships include oil and chemical tankers, LNG and LPG carriers, bulk carriers, container ships, Ro-Ro ships and offshore PSV or AHTS vessels. No rating reports to the Fourth Engineer; the role is an officer watchkeeping post.
Duties on board
- Stand engine-room watches and monitor main engine, generators, boilers, purifiers, compressors and pumps.
- Record temperatures, pressures, fuel and lube oil levels and machinery running hours in the engine log.
- Respond to engine-room alarms and report defects to the senior engineer on watch.
- Assist the Third Engineer with boiler water tests, cooling water treatment and fuel oil transfer.
- Carry out routine maintenance on filters, purifiers, pumps and valves under the planned maintenance system.
- Prepare main engine, generators, steering gear and telegraph for departure and arrival checks.
- Help with bunkering operations, check tank levels and line up valves under supervision.
- Keep engine room spaces clean and check that PPE is used during maintenance work.
- Work with the ETO on electrical faults in engine-room pumps, alarms and control panels.
- Follow ISM Code checklists and permit-to-work rules for hot work and enclosed spaces.
Requirements
| Document | Convention | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Competency (CoC) as officer in charge of an engineering watch | STCW III/1 | Every officer in charge of an engineering watch on a seagoing ship with main propulsion machinery of 750 kW or more must hold a CoC. |
| Basic Safety Training (BST) | STCW VI/1 | Seafarers must receive safety familiarization and basic training or instruction. |
| CoP in Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) when designated to control fire-fighting operations | STCW VI/3 | Seafarers designated to control fire-fighting operations must complete advanced training in fire fighting, with emphasis on organization, tactics and command. |
| Medical first aid when designated | STCW VI/4 | Seafarers designated to provide medical first aid on board must meet the standard of competence in medical first aid. |
Sea service
Under STCW III/1, a candidate needs combined workshop skills training and approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months in an approved training programme with a training record book, or otherwise not less than 36 months, with not less than 30 months in the engine department. It must include engine-room watchkeeping under supervision for not less than six months.
Medical fitness
Under MLC 2006 Reg. 1.2, you may not work on a ship unless you are certified as medically fit. Before beginning work, hold a valid medical certificate. It states that hearing and sight, and colour vision where relevant, are satisfactory.
Documents
- Passport
- Seaman's book (CDC)
- CoC as officer in charge of an engineering watch
- BST certificate or CoP
- Medical certificate
- Visas when the voyage needs them
Career path
Comes from: Junior Engineer (Trainee Engineer), Engine Cadet
Next step: Third Engineer
Fourth Engineer: questions and answers
What certificate does a Fourth Engineer need?
On a ship with main propulsion machinery of 750 kW or more, a Fourth Engineer serving as officer in charge of an engineering watch must hold a CoC under STCW III/1. The candidate must also complete approved education and training and meet the standard of competence for that certificate.
How much sea service is needed before I can hold this certificate?
Under STCW III/1, a candidate needs combined workshop skills training and approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months in an approved training programme with a training record book, or otherwise not less than 36 months, with not less than 30 months in the engine department. It must include engine-room watchkeeping under supervision for not less than six months.
Does a Fourth Engineer supervise ratings?
STCW III/1 does not set a rule that ratings report to the Fourth Engineer. The Fourth Engineer is a watchkeeping engineer and works with senior engineer officers. Engine ratings on watch are certificated under STCW III/4 and work under a qualified engineer officer or a qualified rating.
What medical certificate do I need?
Before you begin work on a ship, you must hold a valid medical certificate under MLC 2006 Reg. 1.2. It states that hearing and sight, and colour vision where relevant, are satisfactory. A medical certificate is valid for a maximum of two years, or one year if the seafarer is under the age of 18.
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Sources
- ILO, Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006)
- IMO, STCW/CONF.2/33 (1 July 2010), Resolution 1: The Manila Amendments to the annex to the STCW Convention
Checked against the official texts on 26 Oct 2026.