Second Engineer in Merchant Navy: Salary, Jobs, How to Join in 2025

The second engineer in the Merchant Navy is the second highest rank in the engine department of Merchant Navy. Among the different ranks in the engine department, the Second Engineer (also called 2/E) is one of the most important after the Chief Engineer on board ship.

The Second Engineer manages the ship’s machinery, engines, and power systems. It is a senior position that comes just before the Chief Engineer. If you dream of becoming a Chief Engineer one day, the role of a Second Engineer is your most important step.

Who is a Second Engineer in Merchant Navy?

The Second Engineer is the senior-most engineer after the Chief Engineer. The second engineer is in charge of:

Running the engine room.
Making sure all machinery is working safely.
Supervising other engineers and engine cadets.

The Second Engineer ensures that the ship’s main engines, auxiliary engines, power generators, pumps, boilers, and other systems are working properly throughout the voyage. Without the Second Engineer, a ship cannot operate smoothly.

Second Engineer Eligibility Criteria 2025

To become a second engineer, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria which are:

You need at least 12 months sea service as an Assistant Engineer or Watchkeeping Engineer on ships with 750 kW or more power after getting MEO Class IV CoC.
Completion of Advance STCW Courses like:
- MEO Class 2 Preparatory Course
- Engine Room Management Course
- Refresher Course (If required)

To check whether you are eligible to apply for the MEO Class 2 Exam, you can check out our MEO Class 2 Eligibility Calculator.

Syllabus for MEO Class 2

MEO Class 2 Part A Syllabus

Function: Marine Engineering at management level.
- Mechanics and Hydromechanics
- Thermodynamics and Heat Transmission

MEO Class 2 Part B Syllabus

Function: Marine Engineering at management level.
- Marine Engineering Knowledge (General)
- Marine Engineering Knowledge (Motor or Steam)
- Oral examination.
Function: Maintenance & Repair at management level.
- Marine Engineering Practice
- Oral examination.
Function: Electrical, Electronics and Control Engineering at management level.
- Marine Electro technology
- Oral examination.
Function: Controlling operation of ship and care for persons on board at management level.
- Naval Architecture
- Ship’s Safety, Environmental protection and Personnel care
- Oral examination

How to Become a Second Engineer in Merchant Navy (Step-by-Step Guide 2025)

Becoming a Second Engineer takes education, training, and experience. Here’s the simple path:

You must pass Class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. This is the minimum requirement to study marine engineering.
There are two main options:

B.Tech in Marine Engineering (4 years)
Graduate Marine Engineering

These courses give you the technical knowledge needed to work on ships.

Before joining, try to get sponsorship from a good shipping company.
Sponsorship means you will get onboard training placement after your course.

You usually start as an Engine Cadet and later rise to the rank of 4th Engineer.
During this time, you learn how the engine room works in real life.

After seatime and courses, you must pass the MEO Class 2 Certificate of Competency (CoC) exam.
This exam checks your knowledge of ship machinery, safety, and engineering.

Once you clear this exam, you are officially eligible to become a Second Engineer. To learn more about the MEO Class 2 Exam, Eligibility, Salary, check out our free MEO Class 2 Guidance Series.

Duties of a Second Engineer in Merchant Navy

The Second Engineer’s job is very important because he/she keeps the ship’s machinery running. Below are the main duties:

Ensure the main engine, auxiliary engines, and power generators work smoothly.
Supervise pumps, compressors, boilers, and other systems.

Perform watchkeeping duties in the engine room.
Monitor performance and handle any breakdowns during your shift.

Plan and carry out regular maintenance.
Repair faults to prevent accidents or delays.

Keep records of fuel consumption.
Monitor lubrication systems to avoid engine damage.

Guide and train Third Engineers, Fourth Engineers, and Cadets.
Ensure they follow proper safety and technical procedures.

Maintain logbooks for engine room operations.
Record maintenance, fuel usage, and performance data.

Conduct safety drills for engine room staff.
Ensure fire-fighting equipment and life-saving gear are ready at all times.

2nd Engineer Salary in Merchant Navy

The salary of a Second Engineer depends on:

Type of ship (Tanker, Bulk Carrier, Container Ship, etc.)
Type of Shipping Company (Ownership, and Management)
Experience of the sailor.

Here’s the typical salary range:

Rank	Type of Ship	Salary (per month)
Second Engineer	Bulk Carrier	₹5,40,000 to ₹7,10,000
Second Engineer	Oil / Chemical / Gas Carrier	₹6,50,000 to ₹10,00,000
Second Engineer	Container Ship	₹5,50,000 to ₹8,00,000

Tax Benefit – Like other seafarers, if you stay outside India for more than 182 days in a financial year, your income is tax-free in India.

Second Engineer Jobs and Vacancies in Merchant Navy

The Second Engineer is the backbone of a ship’s engine department, responsible for smooth operations, maintenance, and guiding junior engineers. With global demand rising, this is the perfect time to advance your maritime career.

At Merchant Navy Decoded Jobs (merchantnavydecodedjobs.com), you’ll find verified Second Engineer vacancies from trusted shipping companies across all vessel types. No middlemen, no hidden details—just genuine opportunities.

Visit merchantnavydecodedjobs.com today and apply for verified jobs today.

FAQs About Second Engineer Vacancy in Merchant Navy

Q1: What is the salary of a Second Engineer in Merchant Navy?
Between ₹6,50,000 to ₹10,00,000 per month, depending on ship type and company.

Q2: What are the duties of a Second Engineer?
Supervise the engine room, maintain machinery, manage fuel and lubrication, train juniors, keep records, and ensure safety.

Second Engineer in Merchant Navy