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What is the best route to becoming a yacht engineer?

Discussion in 'Licensing & Education' started by jaffamonkey, Feb 25, 2009.

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  1. jaffamonkey, Feb 25, 2009
    #1
    jaffamonkey

    jaffamonkey New Member

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    Hi everyone,

    I am new to this board but have been lurking here for a while. I am at a bit of a crossroads in my life and am looking seriously into becoming a yacht engineer. I am currently a computer engineer before that i was an auto engineer.
    My question is at 34 is it too late to get into this industry and what is the best route to take.

    I have looked into doing the Professional Yacht engineer course at UKSA this seems to give a good grounding in the basics including STCW95 and AEC but is this enough to get a job as a junior engineer on a large yacht.

    Also what is the current market like for such jobs. We are all aware of the current economic situation. on top of that there are a limited number of yachts that have junior engineer positions and there is only one job available per yacht compared to deckhands where there are a number of positions on board.

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
  2. K1W1, Feb 25, 2009
    #2
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    What are your overall computer skills like?

    Do you have good electrical skills?

    If you can run a network and deal with the TV, Comms and electrical problems then there is a good chance you will get a job on a bigger one
  3. jaffamonkey, Feb 25, 2009
    #3
    jaffamonkey

    jaffamonkey New Member

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    Hi K1W1
    My networking skills are excellent I’m a network engineer. Administering a network is no problem. I have no experience of AV systems like Crestron although as i understand it they are networked on Cat 5 cabling so shouldn’t be a problem troubleshooting them if they go down.
    Reprogramming would be more of a problem but i could learn it.
  4. K1W1, Feb 25, 2009
    #4
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    Crestron programming is usually left to specialists as they are responsible for the overall setup and don't want others playing around with their work.

    Networking of PC's is one part of it but these days there are a lot of things with IP Addys lurking onboard.

    TV Distribution is over Cat 5/6/7 and the aiming of the Sat Dish is always an ongoing issue for the onboard team.

    VSAT is another thing you will encounter on most boats these days. You wouldn't believe how upset some Owners get when this isn't working to their expectations.

    It used to be all about the Toilets and AC. Now it is those plus AV and IT/Comms that seems to run an Engineers life onboard.
  5. vicky, Feb 26, 2009
    #5
    vicky

    vicky New Member

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  6. K1W1, Feb 26, 2009
    #6
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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  7. jaffamonkey, Feb 26, 2009
    #7
    jaffamonkey

    jaffamonkey New Member

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