What is a Chief Engineer?
The Chief Engineer is the senior engineering officer responsible for all propulsion, auxiliary machinery, and engineering systems aboard a vessel. The Chief Engineer heads the engine room department and bears legal responsibility for the safe operation and maintenance of all shipboard machinery.
Chief Engineer Responsibilities
- Overall management of engine room operations
- Maintenance planning for main engine and auxiliaries
- Bunker management and fuel efficiency
- Engineering budget management
- Compliance with MARPOL environmental regulations
- Supervising 2nd, 3rd, 4th Engineers and engine room ratings
Chief Engineer Salary in UAE
Chief Engineers are among the highest-paid seafarers. In UAE maritime, Chief Engineers typically earn AED 38,000 to AED 60,000 per month on commercial vessels, with premium salaries for LNG carriers and specialized vessels.
