The Second Engineer (2/E) is the second-in-command of the engine department, holding primary responsibility for day-to-day engine room operations and reporting directly to the Chief Engineer.
Typical Responsibilities
- Direct oversight of main engine and auxiliary machinery operation
- Engine room watchkeeping schedule and team supervision
- Executing the Chief Engineer’s maintenance plans
- Significant hands-on technical and operational responsibility, often described as the most demanding engine department rank in daily workload
Certification
Reaching Second Engineer requires clearing the MEO Class II competency exam, following required sea time as Third/Fourth Engineer. MEO Class II is widely considered one of the toughest competency exams in the entire engine department progression.
Where It Sits in Career Progression
Second Engineer follows Third and Fourth Engineer and precedes Chief Engineer in standard engine department progression.
Exam Relevance
MEO Class II covers advanced machinery systems, engine management, and troubleshooting beyond the Class IV syllabus.