The Third Engineer (3/E) is a watchkeeping engineering officer in the engine department, positioned between Fourth Engineer and Second Engineer in rank progression.
Typical Responsibilities
- Engine room watchkeeping
- Responsibility for specific machinery systems as assigned — commonly boilers, purifiers, or auxiliary equipment depending on company and vessel practice
- Supporting the Second Engineer with maintenance execution
Where It Sits in Career Progression
Third Engineer follows Fourth Engineer, reached after accumulating required sea time, and precedes Second Engineer, which requires clearing the MEO Class II exam.
Certification
Third Engineer doesn’t require a separate DG Shipping competency exam beyond MEO Class IV (the same certificate held from Fourth Engineer rank) — progression is primarily sea-time and company-assessment based.
Exam Relevance
Third Engineer operates under the MEO Class IV certificate; the next qualifying exam is MEO Class II, required for promotion to Second Engineer.