What you need to perform it
Primary qualification
- Approved engine-officer training programme under STCW Regulation III/1 and Code section A-III/1, with an approved Training Record Book (TRB)
- Spanish route: cadet of the Marine Technologies degree (or equivalent), leading to the Spanish professional Engine Officer certificate (RD 973/2009)
Basic STCW
- STCW A-VI/1 Basic Safety Training before first embarkation
- Valid seafarer medical certificate (in Spain, ISM medical examination)
Specific courses
- Workshop skills training of section A-III/1: machining, fitting, welding and bench work, before or alongside the sea phase
- Survival craft and rescue boats (A-VI/2-1) and advanced firefighting (A-VI/3), required before the officer examination
- Completion of the TRB with supervised watches and maintenance tasks signed off by the Chief Engineer
Indicative experience
Regulation III/1: the officer certificate requires ≥ 12 months of combined training and seagoing service within an approved programme with TRB (including supervised engine-room watchkeeping), or 36 months of seagoing service without a programme. The cadet's typical embarked period is 6 to 12 months (indicative).
Observations
Progression route: Engine Cadet → Third/Second Engineer (STCW III/1, ≥ 750 kW) → Second/Chief Engineer (STCW III/2, ≥ 3,000 kW; III/3 between 750 and 3,000 kW). The TRB rules: an incomplete record book delays the examination even with the sea time completed. Ships with dual-fuel (LNG) or UMS plants provide competences highly valued already at cadet stage.
What this role does
Training position of the engine room: the cadet prepares for the Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch certificate (STCW Regulation III/1) within an approved programme, alternating workshop training (machining, welding, fitting) with supervised watches. Each competence is signed off in the Training Record Book (TRB). In Spain this is the engine cadet (alumno de máquinas) of the Marine Technologies degrees, prior step to the professional Engine Officer certificate (RD 973/2009).
Typical watches
- Internship Program Schedule
Key responsibilities
- Assistance in maintenance and repairs.
- Rounds and observation of equipment conditions.
- Completion of the specialty Training Record Book (TRB).
Operational scope
- Training
- Engine-room support
- Safety drills
Profile reviewed by HydroAbyss (2026). Cited rules and timeframes are indicative: the final requirement is set by the flag State, the Administration and each company.