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IMO / STCW · Offshore Platform / Unit · Engine / Engineering

Motorman / Engine Room Mechanic

Also known as: Motorman · Motorman · Oiler · Duty Mechanic

Operator and mechanic for the MODU engines and auxiliary systems.

Open in the explorer All Offshore Platform / Unit roles

What you need to perform it

Primary qualification

  • Marine base: STCW III/4 (watch rating) or III/5 (able seafarer engine) certificate per flag and the unit's safe-manning document.
  • Technical training: industrial mechanics/electromechanics diploma or Naval Mechanic, fluent with medium/high-power diesels.
  • OPITO BOSIET/FOET with CA-EBS and offshore medical for drilling units.

Basic STCW

  • A-VI/1
  • A-III/4 (rating forming part of an engineering watch)
  • OPITO BOSIET

Specific courses

  • Diesel-generator and fuel/oil purifier maintenance
  • Transfers and soundings: spill prevention (SOPEP) and oil record keeping
  • Onboard hydraulics and pneumatics; LOTO and permit to work
  • Enclosed spaces and dangerous atmospheres in tanks and crankcases

Indicative experience

STCW III/4: minimum sea service with approved training per flag; for III/5, 12 months' engine service (or 6 with approved training — Reg. III/5). Indicative on MODUs: 1-2 prior years in ship engine rooms or industrial plant.

Observations

Progression: Motorman → engineer officer via the III/1 route (academy + sea time with training record book) or towards drilling-package hydraulic/mechanical specialist. Titles vary by contractor (oiler, motorman, mechanic).

What this role does

DepartmentEngine / Engineering
GroupTechnical / Maintenance
Role typeEngine Room Operations Technician
Reports toFirst Engineer / Chief Engineer
SupervisesNot applicable

The MODU's engine-room watch technician: operates and maintains generator engines, purifiers, compressors, pumps and hydraulic systems, executes fuel and oil transfers with sounding control, and walks inspection rounds logging parameters. Works under the Chief/2nd Engineer and is the pair of hands delivering the daily planned maintenance.

Typical watches

  • 12-hour guards in the engine room

Key responsibilities

  • Operation and monitoring of internal combustion diesel engines.
  • Maintenance of auxiliary systems (pumps, compressors, purifiers).
  • Record of operating parameters (temperature, pressure, consumption).
  • Response to alarms and minor failures in the engine room.
  • Support in oil changes, filters and preventive maintenance.

Operational scope

  • Engine room
  • Generation system
  • Range of auxiliary systems

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.