Chief engineer

A chief engineer, commonly referred to as "Chief" or "ChEng", is the most senior licensed mariner (engine officer) of an engine department on a ship, typically a merchant ship, and holds overall leadership and the responsibility of that department. In rank, a chief engineer is equivalent to the rank of a ship's captain. A chief engineer has a strong technical expertise and therefore they have numerous shore jobs opportunities and are not just bounded to sail. They can become technical superintendents, fleet managers, surveyors, ship builders etc. As a person who holds one of the most senior roles on the ship, they must have excellent communication and leadership skills. They are expected to regularly work alongside other crew members and external consultants, and most importantly, provide guidance to their team. To be a chief engineer, an engineer must attain a chief engineer's license appropriate to the tonnage, power rating, and type of ship the engineer is employed on. A chief engineer is ultimately responsible for all operations and maintenance that has to do with any and all engineering equipment throughout the entire ship, and supervises all other engineering officer and engine ratings within the department.