Marine Engineering Technology - What You'll Learn

While enrolled in the Seattle Maritime Academy at Seattle Central College, our expert faculty will give you the hands-on training you need to become a general marine engineer, an oiler, a QMED (Qualified Member of the Engineering Department) or a junior engineer.

The Marine Engineering Technology program is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and every course final is comprised of questions from the U.S. Coast Guard’s test bank. As a result, upon successful completion of the program, students are not required to test at the U.S. Coast Guard’s Regional Exam Center. The U.S. Coast Guard also approves the curriculum, the instructors and the facility. Upon completing this program, you will be:

  • Eligible to upgrade with the following engine room (QMED) ratings: Electrician, Oiler, Pumpman/Machinist Mate, Refrigerating Engineer and Junior Engineer
  • Qualified for STCW “Ratings Forming Part of an Engine-Room Watch” endorsement
  • Eligible for the Lifeboatman endorsement after three additional months of service
  • You will also qualify for (receive 180 days sea service credit towards) a license as Apprentice Mate of Near Coastal Uninspected Towing Vessels with an additional 12 months of service on board a towing vessel.

Graduates successfully completing the Marine Engineering Technology Certificate will:

  1. Satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 12.15–7 for QMED (Qualified Member Engineering Department) endorsements provided they present documentary evidence of at least 90 days qualifying engine room service while enrolled in the program (30 days on Seattle Maritime Academy’s training vessels plus 60 days during the student at–sea internship).
  2. Satisfy the training and assessment requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-3(e) and Table A–III/4 of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watch keeping (STCW) Code, as amended for Ratings Forming Part an Engineering Watch, provided they also present evidence of having been assessed in the related practical demonstrations, at least 60 days of engine room service (during the student at–sea internship) and have completed basic safety training.
  3. Demonstrate their ability to obtain the unlicensed ratings of oiler, junior engineer, refrigerating engineer, electrician and pump man without further testing.
  4. Be eligible without further testing for fireman/water tender if their 60–day at–sea student internship is on steam vessels.
  5. Be eligible to examine for Designated Duty Engineer Limited – 1000 Horsepower, provided they can present four months of sea service as a Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED).
  6. Satisfy the training requirements of Section A-VI/2 and Table A-VI2-1 of the STWC Code, as amended provided the student present evidence of completion of the elective course MGO 103 Survival Craft and they have satisfied the requires of *Table A-VI/1-1 for Personal Survival Technique and *Table A-VI/1-3 for Elementary First Aid.

In order to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard for a Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) and its ratings, students will need to complete additional requirements outside of the certificate program. Students should arrange for, pay for and complete the following courses at a separate training facility:

  1. Basic Safety Training: A five-day course including personal survival technique, elementary first aid, personal safety, social responsibility and basic marine firefighting. (Section A-VI/2 and Table A-VI2-1 of the STWC Code)
  2. Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD): A one-day course. (46 CFR 12.625(a)(1) and STCW Table A-VI/6-2)

Learn more about the course planning for the Marine Engineering Technology program.