What is a marine engineer?

[lance]

There appears to be some difference in terminology throughout the world.
In Australia, the majority of people titled "Marine Engineer" are sea going.
What does a (sea going) marine engineer do?
Given a standard australian flagged 140,000 tonne bulk ore carrier on an
international run for example:

The are 4 marine engineers sailing onboard at one time. These being:
Chief Engineer
1st Engineer
2nd Engineer
3rd Engineer

These 4 marine engineers are responsible for the complete maintenance of
every part of the vessel. Including, but not limited to:

Ensuring the vessel complies to all certification,
The efficient running and all maintenance of the following:

Main engine(s)
Diesel alternators
Shaft alternator
Aucilliary boiler
Complete steam system
Air compressors
F.O. and L.O. Purifiers
Cooling systems
Water treatment
Fresh water generation
All electrical systems (no electrician onboard like some other countries)
All electronic systems

The rest of the crew on the vessel comprise of:

Master, responsible for the vessel outright.
1st mate, 2nd mate, 3rd mate, responsible for navigation at sea and cargo work in port.
(no radio officer onboard like some other countries)
Chief steward, Cook, assistant steward, responsible for all food supply, cooking and domestic cleaning.
7 integrated ratings whom keep look out, assist cargo handling, and (very rarely) assist down the engine room.

To sail onboard an Australian vessel as:
Chief engineer, you must possess a "certificate of competency" - Class 1.
1st engineer, you must possess a "certificate of competency" - Class 2.
2nd engineer, you must possess a "certificate of competency" - Watch keeper.
3rd engineer, you must possess a "certificate of competency" - Watch keeper.

These certificates of competency are issued under the provisions of the International Convention on Standards
and are obtained only after thorough oral examination. (Note: the only other prefession in Australia that must
sit for oral examination before being qualified to work in that field is a doctor of medicine).
* But prior to being eligable to sit for oral examination, the correct education level and experience must be
reached. Certificate of Engineering (Marine) for W.A., Associate Diploma of Engineering (Marine) for W.A.,
Survival at sea, ship board management, Electrical and Electronics, Advanced Electrical and Electronics, etc.

That was a very rough description of a marine engineer as known in Australia, sorry if I caused some confusion
with my previous email.

Lance ;-)