1st Engineer vs 2nd Engineer — Differences, STCW, Work at Sea

1st Engineer and 2nd Engineer: Who Created the Difference, Why One Position Has Different Names, and How It Affects a Seafarer’s Career

Introduction

When searching for work at sea, many engineers face a paradoxical situation: their certificate states Second Engineer, while a vacancy or employment contract refers to 1st Engineer. For some companies this is considered normal practice, for others it raises questions, and for some it leads to real problems during flag-state inspections or sea service verification.In seafarer vacancies, these terms are often used interchangeably, which creates confusion even among experienced marine engineers. Logical questions arise:

• Are these different positions or the same one?

• Is 1st Engineer part of a “British” or an “American” system?

• Why does STCW state one thing while the market uses another?

• How can this be risky for a seafarer’s career?

This article provides a deep, professional, and practical explanation, based on international conventions, the UK MCA system, and real shipping industry practice.

International Framework: What STCW Says

The STCW Convention 1978, as amended in 2010 (Manila Amendments), is the only international instrument that legally defines officer ranks.According to STCW, the following key officer positions exist in the engine department:

• Chief Engineer Officer

• Second Engineer Officer

• Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch (OOW – Engineering)

👉 The term “1st Engineer” does not exist in STCW.This is a fundamental point. Any flag administration (UK, EU countries, Liberia, Panama, Malta, and others) relies on STCW, not on company-specific or corporate terminology.

The British System (UK MCA): A Strict Benchmark

There is a common myth that 1st Engineer belongs to the “English” or “British” system. This is incorrect.Within the official UK MCA framework, only the following titles are used:

• Chief Engineer

• Second Engineer

• Officer of the Watch (Engineering)

📌 In MCA certificates, Certificates of Competency (CoC), and sea service testimonials, the term “1st Engineer” is completely absent.The British system is considered one of the most conservative and legally precise. It strictly separates:

• Rank — the rank held under a certificate

• Position — the role performed onboard

For this reason, UK MCA has never recognized 1st Engineer as an official rank.

So Where Did the Term 1st Engineer Come From?

The short professional answer is: from American practice, but not from legislation.It is important to understand a key point:
👉 The United States did not introduce a new rank, but a job title.

The American System: Two Parallel Realities

In the United States, two different but coexisting systems have historically developed, and they are often confused.

1️⃣ Regulatory System (US Coast Guard / STCW)

Official licenses include:

• Chief Engineer

• Second Engineer

• Third Engineer

• Assistant Engineer

As with STCW, there is no license called “1st Engineer.”

2️⃣ Operational / Corporate Practice

American shipping companies, particularly in the offshore sector, began using a numerical hierarchy within the engine department:

• Chief Engineer

• First Engineer (senior assistant to the Chief Engineer)

• Second Engineer

• Third Engineer

This represents:

• an internal job title;

• the level of practical responsibility;

• an element of the company’s HR structure.

⚠️ However, it is not an official rank and not a license.

Why the American Approach Set the Trend

The reasons are both historical and practical:

• early industrial development of the US merchant fleet;

• strong marine engineering unions (MEBA, AMO);

• a clear distinction between license and job title;

• rapid development of offshore and project fleets;

• flexible contractual structures.

The American approach can be summarized as:
“The license confirms the right to work; the position defines the role onboard.”

How the Term 1st Engineer Spread Worldwide

The practical chain of adoption looked as follows:USA → Offshore Fleet → Asia → Crewing Market → Online VacanciesAs a result:

• Asian crewing agencies;

• offshore operators;

• DP and project vessels

began widely using 1st Engineer in seafarer vacancies, even when the candidate’s certificate was Second Engineer.

Where 1st Engineer Is Most Commonly Used Today

• Offshore vessels

• DP fleet

• Construction and project vessels

• Companies with American management

• The Asian seafarer recruitment market

In practice, this often results in the following situation:

• Crew List — Second Engineer;

• Employment contract — 1st Engineer;

• Certificate — Second Engineer.

The Real Difference Between 1st Engineer and 2nd Engineer

In Terms of Duties

In most cases (around 90%), there is no difference in actual responsibilities.

In Terms of Status

The difference is fundamental:

Risks for Seafarers Due to Incorrect Terminology

When searching for work at sea, a seafarer may face real risks:

1. Unrecognized Sea Service

Some administrations do not accept sea service if:

• documents list only 1st Engineer;

• there is no clear reference to Second Engineer.

2. Problems with License Upgrade

To obtain a Chief Engineer certificate, sea service must be confirmed specifically as Second Engineer (STCW III/2).

3. PSC and Flag-State Inspections

Inconsistencies between:

• the certificate;

• the employment contract;

• the Crew List

may result in remarks or additional inspections.

Best Practice for Document оформления

For Seafarers

• Certificate: Second Engineer

• Sea Service: Second Engineer

• Contract (recommended safe wording):
  Second Engineer (position onboard titled as 1st Engineer)

For Crewing Agencies and Shipowners

• use dual job title references;

• clearly link positions to STCW ranks;

• avoid using 1st Engineer alone without clarification.

Why the Confusion Persists

• STCW does not prohibit alternative job titles;

• there is no global standardized job title glossary;

• different fleet traditions exist;

• HR simplification of vacancy wording;

• the mass global market of seafarer vacancies.

Key Conclusions

• 1st Engineer is not a British or English system;

• it is a corporate designation of American origin;

• 2nd Engineer is the only official international rank;

• for sea service, certification, and career development, STCW prevails over vacancy wording.

The main rule for seafarers:
focus on your certificate and flag-state requirements, not on an attractive job title.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between 1st Engineer and 2nd Engineer is not theory but a practical tool for safe career development. In the global market of work at sea and thousands of seafarer vacancies, knowledge of international standards protects seafarers from mistakes, loss of sea service, and problems with flag administrations.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only.
It does not constitute legal advice, official guidance, or an interpretation of the requirements of the STCW Convention, flag administrations, national maritime authorities, classification societies, or other regulatory bodies.Job titles, allocation of responsibilities, and the application of terminology may vary depending on the vessel’s flag, company policy, vessel type, and applicable legislation.Seafarers, employers, and crewing agencies are advised to seek official clarification from the relevant flag administration, maritime authority, or professional legal advisors before making decisions related to employment, sea service verification, certification, or regulatory compliance.