How to Be Marine Salvage Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 1, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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When ships encounter serious problems such as grounding, fire, or sinking, a marine salvage engineer is required to assess the situation and take the necessary steps to salvage the vessel. The engineer must identify the cause of the problem and devise a plan to recover the ship's cargo and the ship itself. This can involve anything from the deployment of tugs, pumps, and specialized equipment to the use of divers and underwater robots.

In order for any salvage operation to be successful, the engineer must have a clear understanding of marine safety regulations, weather and sea conditions, and the state of the equipment on board the ship. The engineer must also consider the impact that the salvage operation could have on marine life, as well as the economic implications of any decisions made. Once the salvage operation is complete, the engineer is responsible for ensuring that all safety requirements are met and that the ship is fit for its next voyage.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a marine salvage engineer is to obtain a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited university or college. A degree in civil, mechanical, or naval engineering is recommended.
Complete a Professional Engineer Exam. After completing the required coursework, you must take and pass the professional engineer exam to become a professional engineer. This exam is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
Obtain On-the-Job Training. After passing the professional engineer exam, you must complete on-the-job training to gain experience working as a marine salvage engineer. This hands-on experience is often provided by employers, or you may train under the supervision of an experienced salvage engineer.
Obtain Licensure. Depending on the state in which you are working, you may need to obtain licensure as a professional engineer in order to practice as a marine salvage engineer. Each state has its own requirements for licensure, so you should contact your state licensing board for specific information.
Pursue Continuing Education. To remain up-to-date on the latest developments in marine salvage engineering, you should pursue continuing education opportunities such as seminars, workshops, and classes.

The skills and competencies required for a marine salvage engineer are extensive and varied. To be successful in this profession, an individual must possess a comprehensive understanding of engineering principles, maritime law, and salvage operations. they must have excellent problem-solving and communication skills, as well as an understanding of the physical properties of water and the ocean.

Developing these skills requires a combination of formal education, training, and practical experience in the field. A formal engineering degree or certification is often necessary to obtain a job in the field, while additional courses in maritime law, marine salvage techniques, and underwater engineering are also beneficial. Furthermore, hands-on experience with vessel salvage operations is essential.

With the right combination of education, training, and experience, an individual can become a skilled and competent marine salvage engineer.

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Job Description

Conduct regular inspections of marine salvage equipment and facilities to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Develop salvage plans and procedures for retrieving sunken vessels, cargo, and other objects from the sea.
Design, build, and deploy custom-made salvage equipment, such as lifting bags and platforms.
Analyze satellite data, nautical charts, and hydrographic surveys to assess conditions at the salvage site.
Coordinate with other salvage personnel to ensure successful operations.
Monitor salvage operations in order to adjust plans as needed.
Negotiate contracts with vessel owners, insurance companies, and other parties involved in marine salvage operations.
Determine salvage costs and coordinate payment with vessel owners or insurers.
Supervise the loading, transportation, and disposal of salvaged items.
Maintain records of all salvage operations and submit reports to regulatory agencies.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expert knowledge of marine engineering systems, components, and safety regulations
Comprehensive understanding of marine salvage operations and techniques
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, and schematics
Proficiency in the use of specialized tools and machinery for marine salvage
Ability to develop and execute salvage plans
Expertise in assessing the condition of ships and other submerged structures
Ability to coordinate multiple resources for successful salvage operations
Ability to identify potential risks and develop appropriate safety protocols
Excellent communication skills for developing relationships with stakeholders
Knowledge of maritime law and regulations relating to marine salvage

Marine salvage engineering is a highly specialized field that requires a diverse set of skills to be successful. In order to successfully recover vessels and other items from the ocean floor, marine salvage engineers must possess a combination of technical, legal, and managerial competencies. Technical skills are essential, as they must be able to design and implement efficient recovery solutions which take into account the weather conditions, water depths, and other factors.

Legal knowledge is also necessary, as maritime laws must be taken into account during the salvage process. Finally, project management skills are essential for ensuring that the salvage process is completed in an organized and efficient manner. When all these skills are combined, a successful marine salvage engineer can help save lives, property, and the environment.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in marine salvage engineering?
How do you handle difficult engineering challenges while salvaging a stranded or damaged ship?
Describe a successful salvage operation that you were involved in.
What safety protocols do you adhere to when salvaging a vessel?
What are the most important considerations when planning a marine salvage operation?
How do you stay up-to-date with industry regulations and best practices?
How do you stay prepared for unexpected situations during salvage operations?
What techniques do you use to assess the condition of a vessel before beginning a salvage operation?
What strategies do you use to minimize environmental impact during a salvage operation?
How do you prioritize tasks and objectives during a marine salvage operation?

Common Tools in Industry

Cable Cutter. Used to cut through cables of varying sizes (eg: wire rope cutters).
Pneumatic Hammer. Used to break and chip away concrete, stone, or other hard materials (eg: jackhammer).
Welding Machine. Used to join metal pieces together by heating and melting them (eg: arc welding machine).
Winch. Used to pull and lift heavy objects (eg: electric winch).
Crane. Used to lift and move heavy objects (eg: tower crane).
Jet Pump. Used to pump out or transfer water from one location to another (eg: submersible jet pump).
Air Compressor. Used to convert electrical power into pressurized air (eg: reciprocating compressor).
Diving Suit. Used to protect divers from the cold and pressure of deep-water dives (eg: drysuit).
Salvage Net. Used to recover objects from the bottom of a body of water (eg: floating debris net).
Underwater Camera. Used to capture images and video footage underwater (eg: remote operated vehicle camera).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME)
International Association of Dredging Companies (IADC)
Marine Technology Society (MTS)
Association of Marine Industries (AMI)
Society of Marine Port Engineers (SMPE)
International Salvage Union (ISU)
International Institute of Marine Surveyors (IIMS)
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)
International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations (IFSMA)

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Common Important Terms

Wreck Removal. The process of moving a shipwreck or other underwater debris from its original location to a more suitable place.
Marine Salvage Law. A set of legal rules and regulations governing the process of salvaging a ship or vessel from the sea.
Diving Equipment. The tools and equipment used by a marine salvage engineer for underwater exploration and recovery operations.
Dive Planning. The process of planning and executing an underwater salvage operation, including the selection of the proper equipment and techniques.
Underwater Welding. A specialized form of welding used to join, repair, and modify metal components that are submerged underwater.
Salvage Vessel. Any vessel used to carry out a salvage operation, typically equipped with specialized equipment and personnel trained to perform the salvage operation.
Marine Salvage Insurance. Insurance coverage purchased to protect a vessel owner or operator in the event of a salvage operation.
Salvage Rights. A set of legal rights defining who is responsible for the costs associated with a salvage operation, as well as who is entitled to any rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Marine Salvage Engineer? A1: A Marine Salvage Engineer is a professional who specializes in the recovery of vessels, cargo and related items that have been lost or damaged in the marine environment. Q2: What kind of qualifications are required to become a Marine Salvage Engineer? A2: To become a Marine Salvage Engineer, one must have a Bachelor's degree in a related field such as marine engineering, naval architecture or ocean engineering. Additionally, experience in a related field such as marine construction, salvage or salvage operations is helpful. Q3: What tasks do Marine Salvage Engineers typically perform? A3: Marine Salvage Engineers typically perform tasks such as assessing the condition of vessels and determining the best course of action for recovery, developing plans and procedures for the safe recovery of vessels and cargo, and overseeing salvage operations. Q4: What types of equipment do Marine Salvage Engineers use? A4: Marine Salvage Engineers use a variety of specialized equipment such as pumps, winches, cranes and hoists to move and lift objects from the marine environment. They also use specialized tools and software to assess the condition of vessels and develop plans for recovery. Q5: How much do Marine Salvage Engineers typically earn? A5: The average salary for Marine Salvage Engineers is around $90,000 per year. This can vary depending on experience, location and other factors.