Ausbildung career
Ship Mechanic Ausbildung in Germany
German name: Schiffsmechaniker/in
The Ausbildung (vocational training) to become a Ship Mechanic lasts 3 years and takes place in maritime shipping. It combines practical work on board ships with theoretical instruction at a vocational school, preparing trainees for diverse technical tasks.
What you do
- Maintaining and repairing engines and technical systems on board.
- Monitoring ship systems (e.g., propulsion, power supply, cargo systems).
- Operating machinery and equipment for ship operations.
- Conducting safety and functional checks.
- Cleaning and maintaining engine rooms and decks.
- Assisting with loading and unloading operations.
- Documenting maintenance work and malfunctions.
Requirements
- Technical understanding and manual dexterity.
- Good physical condition, resilience, and no fear of heights/motion sickness.
- Ability to work in a team and a strong sense of responsibility.
- Willingness to spend extended periods at sea (often several weeks at a time).
- Good knowledge of mathematics and physics.
- Intermediate school leaving certificate (Realschulabschluss) or a good secondary school leaving certificate (Hauptschulabschluss).
- Seaworthiness according to the regulations of the German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the transport industry.
Career prospects
- 1Further training to become a Ship's Officer (Nautical or Technical) at a university of applied sciences.
- 2Specialization in specific ship types or technical systems.
- 3Shore-based roles, e.g., in shipyards, port operations, or shipping companies.
- 4Advancement to Chief Engineer after further qualification and experience.
- 5Obtaining Master (Meister) or Technician (Techniker) qualifications in the maritime sector.
Open positions
There are no open positions in this career right now. New positions come in several times a day.
Browse all positionsFrequently asked questions
Answers from our data on salary, length, German level and open positions.
How much do you earn in a Ship Mechanic Ausbildung in Germany?
Usually 900 to 1,200 € a month. Pay rises with each year of training; the company sets the exact amount.
What German level do I need for a Ship Mechanic Ausbildung?
Usually B2 German is enough. It is a guideline: some companies ask for more, some accept less.
What are the requirements for a Ship Mechanic Ausbildung?
Technical understanding and manual dexterity.; Good physical condition, resilience, and no fear of heights/motion sickness.; Ability to work in a team and a strong sense of responsibility.; Willingness to spend extended periods at sea (often several weeks at a time)..
Where can I find open Ship Mechanic Ausbildung positions?
There are no open positions right now. New positions come in several times a day.
How to apply as a Ship Mechanic
Create your German CV, no account needed. Then apply to one of the open positions.
Career information is based on BERUFENET by the Federal Employment Agency.