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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

  1. 1Further training to become a Ship's Officer (Nautical or Technical) at a university of applied sciences.
  2. 2Specialization in specific ship types or technical systems.
  3. 3Shore-based roles, e.g., in shipyards, port operations, or shipping companies.
  4. 4Advancement to Chief Engineer after further qualification and experience.
  5. 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 positions

Frequently 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.