What is it like to work as a Marine and Environmental Engineer? What are the pluses and what are the challenges? How quickly can an engineer adapt to life at sea?
In this article, Jackson Porbeni shares his career, his advice to marine engineers starting in the profession and his thoughts on the future of marine engineering. Jackson studied Marine Engineering and has eight years of engineering experience. He is a Marine and Environmental Engineer on Mercy Ships and so has the usual onboard challenges coupled with supporting medical teams on a hospital ship.

Spotlight on an experienced Marine and Environmental Engineer

Early Interest in Science and the Sea

Were you interested in science and how things work when you were a child?
Yes, very much. As a child, I was naturally curious about how machines worked. I used to dismantle small devices just to see what was inside, for example radios, toy cars, even household appliances (sometimes to my parents’ frustration). I was especially fascinated by engines and anything mechanical.
I loved subjects like physics and mathematics because they explained how the real-world functions for example, motion, force, energy, pressure. I didn’t just want to use machines; I wanted to understand them.

Can you remember the first time you saw the sea and went on a boat?
The first time I saw the sea, I was struck by how vast and powerful it was. It felt both peaceful and intimidating at the same time.
Going on a boat for the first time was unforgettable. The sound of the engine, the movement of the vessel cutting through water, and the feeling of being surrounded by nothing but ocean. That experience made me realise how much coordination and engineering goes into keeping a ship running safely at sea.

Was there anyone in your family or school who suggested working at sea?
While no one in my immediate family worked at sea, I had mentors and teachers who noticed my technical strengths and encouraged me to pursue engineering. I also met maritime professionals who shared their experiences, and their stories inspired me. Hearing about life at sea – the discipline, the responsibility, and the global exposure. This made the career path appealing.

Studying Marine Engineering to become a Marine and Environmental Engineer

Why did you decide to study marine engineering?
Marine engineering combines mechanical engineering with real-world challenges. Ships are essentially floating cities and keeping them operational requires deep technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
I chose marine engineering because of five main reasons:
I enjoy working with large-scale machinery.
I wanted a career that is dynamic, not office based.
I was drawn to the challenge and responsibility of maintaining vessels at sea.
It offers international exposure and strong career progression.
It felt ideal because it matches my technical mindset and love for hands-on problem-solving.

Why would you suggest marine engineering to someone?
I would suggest marine engineering to someone who:
Is technically minded.
Enjoys solving practical problems.
Can work under pressure.
Is disciplined and adaptable.
It’s not just a job, as well, it builds character. You learn independence, teamwork, resilience, and leadership very quickly.

Challenges of Working Offshore as a Marine and Environmental Engineer

How do you cope with lack of space and privacy?
Working offshore requires mental discipline. I cope by:
Maintaining a routine.
Using personal downtime wisely.
Respecting others’ space and expecting the same.
Staying focused on my professional goals.
Understanding that the environment is temporary helps a lot. It teaches patience and emotional maturity.

What do you take when you go offshore to make a connection with home?
Three things I always take with me when I go offshore are:
A family photo or something personal from home.
A good book or digital reading material.
Noise-cancelling headphones or music which helps with relaxation.
These three things help me to stay grounded and connected to home.

As a marine and environmental engineer, what is most challenging offshore?
Weather is one of the biggest challenges as it affects operations and safety.
Technically, troubleshooting machinery at sea can be demanding because you cannot easily access spare parts or external support. You must rely on your training and teamwork.
But honestly, the psychological aspect of being away from family can be harder than the technical challenges.

What is more difficult for a marine and environmental engineer at sea compared to land?
At sea there is:
No quick access to resources.
No immediate technical backup.
Limited medical access.
Emotional distance from family.
On land, problems can be escalated quickly. At sea, you must solve issues with what you have.

Advice for a New Marine or Environmental Engineer

What advice would you give to new Marine Engineers during their:
First Week

I suggest four pieces of advice in the first week:
Listen more than you talk.
Observe engine room operations carefully.
Ask questions respectfully.
Prioritize safety over speed.

First Month

I suggest three pieces of advice in the first month:
Understand the systems deeply, so not just what to do, but why.
Build good relationships with senior engineers.
Develop strong documentation habits.

First Year

I suggest three pieces of advice in the first year:

Focus on competence, not just promotion.
Improve troubleshooting skills.
Study continuously especially as technology evolves.

Advice about coping away from home

What advice would you give to new marine engineers about coping with life away from home?
I would advise to focus on the following:
Build a strong support system.
Communicate regularly with family.
Set long-term career goals.
Use leave periods meaningfully.
Remember why you started.

Role as Assistant Marine and Environmental Engineer – Mercy Ships

What does your role involve?
As an Assistant Marine Engineer on Mercy Ships, my responsibilities include many things including the following.
Maintaining engines and auxiliary machinery.
Conducting routine inspections and preventive maintenance.
Assisting with repairs and troubleshooting.
Ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Supporting fuel, water, and power systems management.
The engine room must operate efficiently because it supports the hospital’s operations.

What are the main additional responsibilities and challenges of working on a hospital ship?
Working on a hospital ship adds complexity in a number of ways. For example:
Reliability is critical as lives depend on uninterrupted power.
There are strict hygiene standards.
We need to be in constant coordination with medical teams.
There is increased accountability.
Unlike commercial vessels, the mission is humanitarian, which adds emotional responsibility and purpose.

Working with different cultures

You are working with people from lots of other countries. How do you adapt to working with different cultures? What is your advice to other engineers who are starting a new global role?
I feel that working with international teams requires:
Cultural sensitivity.
Clear communication.
Respect for diverse perspectives.
Patience and adaptability.
So my advice to anyone working in a global team is to be humble, listen first and to understand cultural differences before reacting. Technical competence is important, but emotional intelligence is equally vital in global teams.

Changes in the Maritime Industry (2015–Now)

How has the industry changed from when you started as an engineer in 2015 until now?
Since 2015, the industry has changed significantly in the following ways:
Increased automation and digital monitoring.
Stronger environmental regulations (IMO 2020 sulfur cap).
Focus on decarbonization.
Growth in LNG and alternative fuels.
Remote diagnostics and data-driven maintenance.
So, engineers today must be both mechanical and digitally skilled.

Future Predictions

As a Marine and Environmental Engineer, what do you predict as changes in the maritime industry in the future?
I predict the following changes in the maritime industry:
Greater shift toward green fuels (hydrogen, ammonia, methanol).
Hybrid propulsion systems.
Increased automation and smart ships.
More focus on cybersecurity.
Greater emphasis on sustainability.
The marine engineer of the future will be both a mechanical expert and a systems/data specialist.

Further Reading

Life as an unseen but vital Marine Field Engineer
Diversity in field engineering – Allyship – a practical and positive compass

Further Information

What is a Marine Engineer

What is an Environmental Engineer