Ship's Engineer – ANZSCO 231212

Ship's Engineer (ANZSCO 231212) is a skill level 2 occupation assessed by AMSA for Australian skilled migration. It is on the ROL, CSOL lists and can be used for subclass 482, subclass 186, subclass 494.

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Quick facts

ANZSCO code: 231212
Skill level: 2 – Associate degree, advanced diploma or diploma, or at least 3 years of relevant experience.
Assessing authority: AMSA
Occupation lists: ROL, CSOL
English test for skills assessment: Check with the authority
ANZSCO unit group: 2312 Marine Transport Professionals

Ship's Engineer job description and duties

Controls and manages the operation and maintenance of a ship's plant and equipment. Registration or licensing is required.

Also known as: Marine Engineer

Specialisations: Mechanical Engineering Officer (Navy), Weapons Electrical Engineering Officer (Navy)

Tasks include

Directing fishing operations by using knowledge about the species sought, fishing areas, seasons and the capabilities of the vessel and crew
Directing crew in catching fish, molluscs and crustacea at varying depths using nets, lines, poles, pots and traps
Planning, controlling and coordinating the operational and maintenance requirements of a ship's propulsion and domestic plant and equipment
Operating plant and equipment and performing routine maintenance on ship's systems including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, steam generating, and fire prevention and control systems
Controlling and directing shipping operations to ensure the safe and efficient loading and transport of cargo and passengers
Ensuring compliance with regulations pertaining to safety at sea and protection of the marine environment
Directing the activities of the deck crew for navigational support tasks, berthing and unberthing, maintenance, cleaning and painting of superstructures, and repair and replacement of defective deck gear and equipment
Navigating a ship by supervising the ship's course and speed according to predetermined passage plans and safety procedures
Examining and approving design plans of hulls and equipment such as main propulsion engines, auxiliary boilers and turbines, electrical power generating plant, refrigeration and airconditioning plant and pumping systems
Conducting periodic surveys throughout a ship's life to ensure standards are maintained

Education and skill level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below. In Australia: AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2) In New Zealand: NZQF Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2) In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Note: some roles within this unit group are at ANZSCO Skill Level 1. Registration or licensing is required.

Visa options for Ship's Engineer

Eligible means the occupation is on a list the visa accepts. You still need to meet every other requirement.

Subclass 189 Skilled Independent: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated: Not eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL)
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated: Not eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
Subclass 491F Skilled Work Regional – Family sponsored: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate – Post-Vocational Education Work: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
Subclass 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream: Eligible (via CSOL)
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry: Eligible (via CSOL)
Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
Subclass 407 Training visa: Not eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)

State and territory nomination for Ship's Engineer

This occupation is not on the federal lists for the 190 or 491 visas, so no state or territory can nominate it. Employer-sponsored visas may still apply.

Skills assessment for Ship's Engineer

This authority assesses whether your qualifications (and, for some occupations, registration or work experience) meet the Australian standard for this occupation. Requirements are set by the authority and approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

The process

Confirm the authority: Check that this body assesses your occupation for your visa.
Check criteria: Read the qualification, registration, experience and English requirements.
Prepare documents: Qualifications, transcripts, ID and any registration or employment evidence.
Apply and pay: Lodge with the authority, usually online.
Outcome: Use your outcome letter for your EOI and visa.

What you need for this occupation

AMSA sets the criteria for this occupation. Requirements usually cover qualification level and field, any registration or licence, and in some cases work experience and English.

Documents checklist

Passport
Qualification certificates and full transcripts
Registration or licence evidence (if applicable)
Employment references (if applicable)
English test results (if required)

English language requirement

For the AMSA skills assessment

AMSA sets its own English rule for this occupation. Many professional and registration bodies ask for IELTS Academic 7 or equivalent, so check before you book a test.

For the visa (189, 190 and 491)

Separately, the visa needs at least Competent English. Minimum scores for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025:

IELTS (Academic or General): Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Speaking 6.0
PTE Academic: Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54
TOEFL iBT: Listening 16, Reading 16, Writing 19, Speaking 19
OET: Listening 290, Reading 310, Writing 290, Speaking 330

Proficient English adds 10 points and Superior English adds 20 points in the points test.

Related occupations in unit group 2312

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Ship's Engineer?

The ANZSCO code for Ship's Engineer is 231212. It is a skill level 2 occupation.

Who assesses Ship's Engineer for Australian migration?

Ship's Engineer is assessed by AMSA. You need a positive skills assessment before you can apply for most skilled visas.

Which Australian visas can a Ship's Engineer apply for?

Ship's Engineer is on the ROL, CSOL lists, so it can be used for: 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream; 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry; 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored. You must still meet every other visa requirement.

Do I need an English test for the Ship's Engineer skills assessment?

AMSA sets its own English rule; check its website. The visa itself needs at least Competent English (for example IELTS 6 in each band).

Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics ANZSCO 2022 (CC BY 4.0), Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation lists, AMSA and state and territory nomination pages. Checked November 2026. General information only, not migration advice. Search all ANZSCO occupations.