Free Entry-level marine engineer CV (2026)

Start with a clear header that includes your full name, UK telephone number (in international format +44), a professional email, and city or port region (for example Portsmouth, Teesside). Add a CV title that matches the job, for example Entry-Level Marine Engineer or Junior Marine Engineer, to make your intention clear to recruiters.

Avoid including irrelevant personal details. Use a professional email address based on your name (for example firstname.lastname@domain.com).

In the UK, you may also note your right-to-work status if requested and ensure you are compliant with data protection expectations. Do not include age, date of birth, or other sensitive data.

Choose either a concise profile (summary) or a short objective based on your background. If you have internships, cadetships, or sea time, write a two to three sentence profile that names your training, vessel types worked on, and core technical strengths (for example propulsion systems, power generation, automation, and maintenance planning).

If you have less hands-on experience, write a two to three sentence objective that states your career goal, the value you bring to a UK shipping company or engineering team, and the specific role you seek. Consider including a line about willingness to relocate within the UK if appropriate, and references available on request.

List experience in reverse chronological order, including cadet rotations, internships, and contract positions relevant to marine engineering. For each role include the vessel type, your duties, and measurable outcomes, for example hours underway, number of systems maintained, or incidents supported.

When you lack long-term seagoing roles, include UK-based shoreside projects, university laboratory work, and capstone projects with clear descriptions of your responsibilities and any technical tools you used. Use action verbs and quantify achievements where possible.

Show your degree, institution, graduation date (DD/MM/YYYY), and any maritime academy training or UK certifications near the top of the CV. If you hold Certificates of Competency, STCW endorsements, or endorsements such as Engine Watchkeeping, list them with issuing authority and dates.

Note sea time separately with start and end dates (DD/MM/YYYY), vessel names if permitted, and your rank during each rotation. Include UK GCSEs and A-levels with grades if you are a recent graduate, mention UCAS points if applicable, and name any Russell Group universities you attended.

If you studied outside the UK, provide the UK grade equivalence if possible.

Include a skills section that groups technical skills and soft skills, for example Marine Diesel Engines, Auxiliary Systems, Pump Maintenance, basic PLC knowledge, valve overhaul, electrical systems integration, and teamwork. List certifications explicitly, including STCW, firefighting, first aid, and flag-state endorsements such as MCA training, Engine Watchkeeping, and ENG1 medical certificate.

In the UK, employers screen for these early, so place high-priority technical skills first and include tools, software, diagnostic equipment, and shipboard systems familiarity. Also mention your right-to-work status and any UK-specific requirements if relevant.