Gary Bishop
Officer
Canship Ugland Ltd.
St. John's, NL
Why did Gary choose this career area?
Gary was always interested in mechanics, and he was good at math and physics. Although
he knew little about the marine engineering program, he knew about the shortage
of marine engineers, the six months of paid vacation each year, the free travel
around the world, and the very good salaries.
What’s Gary’s educational background?
Gary attended Marine Institute right after high school and completed the Marine
Engineering Technology Program. His program included work terms aboard a variety
of vessels. Gary loved the work from his first day at sea.
After graduation, Gary gained the required sea service and passed the Transport
Canada exams in order to become a chief engineer. His STCW95 license allows him
to work as a Chief Engineering Officer, without restrictions, on any ship. He is
now studying part time toward a Bachelor of Maritime Studies.
What’s Gary’s job all about?
Gary works on the MV Umiak I, the largest and most powerful ice-breaking bulk carrier
in the world. It is one of only two commercial ships that can sail in the Arctic
year round without an ice- breaking escort.
As chief engineer, Gary is responsible for the machinery that propels and operates
multi-million dollar ships. He manages a dynamic group of engineers with various
levels of experience, all while working within international regulations, company
policy, and union contracts. The job is demanding and exciting.
Gary manages a state-of-the-art main propulsion engine producing 30,000 HP. The
engine is operated by 15 computers and meets strict Arctic pollution regulations.
His work area is extremely safe as well as highly regulated and monitored.
Marine engineering officers operate and maintain the propulsion systems onboard
vessels. They also manage the "hotel" facilities, electrical distribution system,
and all mechanical systems from stem to stern. Their duties include designing, operating,
repairing, budgeting, reporting to head office, and supervising subordinates.
What are Gary’s working conditions like?
Gary works six-week shifts, and he flies out to meet the ship wherever it may be.
While onboard, he works 8-12 hours per day.
As a senior officer, Gary enjoys large, comfortable accommodations, including satellite
TV in his room. He has access to a gym with modern equipment and computers with
games and internet access. Well-prepared meals are another bonus of life at sea.
What benefits are associated with Gary’s job?
Chief Engineer salaries range from $110,000 - $180,000; in Gary’s case, this means
working six months a year.
There are many on-shore career options for marine engineers with this kind of education
and experience. A person could work as a manager, fleet superintendent, shore engineer
for a shipping company, marine engineering consultant, propulsion supervisor in
a shipyard, classroom Instructor with a marine school, engine room simulator Instructor,
power plant operating engineer, ISO-ISM auditor, marine insurer surveyor, Transport
Canada surveyor or examiner, dry-dock marine engineer or specialist, or marine incident
investigator.
What’s exciting or cool about Gary’s career area?
Gary’s classmates have done everything from laying cable off the coast of Hawaii,
cruising in the Caribbean, ice breaking in the North, transporting oil in the Middle
East, trading containers in China, hauling sheep from Australia, moving bulk cargo
to Europe, to supplying oil rigs off Newfoundland. The jobs are never boring. Although
Gary is able to work anywhere in the world, he is happy to live in NL.
What advice would Gary give to people considering a marine transportation career?
There is a worldwide shortage of marine engineers. This career would best suit those
who are mathematically inclined, independent problem solvers, team players, and
hard workers. Of course, it helps to be interested in hands-on mechanical engineering.