Points-tested skilled visas
If you meet the relevant requirements, you may be able to apply for skilled migration without employer sponsorship.
EMC Australia / Occupations / ANZSCO 231212
Ship's Engineer
Ship's Engineer (231212): Control and maintain ships and provide technical marine services.
Are you a qualified ship's engineer considering working or settling in Australia? Ship's Engineer is an occupation recognised under Australia’s skilled migration program. Depending on your qualifications, experience and personal circumstances, you may be eligible for permanent residency through skilled migration or an employer-sponsored visa. Whether you studied overseas, recently graduated in Australia or already have professional experience, EMC Australia can help you understand which visa pathways may be suitable for you.
ANZSCO
231212
Assessing authority
Skills assessment for Ship's Engineer (ANZSCO 231212) is carried out by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Occupation lists
CSOL
Industry
Engineering & technology
Can I migrate to Australia as a ship's engineer?
Yes. Ship's Engineer is an eligible occupation for several Australian skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas. However, being a ship's engineer does not automatically make you eligible for a visa. Your options will depend on factors such as your qualifications, English language ability, age, work experience and skills assessment. Some visas also require an invitation from the Australian Government, state or territory nomination, or sponsorship from an eligible employer. The first step is to identify which pathway best suits your circumstances.
What visa options are available for ship's engineers?
Australian ship's engineers may have several visa options, depending on their personal and professional circumstances.
Employer-sponsored visas
If you have an Australian employer willing to sponsor you, other visa options may be available.
Other pathways
If you have recently completed studies in Australia or are undertaking structured workplace training, other temporary visas may be worth exploring, depending on your eligibility.
Which Australian states nominate ship's engineers?
State or territory nomination may provide another opportunity to pursue skilled migration through subclass 190 or 491. Each Australian state and territory has its own nomination requirements. These can depend on your occupation, current location, employment, qualifications and other circumstances. Some states prioritise applicants who are already living or working locally, while others may consider eligible applicants from overseas. As nomination requirements and available places can change throughout the year, it is important to check the current program before deciding where to apply.
EOI and state nominationHow do I get my ship's engineer skills assessed?
For points-tested skilled migration, you generally need a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation. Ship's Engineer skills assessments can be undertaken by one of the recognised assessing authorities: Skills assessment for Ship's Engineer (ANZSCO 231212) is carried out by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).. The assessing authority will review your educational qualifications, the relevant subjects you completed and whether you meet its English language requirements. If you completed your qualifications overseas, you may still qualify, provided they meet the applicable assessment standards. If your studies do not cover all the required areas, you may need additional study before obtaining a positive assessment. Work experience may be assessed separately where relevant, including when you intend to claim points for skilled employment. Understanding these requirements early can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and delays.
- Skills assessment for Ship's Engineer (ANZSCO 231212) is carried out by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
What affects my eligibility for skilled migration?
For points-tested skilled visas, several factors influence your eligibility and points score. The minimum points threshold is 65, although achieving this score does not guarantee an invitation.
Age
Your age affects your migration points. Points-tested skilled visa applicants generally need to be under 45 when invited to apply.
English
You must meet the applicable English language requirements. Higher English test results may also help you claim additional migration points. The English requirements for your skills assessment may be different from those for your visa.
Skilled employment
Relevant Australian or overseas experience in this occupation may help you claim additional points. Your employment history and supporting evidence must satisfy the applicable requirements.
Qualifications
Recognised educational qualifications can contribute to your points score. Your qualifications and the subjects you studied are also important for your skills assessment.
Australian study and partner
Eligible Australian study, partner qualifications and other recognised factors may increase your points score.
Nomination
State or territory nomination can provide additional points for subclasses 190 and 491. Each nomination program has its own eligibility requirements.
Does my experience match ANZSCO 231212?
Not everyone working in a related position will necessarily qualify under Ship's Engineer. For migration purposes, your actual job responsibilities matter more than your position title. Choosing the correct occupation is important before applying for a skills assessment or visa.
- Carry out engineering or technical work at the nominated occupation’s stage
- Apply standards, calculations or designs — not only labour on a site
- Produce evidence a professional engineer or technician would recognise
- Keep the occupation and the assessing pathway aligned (professional vs technician)
Frequently asked questions about ship's engineer migration
A Ship's Engineer is employed to operate and maintain a ship's engines, propulsion, electrical and auxiliary systems, keeping the vessel powered, safe and compliant at sea. Typical tasks include: operate main engines, generators and auxiliary machinery; monitor fuel, lubrication and bunkering operations; and manage engine room watchkeeping and staff.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the assessing authority for ANZSCO 231212. A positive skills assessment is needed before you can lodge most skilled visa applications as a Ship's Engineer.
Our data lists Ship's Engineer on the CSOL, linked to visa subclasses 482 and 186. List settings change, so confirm the current position before you lodge an Expression of Interest or nomination.
Prepare your marine engineering certificate of competency, sea service records and discharge book. Detailed references on company letterhead with dates, hours and duties are essential.
231212 is for ship's engineers. Ship's officers responsible for navigation fit other marine codes, and the vessel's commander uses Ship's Master (231213).
Other occupations you may want to consider
Depending on your qualifications and the type of work you perform, another occupation may be more suitable.
Not sure which Australian visa is right for you?
Your qualifications and experience may provide opportunities for skilled migration or employer sponsorship, but choosing the right pathway requires careful consideration. At EMC Australia, we can help you understand your available options, identify potential eligibility issues and plan your next steps. Tell us a little about your background through our free visa assessment, or book a consultation to discuss your circumstances with our migration team.