First assistant engineer
![A sample of a credential given by the US Coast Guard to all officers, containing what vessels they are certified to work aboard](/Images/godic/202501/13/Sample_MMC2945.jpg")
A first assistant engineer (also called the second engineer in some countries) is a licensed member of the engineering department on a merchant vessel. This title is used for the person on a ship responsible for supervising the daily maintenance and operation of the engine department. They report directly to the chief engineer.