Ship's engineers often spend long periods at sea, where they work shifts which include working nights, weekends and public holidays. When they return to land, they generally spend a several weeks on shore leave. While at sea they work in all weather conditions, which can include stormy weather and rough seas. A ship's engine room is generally hot, noisy and dirty. Ship's engineers are also often required to work at heights and in confined spaces.

Ship's engineers use a wide range of hand and power tools, including spanners, sledgehammers, angle grinders, lathes, drills and hydraulic bolt-tensioning equipment. They may also operate cranes and other lifting equipment to move heavy machinery around the ship. UHF radios are frequently used to communicate with other crew members around the vessel. Ship's Engineers must also wear safety equipment including earmuffs, overalls, safety glasses, steel-capped boots and high visibility clothing. In emergencies they may also need to use fire extinguishers and other safety equipment.