Without more detail, he could be anything from a bloke who greases the rowlocks tinkers with outboards on up.

Note: I'm not running down time-served & fully-qualified marine engineers, it's just that without knowing the background the title could be self-awarded and mean anything.

I am a Marine Engineer, in that I also have a Certificate of Competency as Chief Engineering Officer of a Foreign Going Vessel.

I could also say I was a Marine Engineer if I had a Motor Man's Certificate which would allow me to be in charge of the Engine Room of a coastal Trawler. (Depending where in the world either you or Carmen are). There are also Bachelor of Marine Engineering degrees that have little to do with sea-going engineering, but focus more on the building of harbours, waterways, etc. A naval Architect may refer to himself as a Marine Engineer or he may be both.

So, you need to be a bit more specific.

I also have a problem with your question in that the term "master-degree" has no specific universal definition. One can get a Master's Degree in Astrology from some Universities in the world without first having a bachelors degree in reading tea leaves. Bachelor's coud be anything from a three year to a five year course depending on country, chosen field etc., so it is not possible to answer your question without you being more specific.

It is however possible to write your Chief's ticket without first getting a Degree in most countries. In my case a Mechanical Engineering Degree means (I think)exemption from 4 subjects in Chiefs ticket, but this varies by country.

An engineer in the U.S. Marines .

A Marine Engineer is the Operating and Maintenance Engineer on a vessel, he must be a sea-going "jack-of-all-trades" (to list a few: steam, diesel mechanic, gas turbine mechanic, electrican, pipefitter, HVAC, Potable Water, Waste Treatment, Machinist, Welder, etc.) because there is no one to call in the middle of the ocean.

imho: Marine Engineering is too broad a subject for a Master Degree. I would recommend that someone get their Master in either Naval Architecture, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.

The term derives from the old Engineer profession, on the locomotive. Because it involved the shoveling of coal into the fire, when they started using steam on vessels, there they were with this new position: a man to throw coal into the fire, and to take care of oiling the pistons. They called this position: Marine Engineer.

Elementary, dear Watson!

I am afraid Holmes this time you got everything wrong.

The man who shovel coal into a boiler is called a "stoker" just like on a locomotive. today on oil-burning boilers they are called "firemen"

There also used to be "water-tenders" who maintained the feedwater level in the boiler.

The man who oil the machinery is called an "oiler"

The man who clean up messes in the engineroom is called a "wiper"

The marine engineers on American Merchant Marine steamships usually consist of a chief, 1st assistance, 2nd assistance, and 3rd assistance. operates all the engineroom controls, check feedwater chemistry, and perform all the mechanical maintenance and repair on the main propulsion system, auxiliary machinery, and hotel systems. Usually there is a "electrician" onboard for repairing electrical equipment; however, all marine engineers are also trained in repairing electrical equipment, machine shop to make replacement parts, and welding.

Nonsense!