[quote=Allwyn;15298][I]The argument made is that the engineering is very complex, dealing with people is a skill as well. Is there any machinery in the engine room as complex as a single human being?
[/I]Today most Companies prefer hiring Marine Chief Engineers as Superintendents and Fleet Managers.
Guess who makes the specifications, equipment requirement and oversees the build up of the entire ship? Right, Marine Chief Engineers. [/quote]
Most fleet managers are Masters, not Chief Engineers. I presume this is because a Master knows what it takes to run a vessel day to day. The same is true of DPAs, CSOs, vessel managers, safety managers, etc. This is a fact, not supposition. I deal with these people every day, from some of the largest shipping companies in the world. 95% are Masters.
These companies do have technical superintendents that deal with technical specs, equipment requirements, shipbuilding etc. These are engineers and naval architects.