Tugboat engineer NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for tugboat engineer.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for tugboat engineer is 72603 (Engineer officers, water transport), a TEER 2 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It's a high-wage occupation (Level 3): +20 CRS for 12+ months of Canadian work, or 50 for a job offer.
NOC code
72603
TEER 2 · skilled
High-wage
Level 3
+20 work · 50 job offer
Category draws
None
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 72603 covers
Engineer officers in water transport, operate and maintain main engines, machinery and auxiliary equipment aboard ships and other self-propelled vessels, and supervise and coordinate the activities of engine room crews. They are employed by marine transportation companies and federal government departments. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
| Unit group | 72603 — Engineer officers, water transport |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 2 — usually requires a college diploma or apprenticeship of 2+ years, or supervisory roles |
| Broad category | Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations |
Main duties to compare with yours
- Operate main engines, machinery and all auxiliary equipment aboard ships, such as boilers, steering and deck machinery, motors, pumps, generators and condensers
- Stand engine room watch, monitoring and noting performance of engines, machinery and all auxiliary equipment
- Inspect and conduct maintenance and emergency repairs to engines, machinery and all auxiliary equipment
- Supervise and coordinate the activities of the engine room crew
- Maintain records and prepare reports on engine performance and failures.
To use NOC 72603 on an Express Entry profile or reference letter, your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties. See every duty and the full Express Entry breakdown for NOC 72603 →
Other job titles under NOC 72603
- Marine engineer officer
- Second engineer
- Chief engineer - water transport
- Engineer officer - water transport
- Fourth engineer - water transport
- Third engineer - water transport
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 72603, one of these may fit better:
- Acoustics engineer — NOC 21301 (Mechanical engineers, TEER 1)
- Adhesives engineer — NOC 21320 (Chemical engineers, TEER 1)
- Aerodynamics engineer — NOC 21390 (Aerospace engineers, TEER 1)
- Aeronautical engineer — NOC 21390 (Aerospace engineers, TEER 1)
- Aerospace engineer — NOC 21390 (Aerospace engineers, TEER 1)
- Aerospace structural engineer — NOC 21390 (Aerospace engineers, TEER 1)
- Aerospace systems engineer — NOC 21390 (Aerospace engineers, TEER 1)
- Aerospace test engineer — NOC 21390 (Aerospace engineers, TEER 1)
Calculate your CRS score → · All job titles A–Z · High-wage list
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0 (example titles and duties); IRCC high-wage occupations and category-based selection lists. Check the official NOC site before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NOC code for tugboat engineer?+
In NOC 2021, "tugboat engineer" is an example title in unit group 72603 — Engineer officers, water transport. It is a TEER 2 occupation in the "Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations" broad category.
Is tugboat engineer eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 72603 is TEER 2, which IRCC counts as skilled work experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class — provided your actual duties match the NOC description and you meet every other program requirement.
Does tugboat engineer get extra CRS points?+
Yes. NOC 72603 is on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 3. From November 3, 2026, 12+ months of qualifying Canadian work adds 20 CRS points, or a valid job offer is worth 50 (whichever is higher).
Can a tugboat engineer get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
NOC 72603 isn't on any of IRCC's current category-based selection lists. You can still be invited in general, Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Program rounds.
What if my job title says tugboat engineer but my duties are different?+
IRCC assesses your duties, not your job title. Compare what you actually do with the lead statement and main duties of NOC 72603. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.