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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Ferry Engineer

💰 $75,000 - $130,000

MaritimeEngineeringTransportationSkilled Trades

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a highly skilled and dedicated Ferry Engineer to join our maritime operations team. As a key member of the vessel's crew, you will be the hands-on expert responsible for the heart of the ship: its engine room. You will operate, maintain, and repair all mechanical and electrical systems, from main propulsion engines to passenger comfort systems. This position demands a proactive problem-solver with a deep understanding of marine engineering principles and an unwavering commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are passionate about keeping complex machinery running flawlessly, this is the opportunity for you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Assistant Engineer on a similar class of vessel
  • Oiler or other qualified engine room rating with advanced training
  • Recent graduate of a maritime academy with appropriate sea time

Advancement To:

  • Chief Engineer
  • Port Engineer
  • Fleet Technical Superintendent

Lateral Moves:

  • Engineer on a different vessel type (e.g., tugboat, research vessel, cargo ship)
  • Shore-based Maintenance Planner or Technical Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate, monitor, and maintain the vessel's main propulsion machinery, including diesel engines, electric motors, and associated reduction gears or drive systems.
  • Conduct routine inspections and preventative maintenance on all auxiliary systems, such as generators, pumps, compressors, purifiers, and steering gear, in accordance with the Planned Maintenance System (PMS).
  • Troubleshoot, diagnose, and perform corrective repairs on complex mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems, often while underway, to minimize operational downtime.
  • Stand a watch in the engine room, meticulously recording readings from gauges, meters, and control panels into the engine room logbook to ensure systems are operating within normal parameters.
  • Manage the safe transfer, storage, and purification of fuel oil, lubricating oil, and fresh water, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Oversee the operation and maintenance of the vessel's HVAC, sanitation, and other hotel systems to ensure passenger and crew comfort and safety.
  • Perform emergency duties as assigned on the station bill, including firefighting, damage control, and abandon ship procedures, acting as a leader in engine room emergencies.
  • Ensure all engine room operations and maintenance activities strictly adhere to company policies, USCG regulations, and international maritime (SOLAS/MARPOL) standards.
  • Maintain a comprehensive inventory of spare parts, tools, and consumable supplies, preparing requisitions as needed to ensure operational readiness.
  • Supervise and mentor junior engine room personnel, such as Oilers and Wipers, providing training and guidance on safe work practices and technical procedures.
  • Execute major repair projects and machinery overhauls during shipyard periods or scheduled maintenance windows, coordinating with contractors and shore-side management.
  • Conduct and document safety drills and training exercises for the engine department crew to maintain a high state of readiness for any emergency.
  • Operate and maintain all pollution prevention equipment, ensuring bilges are managed correctly and all discharges are logged and compliant with environmental laws.
  • Perform fabrication, welding, and machining tasks as required to repair or create components needed for vessel machinery.
  • Respond immediately and effectively to any machinery alarms or system casualties, implementing swift and appropriate corrective actions.
  • Maintain the cleanliness and safety of the engine room and associated machinery spaces, ensuring a hazard-free work environment.
  • Prepare detailed reports on machinery performance, maintenance activities, fuel consumption, and any system deficiencies for the Chief Engineer and Port Engineer.
  • Interface with and monitor the performance of automated control and alarm systems, understanding their logic and troubleshooting sensor or PLC issues.
  • Manage the vessel's bunkering process, ensuring correct procedures are followed for receiving fuel and that all safety checks are completed.
  • Test and maintain emergency systems, including the emergency generator, fire pumps, and bilge pumping systems, documenting results to ensure regulatory compliance.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to fuel efficiency and machinery performance.
  • Contribute to the organization's long-term maintenance strategy and capital expenditure planning for vessel upgrades.
  • Collaborate with shore-side management, port operations, and regulatory bodies to ensure seamless and compliant vessel operations.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the technical and maintenance departments to schedule repair and upgrade projects.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with an endorsement as Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) or Assistant Engineer (Limited/Unlimited).
  • STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) Endorsements: Including Basic Training, and advanced endorsements as required for the vessel.
  • Propulsion System Expertise: In-depth knowledge of medium-speed diesel engines (e.g., EMD, Caterpillar, MTU), diesel-electric, or hybrid propulsion systems.
  • Auxiliary Machinery Proficiency: Strong skills in troubleshooting and repairing pumps, compressors, purifiers, HVAC, and hydraulic power units.
  • Electrical Systems Acumen: Ability to read electrical schematics and troubleshoot AC/DC systems, generators, switchboards, and motor controllers.
  • Planned Maintenance Systems (PMS): Proficiency with marine maintenance software such as ABS NS, ShipNet, or similar platforms.
  • Welding and Fabrication: Competency in stick or MIG welding for maintenance-related repairs is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving Under Pressure: Ability to diagnose and resolve critical equipment failures in a high-stakes, time-sensitive environment.
  • Leadership and Teamwork: Proven ability to lead and work effectively as part of a small, integrated crew.
  • Clear Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for logging information, writing reports, and coordinating with other departments.
  • Situational Awareness: A high degree of awareness of the engine room environment to anticipate problems and maintain safety.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to work long hours, rotating shifts, and respond to changing operational demands.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to record-keeping, maintenance tasks, and monitoring of machinery.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED, coupled with extensive documented sea time and completion of required USCG examinations for the appropriate credential.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering or Marine Engineering Technology from a certified maritime academy.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Marine Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Naval Architecture
  • Electrical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of documented sea time as an engine room rating or junior engineer, with at least 2 years in a role with direct watch-standing and maintenance responsibilities.

Preferred: Experience serving on passenger vessels, specifically ferries, with direct experience on similar propulsion and auxiliary systems. Experience with shipyard overhaul periods is a significant plus.

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