Chief Engineer

PRIMARY PURPOSE: To oversee and maintain independently the proper and safe operation of
vessel propulsion equipment and other machinery.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/FUNCTIONS:
1. Prepares, operates, maintains, and repairs vessel propulsion equipment and other machinery
properly and safely.
2. Performs general and preventive maintenance on vessel and vessel equipment.
3. Maintains engineering logs and fuel and lube reports.

OTHER DUTIES/FUNCTIONS:
1. Receives and discharges fuel oil, lube oil, fresh water, and waste water to and from vessel
under the guidelines of regulatory agencies and Company policies.
2. Changes equipment filters and other replaceable parts when necessary.
3. Performs minor repairs to machinery and electrical systems.
4. Troubleshoots marine hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical systems and equipment.
5. Performs general housekeeping and sanitary duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Works in engine room in hot, wet, humid, noisy, and odorous conditions and is occasionally exposed
to paints, solvents, thinners, and fumes.
Equipment use: Must be able to independently operate and maintain vessel propulsion equipment
and machinery. Must possess adequate hand tools and experience with power tools to perform
routine maintenance and emergency repairs as necessary.
Work hours: Normal work week varies with vessel assignment and schedule – may work up to
seven (7) days per week. Normal work hours vary with departure time – normal watches may vary
to comply with U.S.C.G. regulations and responsible carrier program.

MENTAL DEMANDS:
1. Mathematical ability: Calculates tank calibration, gear ratios, bearing wear, liquid tonnage
conversion, piston readings, etc.
2. Attention to detail: Is attentive to detail to ensure safety of crew, vessel(s), cargo, and
equipment.
3. Concentration: Concentrates to ensure safety of crew, vessel(s), cargo, and equipment.
4. Alertness: Is alert to ensure safety of crew, vessel(s), cargo, and equipment.
5. Other: Must be able to complete engineering logs and reports. Must have good judgment in
operating, maintaining, and repairing equipment, particularly in an emergency situation at sea.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
1. Sitting: Sits to complete engineer logs and reports.
2. Climbing/Jumping/Balancing: Climbs/Jumps from pier to vessel and vice versa. Balances
continuously on vessel in various sea and weather conditions.
3. Stooping/Kneeling/Crouching/Crawling/Squatting: Stoops/Kneels/Crouches/Crawls/
Squats to pick up and place tools and machinery and when performing checks, repairs, and
general maintenance.
4. Twisting/Reaches: Twists/Reaches around machinery and equipment to perform checks and
repairs.
5. Standing/Walking: Stands/Walks while performing engine checks and repairs.
6. Handling/Fingering: Handles/Fingers hand tools, hand-held power tools, and parts.
7. Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination: Coordinates movements to perform engineer and general
maintenance duties.
8. Vision (corrected, depth, wide field, color): 20/40 correctable vision in each eye to work
with equipment and machinery. Color vision required to distinguish color-coded systems/liquid
chemicals.
9. Pushing/Pulling/Lifting/Carrying (up to 50 pounds): Pushes/Pulls on tools to remove parts
of equipment. Lifts/Carries tools and equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS (Licenses, Degrees, Certificates):
Must possess a US Coast Guard engineer’s license (Designated Duty Engineer – Unlimited,
minimum) of not less than 4,000 horsepower for motor vessels and a US Coast Guard Merchant
Mariner’s Document with entry level ratings. Must complete company’s Personal Qualification
Standard (PQS) for Chief Engineer within 90 days of effective hire or promotion date. STCW 95 is
preferred. Must possess a current Driver’s license.
Skills/Knowledge: Must have proficient knowledge of marine diesel engines, propulsion
equipment, and other machinery. Must be able to read, interpret, and understand manufacturers’
equipment manuals, drawings, and blueprints. Must be able to troubleshoot and repair marine
hydraulic, electric, and mechanical equipment.
Education/Training: High school diploma or GED equivalent is required. Must possess sufficient
verbal, reading, writing, and comprehension skills as necessitated by the job (i.e., reading and
comprehending manufacturers’ equipment manuals, drawings, and blueprints, communicating with
crew members and maintenance personnel, maintaining engineering logs and reports).
Experience: Must possess at least, two (2) years of marine diesel engine experience. Must
possess and submit your engine room seatime letters with your license.

POSITION CONTENT: This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an
all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.
While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, management
reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties, and assign other duties as necessary