Chief Engineer (Dredger)

About the role

The Chief Engineer will be responsible for the overall operation, maintenance and performance of all engine‑room machinery on a dredger. This senior position leads the engineering team to ensure safe, efficient and compliant vessel operations.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee operation, maintenance and performance of engine‑room machinery, dredge pumps, generators and auxiliary systems.
• Lead, supervise and mentor the engineering crew, fostering a safety‑first culture.
• Plan, schedule and execute preventive and corrective maintenance programmes.
• Monitor fuel, lube oil and other consumables to optimise usage and cost.
• Maintain accurate engine‑room logs, technical reports and performance records.
• Ensure compliance with ISM, MARPOL, classification society rules and company safety/environmental standards.
• Manage procurement, inventory and spare‑parts for critical equipment.
• Participate in dry‑docking, machinery inspections and troubleshooting of critical failures.
• Coordinate with shore management on operational issues, upgrades and maintenance planning.
• Lead emergency response in the engine room, including firefighting, flooding or machinery failure situations.

Required profile

• Valid STCW III/2 Certificate of Competency (Chief Engineer Officer).
• 5‑10 years of onboard experience as Chief Engineer on a dredger.
• Strong leadership, problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.

Required skills

• Engine‑room machinery operation and maintenance.
• Dredge pump maintenance.
• Generator and auxiliary system upkeep.
• Fuel and lube‑oil monitoring.
• ISM and MARPOL compliance.
• Spare‑parts inventory management.
• Dry‑docking procedures and machinery inspections.
• Emergency response (firefighting, flooding, machinery failure).