Chief Engineer

Job Description:

Chief engineers direct, oversee, operate, maintain and repair the vessel’s operating systems: diesel engines, generators, refrigeration, electrical and hydraulic equipment, water making and sanitary equipment, deck machinery, factory equipment, pumps, cooling and conveyor systems. Chief engineers maintain all engine room and other logs as required by the company or other agencies. Chief engineers are also responsible for fueling the vessel and transferring fuel onboard.

Work Schedule:

Chief Engineers work at least 16.5 hours per day, 7 days per week. Work hours may be extended as necessary which may result in uneven shifts and sleep patterns.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, chief engineers are regularly exposed to moving machinery, high noise levels, vibration and risk of electrical shock. Chief engineers may also be exposed to high, precarious places and wet, humid and freezing conditions, outdoor weather conditions, trawl gear and various species of fish. Chief engineers work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion onboard.

Protective Clothing and Equipment:

Storm weather clothing, gloves, hardhat, safety goggles and noise suppression devices. Also used as required: SCBA, fire extinguishing gear, life preserver, survival suit, skiff, life rafts, mustang suit/jacket, rain gear, rubber boots.

Materials, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids:

Engines, generators, hydraulics, pumps, refrigeration equipment, water making equipment, electrical, steering and cooling equipment, various power and hand tools, welding equipment, two-way radios

Job Requirements that are Common to All Positions:

All employees must be able to:

• Understand and follow instructions, directions, safety rules and procedures in English.
• Board and exit the vessel by gangplank or Jacob’s ladder without assistance.
• Board or exit a skiff without assistance in all weather conditions.
• Ascend and descend steep stairways and ladders in all temperatures.
• Work at least 16 ½ hours per day, 7 days per week for the duration of the contract.
• Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time.
• Work long hours in all kinds of weather.
• Lift and carry weight in excess of 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Work in a cold and wet environment.
• Don life jacket, life vest and/or survival suit without assistance.
• Live and work with others in close quarters.
• Be away from medical care and supervision for 3+ months at a time.
• Share crew quarters, bathroom facilities, and common dining areas with other crew members.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment and random drug tests per USCG regulations.

Job Requirements that are Specific to Chief Engineers:

Chief engineers must be able to:

• Operate, maintain and repair machinery and equipment onboard the vessel.
• Perform work assignments on any or all of the above systems.
• Maintain or repair fish hauling equipment located on the trawl deck as directed.
• Transfer bulk petroleum products.
• Maintain an inventory control system.
• Prepare department records and reports as required by the company, USCG, OSHA and other agencies.
• Implement and oversee a safety program.
• Ensure all engineering crew are trained and fully cognizant of the job hazards.
• Ensure LOCK OUT-TAGS PLUS procedures are communicated, followed and enforced.
• Resolve technical problems as they occur.
• Give specific directions in the case of an emergency.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, employees are required to stand and walk; lift weights of 50 to 75 pounds; use fingers, hands and arms to push, pull and reach; bend and twist; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Employees must be able to give and follow instructions, speak, hear, and understand English.  

Education, Experience:

Catcher processor chief engineer experience.

USCG Basic Firefighting.

USCG Drill Instructor training.