Position Summary
The Port Engineer is responsible for overseeing the technical condition, maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of assigned vessels while in port and during voyage planning support. The role ensures vessels remain compliant with Flag State, Class, Port State Control, USCG, ISM, SOLAS, MARPOL, and company requirements while minimizing downtime and optimizing operational efficiency.
The Port Engineer acts as the primary technical liaison between ship staff, owners, charterers, contractors and Class, and regulatory authorities for all engineering and maintenance matters.
Key Responsibilities
- Vessel Technical Support
- Monitor the technical performance and condition of assigned vessels
- Coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance activities
- Supervise repairs, troubleshooting, and emergency breakdown response
- Ensure critical machinery and equipment remain operational and compliant
- Attend vessels regularly to assess machinery, deck equipment, cargo systems, ramps, and structural condition
- Review defect reports and ensure timely rectification
- Out-of-Service (OOS) Projects
- Plan and supervise repairs, routine maintenance and special projects
- Prepare technical specifications and repair scopes of work
- Evaluate quotations and help coordinate contractor selection
- Monitor repair progress, budgets, and timelines
- Verify quality of workmanship and completion of repairs
- Prepare completion reports and technical close-out documentation
- Regulatory Compliance
o Flag State requirements
o Classification Society requirements
o USCG regulations
o Port State Control requirements
o SOLAS / MARPOL / ISM Code requirements
- Coordinate inspections, surveys, audits, and certifications
- Support deficiency closures and corrective action plans
- Liaise with Class, Flag Administration, and regulatory authorities
- Budget and Cost Control
- Prepare repair estimates and maintenance budgets
- Monitor vessel technical expenditures
- Review and approve technical invoices and contractor billing
- Control spare parts consumption and procurement planning
- Optimize maintenance costs without compromising safety or compliance
- Contractor and Vendor Management
- Coordinate shipyard activities and contractor attendance
- Supervise service providers, technicians, surveyors, and flying squads
- Ensure contractors comply with safety and permit requirements
- Evaluate vendor performance and service quality
- Documentation and Reporting
- Maintain technical records and service reports
- Prepare incident reports, off-hire reports, and repair summaries
- Track maintenance history and vessel deficiencies
- Submit management reports with technical recommendations
- Ensure all drawings, certificates, and approval documents are properly maintained
Required Qualifications
- Marine Engineer Officer License (preferred)
- Degree or diploma in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
- Minimum 5–10 years of maritime technical experience
- Previous experience onboard vessels and/or, in ship management preferred
- Strong knowledge of marine machinery, propulsion systems, electrical systems, and shipboard maintenance
- Familiarity with Class, Flag, and USCG requirements
- Experience with dry dockings and repair project management
Required Skills
- Strong technical troubleshooting ability
- Excellent project management skills
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Vendor and contractor negotiation skills
- Budgeting and cost-control capabilities
- Ability to work under pressure and respond to emergencies
- Strong personality and decision-making ability
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite, MS Project, PMS systems, and technical reporting software
- Language proficiency: English and Spanish required
Working Conditions
- Frequent vessel attendance in port
- Shipboard inspections in operational environments
- Availability for emergency response outside normal office hours
- Domestic and international travel as required
- Coordination with multiple stakeholders across different time zones
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Vessel technical uptime
- Deficiency closure rate
- Repair/project completion within budget and schedule
- PSC/USCG/Class deficiency reduction
- Maintenance cost control
- Spare parts availability and planning efficiency
- Contractor performance and repair quality
Authority Level
The Port Engineer is authorized to:
- Coordinate urgent technical repairs
- Recommend vessel immobilization when safety is compromised
- Approve technical attendance and contractor mobilization within approved limits
- Escalate major technical risks to management
- Supervise repair execution on behalf of vessel owners/operators
This role is critical in ensuring safe, compliant, and commercially efficient vessel operations.
