Diesel Mechanic

The Diesel Engine Technician is responsible for the maintenance, inspection, and overhaul of the vessel’s main diesel engines and auxiliary propulsion systems to ensure reliability, efficiency, and compliance with safety and environmental standards. This role supports shipboard operations, mentors junior engineers, and collaborates with other departments to maintain propulsion readiness and overall vessel performance. The position is aligned to universal industry practices and applicable safety and quality management systems across brands.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform general overhaul and maintenance of main diesel engines and auxiliary propulsion systems, including tasks such as cylinder head and liner inspection/replacement, piston maintenance, and fuel pump servicing.
• Assist with overhaul and maintenance of related propulsion components (e.g., injectors, fuel systems, lubricating and cooling systems, turbochargers) and support equipment as required.
• Plan and execute preventive and corrective maintenance per manufacturer recommendations and class society rules; contribute to dry dock planning and execution as needed.
• Inspect, diagnose, and repair engine-related systems (fuel, lubrication, cooling, air intake, exhaust, starting air, and related controls); perform alignments, vibration analysis, and component replacements.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, logs, work orders, and preventive maintenance schedules; manage or assist with spare parts inventory and requisitions.
• Ensure safe operation of all equipment by following the company Safety Policy and using appropriate PPE; report any unsafe conditions or environmental concerns immediately.
• Coordinate with procurement and technical support for parts, manuals, and service bulletins; advise on long-term parts planning and cost-effective solutions.
• Support environmental stewardship by monitoring emissions, energy efficiency, fuel consumption, and waste management; participate in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Train and mentor junior engineers and technical crew; provide handover briefings and contribute to cross-shift knowledge transfer.
• Collaborate with other shipboard departments (electrical, HVAC, deck) to coordinate integrated maintenance and minimize downtime.
• Participate in safety drills, emergency procedures, and risk assessments; contribute to the vessel’s Safety Management System (ISM/ISO) and company SQM guidelines.
• Prepare for and participate in dry dock activities, new build projects, or refits as required; assist with startups and sea trials after maintenance.
• Perform related duties as assigned to support propulsion readiness and overall vessel performance.

Environmental & Safety Commitment:

• Uphold the company’s environmental policies and contribute to a culture of environmental stewardship.
• Immediately report any environmental system malfunction or potential hazard to supervisory personnel.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality standards across responsibilities.

Qualifications & Training:

• Licenses: Watchkeeping Engineer license (STCW) or equivalent; strong preference for candidates with shipboard propulsion experience.
• Experience: Demonstrated experience with major diesel engine brands (e.g., Wärtsilä, MAN, Pielstick) and related auxiliary systems; dry dock and overhaul exposure is advantageous.
• Knowledge: Expert understanding of diesel propulsion systems, fuel and lubrication circuits, cooling and air systems, starting/auxiliary equipment, and related controls.
• Certifications: Relevant STCW certificates; training in safety management systems and incident investigation is preferable.
• Skills: Strong diagnostic, mechanical, and problem-solving abilities; effective communication and teamwork; ability to plan and prioritize maintenance tasks.
• Language: Proficient in English (spoken and written) to understand manuals, write reports, and communicate with crew and shore-side teams. Additional languages are a plus.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to perform physically demanding tasks; capable of lifting up to 50 pounds; good dexterity, balance, and vision; able to wear PPE and work in challenging conditions.
• Travel/Assignment: Willingness to work aboard ships on a rotating schedule and adapt to different vessel types within a brand portfolio.

Language Requirements:

• Proficient English reading, writing, and verbal communication; ability to interpret manuals, procedures, and service bulletins.
• Additional languages are advantageous but not required.

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

• Regularly perform physically demanding tasks; lift and move up to 50 pounds; good eyesight and depth perception; comfortable with loud machines and varying temperatures.
• Work in an onboard maritime environment with exposure to noise, vibrations, and diesel fumes; adherence to PPE and safety procedures is required.
• Able to participate in emergency procedures and drills; maintain full range of motion and coordination.

Working Conditions:

• Onboard ships with varying schedules, including long shifts, watch rotations, and potential dock/yard periods.
• Travel between vessels within a brand’s fleet may be required.
• Exposure to shipboard hazards and environmental conditions; must follow all safety and environmental policies.