Shipboard Deck

Chief Engineer

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The Chief Engineer is responsible for the maintenance and engineering operations of the vessel. Maintain the vessel to Alaskan Dream Cruises (ADC) standards including all applicable regulatory requirements. Ensure that all systems and components are maintained to a standard that allows for safe, comfortable and timely operation of the vessel.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leads and manages according to the core Values of True Alaskan Hospitality as defined in our Mission Statement: Immerse each guest in personable and unsurpassed level of service we call True Alaskan Hospitality.

  • Responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of all systems in the engineering spaces.  This includes but not limited to, the propulsion systems and their controls, bilge and fire systems, electrical systems and components, HVAC systems, various pumps and piping systems, pneumatics, hydraulics and fuel and oil systems.  The maintenance of these systems centers on the preventive maintenance plan in place on the vessel. The engineer is required to keep the master of the vessel and the Port Engineer notified as to the condition of these systems and to report any maintenance on these systems that would affect their operation.
  • Maintain and repair deck machinery such as capstans, winches, davits and misc. hydraulics.  Keep potable water system to ADEC standards and ensure that proper documentation and records are kept proving compliance.  Maintain and repair hotel systems such as air conditioning and plumbing and respond to passenger and crew complaints pertaining to these systems.  Train deckhands in basic room repairs to assist the engineer with these tasks.  Regularly inspect all voids and bilges for structural and watertight integrity.  Report all findings to the master of the vessel.  Ensure that all voids and bilges are kept clean and dry with respect to pollution control regulations.  
  • Follow vessel and ADC guidelines to ensure that fueling and the bunkering of oil are completed in a safe manner.  Provide the master of the vessel with daily fuel reports and inform the master before any fuel is bunkered.
  • Assist the deck department as needed with line handling and rigging of the ships gangway.  Other deck duties may be required as assigned by the vessel master.
  • Maintain proper engineering logs as directed by the Port Engineer.  This is to include the daily log, fuel and water logs, gray and black water logs, preventive maintenance records and machinery index.  Assist the Port Engineer with development of the current ships maintenance projects for the annual repair period.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Education requires specialized or technical knowledge and formal training in the operation and maintenance of all onboard systems.
  • 3-5 years in a marine engineering capacity is required.
  • Strong communication skills: verbal, non-verbal.
  • Strong writing skills with ability to communicate written technical information.
  • Interpersonal skills with ability to manage situations where satisfactory resolution of issues must be achieved. (Such as stateroom repairs)
  • Responsible for planning and performing all duties to make vessel ready for sea, carrying out all preventative maintenance and making all necessary repairs while underway. Shall be responsible for training and guiding other crew to operate various systems.
  • Must pass a security background check and DOT drug test.

Desired Qualifications

  • Vocational training is highly recommended in the areas of diesel mechanics, marine electricity, refrigeration and hydraulics.
  •  Proven team player and have a Can-Do attitude.
  • Organized, even tempered.
  • Ability to take directions and work with a diverse team.
  • Ability to interpret and follow rules, policy and procedures.
  • Ability to maintain composure with courteous and professional demeanor.

Traits and Characteristics

  • Strong commitment to safety.
  • A genuine desire to serve the public.
  • Positive, personable and professional demeanor.
  • Adaptive to learning new skills and knowledge.
  • Adaptive to changes in a progressive work environment.
  • Strong record of being organized, dependable and punctual.
  • Strong conflict resolution skills and ability to work within a diverse workforce.

Communication

It is strongly recommended that applicants have access to a computer and a mobile phone during the entire hiring process. We expect to hear from candidates within a few days of our communication (request for interview, documentation, follow up, etc.) Recruitment process cannot continue if the candidate is not responsive. Please note that how you communicate with a potential employer is part of the evaluation process. Always be polite, prompt and professional when communicating with the office.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Hotel Manager stays in private quarters, Crew stays in shared quarters onboard with little privacy and relatively constant vibration and engine noise often for long periods of time. This is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with a diverse workforce. Crew may be moved from one vessel to another at the discretion of Management. Due to remote locations of vessel routes, internet connectivity is limited. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel to the vessels in Alaska and extended stay up to 5 months on board is required. Must be physically able to work a typical workday of about 10-14 hours per day, seven days a week. Environmental conditions generally include ambient inside temperature, ambient inside lighting, ambient to loud noise levels, all weather conditions, occasional use of required protective clothing including raingear and life preserver. Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Ability to walk on uneven deck surfaces crossing from vessel to vessel. Physically able to climb a 7-foot vertical ladder and fit through a 28-inch escape hatch.