Chief Engineer
Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.
About this role
The Chief Engineer is the Head of the Engineering department and responsible to the Master for administration, supervision, and safe and economical operation of the Engineering department. Includes managing a safe and proper engine room watch, automated alarms and warning devices, refrigeration, Galley machinery, to name but a few!
What you will contribute
Technical
- Operate and maintain ship’s machinery and systems to the required standards
- Operate and maintain ship’s hospital infrastructure and machinery
- Use the ships planned maintenance software to plan, maintain and report all maintenance activities
- Support the planning and execution of Annual Maintenance Phase and dry-dockings
- Plan, prepare, and carry out all class required machinery surveys ensuring ship’s certification is maintained
- Review and approve shipboard parts requisitions and ensure adequate stock levels are maintained
- Carry out joint vessel inspections with the Master as required by the Safety Management System
- Report to the Technical Superintendent and Captain on matters of maintenance, defects, and issues affecting safety, vessel schedule, and
certification
Maintain the engineering files of ship’s drawings, manufacturer’s instructions, and records pertaining to machinery and equipment - Make frequent inspections of machinery spaces to ensure proper operation of the machinery and that operating personnel are attentive to their
duties - Ensure compliance with SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, flag state, and classification society requirements
Ensure proper operation of emergency systems
Quality, Health, Safety & Environment (QHSE)
- Ensure that a safe and proper engine room watch is maintained at all times
- Ensure that duty rosters are maintained
- Proficient knowledge and understanding of the Company Safety Management System
- Champion the training and advancement of the Company Safety Management System
- Always exercise close supervision of the activities of the engineering department
- Ensure that all work performed by the engineering department team is done in a safe and competent manner
Maritime Crew Leadership
- Supervise operations, watchkeeping, and training of all engineering department personnel
- Carry out performance reviews according to company schedule
Lead, mentor, and train the engineering team for technical proficiency and safety awareness - Strong leadership and team management skills
Mission Support
- Share in the support and furtherance of Christian community through lifestyle and exhortation
For This Role, You Will Need
- Certificate of Competency in accordance with STCW III/2 – Chief Engineer 3000 kW or greater, with all necessary STCW elements.
- Certificate of Proficiency in accordance with STCW V/2-1 Crowd Management
- Certificate of Proficiency in accordance with STCW V/2-3 Crisis Management and Human Behavior
Mission and Community
- Supportive of Mercy Ships’ mission and vision and committed to its core values
- Understand and apply servant leadership, work collaboratively with integrity, and demonstrate accountability
- Able to live in and contribute to community life, requiring stable and healthy interpersonal skills
- Ability to lead in a multi-cultural setting
Administrative
- Competent in Windows, Microsoft Office Programs, and general file/folder management tasks
- A full, clean driving license is preferred
Ability to communicate proficiently in English in both written and verbal forms - Effective communication with crew, officers, and shore management
Problem Solving
- Ability to solve problems, develop highly functional teams, and resolve conflict
- Exhibit skill and flexibility in managing change and uncertainty
Education and Experience
- At least two years’ current experience as Chief Engineer on a vessel with at least 3000 KW propulsion system
- Prior experience as Chief Engineer on a passenger or RORO ship strongly preferred
- Successful completion of Mercy Ships On boarding program will be required for service of 1 year or more
The experience of a lifetime is calling.
More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.
At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.
Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most. Apply now to start a journey that will reshape the lives of those you serve — and your own.
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