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- Tasks: Manage vessel machinery and ensure safe operations while supporting the crew.
- Company: Join Targe Towing, a leader in marine engineering with a strong team culture.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, competitive pension scheme, and a healthy work-life balance.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on maritime safety and efficiency while travelling between vessels.
- Qualifications: Engineer CoC and hands-on maintenance skills required; tug experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Forth Ports Ltd, 100 Ocean Drive, UK-wide (travel between vessels required for Floating Engineer).
Positions: Chief Engineer and Floating Engineer (Relief / Rotational).
Shifts: 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off rotation, allowing for a healthy work-life balance.
Compensation: Attractive salary, favourable terms and conditions, and a competitive pension scheme with both company and employee contributions.
Targe Towing is seeking experienced and motivated engineers to join our fleet. These roles are responsible for ensuring vessel machinery, equipment and engineering systems operate safely and efficiently in support of the Master and operational requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and maintain vessel machinery, equipment and engineering systems in accordance with regulations and Company SMS.
- Execute planned maintenance for machinery, equipment and engineering spaces, with particular attention to safety and anti-pollution equipment.
- Diagnose faults and carry out corrective maintenance as required.
- Advise the Master and Company on operational defects and recommend remedial action.
- Maintain records of routine and unscheduled maintenance and repairs.
- Monitor validity of class and statutory technical certification and assist with survey preparation.
- Maintain engine logbook and oil record book to required standards.
- Maintain technical manuals, drawings and engineering documentation.
- Order stores and spare parts and maintain inventory control.
- Conduct inspections and support vessel audits and investigations.
- Support crew familiarisation and advise on engineering training requirements.
- Work closely with deck department to ensure effective teamwork between departments.
- Submit technical and incident reports as required.
Additional for Chief Engineer
- Head of the Engineering Department onboard assigned vessel.
- Supervise and manage engineering personnel.
- Plan and coordinate maintenance periods and dry-dock work scopes.
- Act as primary technical liaison with shore management.
Additional for Floating Engineer
- Travel between vessels providing engineering relief cover.
- Support Chief Engineers during busy operational or maintenance periods.
- Take temporary responsibility for engineering operations when assigned.
- Adapt quickly to different vessel layouts, machinery and crews.
Requirements
- Engineer CoC appropriate to vessel operations (Chief Engineer CoC required for Chief Engineer applicants).
- Previous tug/workboat experience preferred.
- Strong fault‑finding and hands‑on maintenance skills.
- Good understanding of planned maintenance systems and SMS compliance.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a small vessel team.
- Flexibility to travel between vessels (Floating Engineer role).
- Travel to and from assigned home port is the responsibility of the successful candidate; company travel outside of home port is not provided.
- Due to operational requirements, applicants should ideally be UK-based or able to travel to UK ports at their own arrangement.
- Full right to work in the UK.
- Full driving licence, valid in the UK.
Other Details
- Closing Date: Friday 15th May 2026.
- Contract Type: Full Time.
- Salary: Based on Experience.
Chief Engineer / Floating Engineer employer: Forth Ports Limited
Contact Detail:
Forth Ports Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer / Floating Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the maritime industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Chief Engineer or Floating Engineer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of vessel operations. Be ready to discuss your hands-on maintenance skills and how you've tackled challenges in the past. Show them you’re the perfect fit for keeping their fleet running smoothly!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for openings at Targe Towing and tailor your approach to highlight how your experience matches their needs. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in making you memorable. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and remind them why you’d be a great addition to their team. Let’s make sure they remember your name!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer / Floating Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Engineer or Floating Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in managing vessel machinery and equipment. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team at Targe Towing. Share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your fault-finding and maintenance skills.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We value teamwork, so don’t forget to mention your ability to work closely with other departments. Give us examples of how you've collaborated with deck teams or managed engineering personnel in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forth Ports Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to vessel machinery and engineering systems. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed maintenance or diagnosed faults in the past. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but you can apply it practically.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in these roles, think of examples where you've collaborated effectively with others, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to work closely with deck departments and how you’ve supported crew training or familiarisation in previous positions.
✨Be Ready for Travel Talk
As a Floating Engineer, travel between vessels is part of the job. Be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to travel. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your adaptability to different environments and teams, as this will be key to your success in the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the company’s operations, safety protocols, and team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.