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- Tasks: Manage vessel machinery and ensure safe operations while collaborating with the crew.
- Company: Join Targe Towing, a leader in marine engineering with a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, competitive pension scheme, and a healthy work-life balance with 2 weeks on/off shifts.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth and hands-on experience in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in marine engineering while travelling and working on diverse vessels.
- Qualifications: Engineer CoC required; previous tug/workboat 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 in Edinburgh 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 in Edinburgh
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to current employees at Targe Towing. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance for an interview, don’t just talk about your experience—show how you can solve problems. Bring examples of past challenges you've tackled, especially those related to vessel machinery and maintenance.
✨Be Ready to Adapt
As a Floating Engineer, you'll need to jump between vessels and adapt quickly. During interviews, highlight your flexibility and readiness to tackle different environments and teams. It’s all about showing you can hit the ground running!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Targe Towing.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer / Floating Engineer in Edinburgh
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 the role. Mention your hands-on maintenance skills and any previous tug/workboat experience. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We value teamwork, so don’t forget to mention your ability to work closely with other departments. Share examples of how you've collaborated with deck teams or supported crew training in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your CV and cover letter right away. We can’t wait to hear from 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 have practical experience too.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial, especially when working closely with the deck department, be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you’ve supported colleagues or contributed to a team project, as this will demonstrate your ability to work well in a small vessel team.
✨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. You might want to mention any previous experiences you have had with travel for work, as it shows you can adapt quickly to different environments and teams.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so think of some insightful questions to ask about the company’s operations, safety protocols, or the engineering team’s dynamics. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.