Vessel Engineer

Vessel Engineer – Kyle of Lochalsh

Permanent / Full time (6 weeks on / 3 weeks off rota)

Competitive salary plus benefits

Serco Maritime Services deliver maritime support packages tailored to our customers’ needs all delivered within a national accreditation framework. As owners and operators of specialist vessels, from harbour workboats to oceangoing support vessels, we provide world class integrated maritime services both in the UK and abroad. Our vessels provide a range of support, which include for example dive support, military training, submarine rescue exercises, target/test equipment deployment/recovery and passenger transfers.

The post offers an exciting opportunity for the right applicant to be part of a professional multi-skilled team operating on the Raasay Ranges out of BUTEC, Kyle of Lochalsh for customers who expect and deserve the best service. As the Vessel Engineer, you will have the overall responsibility for the operational state and maintenance of all machinery and electrical equipment on board the vessel.

Main accountabilities

• Ensure safe and efficient operation and maintenance of all propulsion, auxiliary and deck machinery, electrical appliances, domestic installations, fittings and structures within and out with the machinery spaces and such items as may be detailed by the Company from time to time.
• Consult at least daily with the Master in order to achieve the maximum economy consistent with the minimum efficiency required of the machinery under their charge. Keep the Master promptly and fully informed of any occurrences in the engine room which might affect navigation or the essential services under his control.
• Assist the Master to ensure compliance with all relevant Oil and Environmental Pollution Prevention Legislation and to ensure that all responsible Officers are familiar with Emergency Procedures, Contingency Plans and capable of operating all Safety and Pollution Prevention equipment and appliance.
• Become familiar with details of vessel’s construction, machinery and operating characteristics.
• Be responsible for the overall control configuration of the vessel and all systems / equipment.
• Keep a careful account of all labour coming under their jurisdiction so that contractors’ bills can be checked and to ensure suitable quality of workmanship.
• Submit accurate figures to the Master each day, showing the quantities of bunkers, lubricating oils and water consumed and remaining onboard.
• Ensure that all Planned Maintenance and both normal and emergency repair work is carried out, planned for minimum disruption to the vessel’s overall programme and maximum reliability and availability of the plant.
• Carry out all Company Rules and Procedures relating to their department, making sure that Company requirements are met particularly safety, or any relevant matters.
• Be on standby whilst entering or leaving port, in confined waters and as specifically requested by the Master or dictated by any trials programme. Short breaks may be taken from this routine, but the Vessel Engineer will ensure that they are easily contactable in order to take charge of the Engine Room.
• Make sure that navigational requests/telegraphic or other orders from bridge in so far as they affect the vessel’s propulsion plant are carried out promptly.
• Make regular inspections of machinery and machinery spaces so that at all times they are aware of condition and operational capability of all items of machinery.
• Personally supervise the bunkering of the vessel taking care that the quantity and quality is as ordered.
• Arrange all transfers of fuel/lube oil/ballast/fresh water, checking their plans with the Master prior to actioning.
• Schedule in port Watchkeeper to be on board at all times when machinery is being operated.
• Prepare all spare gear orders, spare gear inventory lists and ensure spares are sorted properly, all procedures as per Company instructions. Is responsible overall for Engine Room stores and spares, preparing orders for Engine Room stores, inventories and ensuring storage is correct.
• Keep all engine room records as required by the Company.
• Endeavour to maximise efficiency of machinery and equipment.
• Ensure that repair work being undertaken by contractors is carried out satisfactorily.
• Return to Base Office any Company Reports and Forms agreed by the Company in timely manner.
• Deal with the administration and upkeep of Classification Society Survey requirements of both hull and machinery.
• Fully conversant with company Safety Management System – specifically:
  • Permit to Work / Tag Out Systems
  • Shipboard Management Team
  • Shipboard Safety Committee
• The security of all watertight compartments in the engine and machinery spaces.
• To give / receive an appropriate and detailed handover when joining / leaving a Company vessel.
• To carry-out any other duties as may reasonably be requested by the Master or the company.

Essential requirements for the role

• Certificate of Competence as SMEO as a minimum
• STCW Personal Survival Techniques (5 Year Refresher Course)
• STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (5 Year Refresher Course)
• STCW Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (5 Year Refresher Course)
• STCW Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft (5 Year Refresher Course)
• STCW Elementary First Aid
• Unrestricted ENG1
• Passport
• Methodical in approach

What we offer

Salary: Competitive salaries with annual reviews

Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme

Training and development: We offer a wide range of learning opportunities with over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression

Wellbeing: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, BUPA Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, Simplyhealth cash plans to claim back money towards healthcare costs, 30% off at Serco‑managed leisure centres

Discounts: Save across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel

ShareSave scheme: Helps you save regularly with the choice to buy Serco shares at a discount at the end of your savings period

Employee networks: Dedicated networks where colleagues can come together to find support, share challenges, discuss ideas, network and be part of a community

Charity: Support a charity or organisation with a paid volunteering day each year. You can also choose to donate to your favourite charity tax‑free, through our Payroll Giving Scheme.