JOB POSTING:
JOB TITLE: Chief Engineer (Posting 2026-27)
LOCATION: Pelee Islander 2
POSTING CLOSES: Review of applications begins June 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST and will continue until the position is filled.
START DATE: Immediately
TYPE: Full Time, Year-Round (based on 185 Obligation Days)
NUMBER OF VACANCES: One (1)
REPORTS TO: Captain / Director of Fleet Engineering
UNION: Unifor – Unit 3
SALARY: $124,792 annually, plus vacation pay
The Chief Engineer is responsible for the management of the engineering department and the administration of the Safety Management System within that department. The Chief Engineer reports directly to the Captain with respect to routine and major maintenance and repairs, as well as regarding critical deficiencies within machinery spaces, and also works with and reports to the Director of Fleet Engineering on matters related to engineering standards, maintenance, and compliance.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
The primary job duties and responsibilities of the Chief Engineer include but are not limited to the following:
- The Chief Engineer is a critical member of the vessel’s crew, responsible for ensuring that all mechanical and electrical systems are operating safely and efficiently and that the vessel is operating in compliance with all relevant regulations and policies.
- The proper conduct of the preventive maintenance program for main, auxiliary, electrical and all deck machinery. This includes lifesaving equipment.
- Supervising the Engineering Department. The Chief Engineer is responsible for supervising the Engineering Department, ensuring that all members of the crew are operating in safe and efficient manner, following all company policies and procedures, Collective Agreements, and operating in compliance with Transport Canada regulations. The Chief Engineer must ensure that all tasks and responsibilities and delegated appropriately among members of the Engineering crew.
- Overseeing Maintenance and Repair. The Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing all maintenance and repair work that is carried out on the vessel. This includes conducting inspections of all mechanical and electrical systems, diagnosing and troubleshooting issues as they arise, and coordinating repairs and maintenance work as needed to minimize downtime and ensure safe and efficient vessel operation.
- Ensuring Compliance with Regulations. The Chief Engineer must ensure that the vessel is operating in compliance with all relevant Transport Canada regulation, company policies, Engine Room Watchkeeping Procedures, and Engine Room Standing Orders. This includes monitoring adherence to regulations relating to the operation of the vessel’s propulsion, electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems, and ensuring that all necessary safety equipment is present and operational.
- Maintaining Equipment Inventory. The Chief Engineer is responsible for managing the inventory of tools, equipment, and spare parts used by the Engineering Department. This includes monitoring usage and ensuring stock levels are maintained appropriately.
- Ensuring Environmental Compliance. The Chief Engineer must ensure that the vessel is operating in compliance with all relevant environmental regulations, including requirements around oil spill response, sewage discharge, and other environmental concerns.
- Communication and Reporting. The Chief Engineer must maintain clear and effective communication with all members of the crew and management, providing regular updates on equipment status and any issues or concerns that arise during vessel operation. They must also ensure that all necessary reports and documentation are completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner.
- Ensuring that engineering watchkeeping arrangements are adequate to maintain a safe engineering watch while underway and in port.
- Observe, follow, and implement the company's policies which are contained within the company manuals and other official company instructions on all machinery-related Health, Safety, Quality and Environment (HSQE) matters.
- Assist in the continual improvement of the HSQE procedures, and identify training needs.
- The accurate monitoring and control of the ship's fuel and lubricating oil consumption and the status of fuel and lubricating oil bunker quantities, including ordering fuel and lube oils. Supervision of all bunkering shore to ship and the maintenance of oil transfer procedures in accordance with the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous chemicals Regulations.
- Maintaining engineering records, including the Oil Record Book, and refrigeration unit checks, and supplying data as requested for shore management purposes.
- Foster a culture of professionalism and teamwork among all engine department officers and crew, while providing regular feedback and recognition to support their growth and performance.
- Carry out emergency duties and participating in drills.
- The efficiency, maintenance and safe and secure operation of the engine room and the ship's machinery (inclusive of the Deck machinery and fixed firefighting systems).
- Ensuring water analysis and testing for chlorine quantity is performed.
- Make a list of machinery for which each engineer shall be responsible for maintenance in consultation with the Second engineer. This list is to be kept in the Chief Engineer's Standing Instruction.
- Monitoring constant communication with Master and Shore Administration with respect to engineering and personnel.
- Administering safety procedures in the machinery spaces.
- Ensuring the Oil Prevention Plan is followed as per Contingency Plan.
- Compliance with statutory and classification survey requirements concerning machinery and relevant spaces.
- Direct control of all ship's drawings, instruction books.
- Responsible for requesting new unlicensed personnel for the engine room department through the Division, Director of Operations.
- The accurate entry of all operational machinery parameters by the watchkeepers and duty engineers in the engine room logbook.
- Ensuring the Practice or Maintenance of Watch Keeping Standards in Machinery Spaces.
- The reporting of any accident or damage to the ship's machinery or technical plant to the Director of Fleet Engineering, and Division, Director of Operations.
- Responsible for maintenance of deck machinery, bow visor, bow door, stern door and all vehicle ramps.
- The repair work planning and execution on board the ship.
- Member of the Shipboard Management and Health, Safety & Environment Committees.
- Incumbent shall immediately notify the Master of any relevant occurrence which may affect the health, safety, security, marine environment, or energy efficiency and any essential service of the ship.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, WORK EXPERIENCE, and SKILLS
- A minimum of 5-7 years of experience as an Engineer onboard a ship, and a minimum of 2 to 3 years experience as a Chief Engineer on passenger vessels.
- Valid Marine Engineer Certificate of Competency – Motor Vessel with First Class or Second Class (preferred), or Third Class (emergency only and acting).
- Valid Marine Emergency Duties (MED) for Officers certification, including Basic Safety and Proficiency in Survival Craft certifications, and Advanced Firefighting certification.
- Marine Advanced First Aid Certificate.
- Valid Transport Canada Marine Medical Certificate.
- Valid Canadian passport: Canadian citizenship or landed immigrant status, with ability to enter the United States of America.
- General knowledge, understanding, and experience in operating, maintaining, and repairing engines, propulsion systems, and ship apparatus.
- Experience working with diesel engines, generators, hydraulic systems, and other marine equipment.
- Knowledge of relevant Transport Canada marine regulations and vessel safety management systems.
- Strong technical and mechanical knowledge and ability to manage engineering designs and technical specifications of the vessel’s systems.
- Ability to supervise and lead a team of engineering staff to ensure the vessel is properly maintained and operating safely and efficiently.
- Exceptional problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities, ensuring the timely diagnoses of problems and prompt repairs to reduce downtime.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Preferred applicants possess initiative, are analytical problem solvers, and have a team-oriented work style and a track record for safety at work.
- Ability to maintain calm and professionalism during stressful situations such as emergencies or equipment breakdowns.
- Aptitude for managing inventory levels of engineering supplies and spare parts.
- Familiarity with computer skills for online communication, record management and documentation purposes.
- Proficient with Microsoft applications; ABS ship management system is an asset.
- Ability to read, write, understand, and speak English.
SAFETY SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENT
- Zero tolerance for drugs or alcohol.
- Personal Protective Equipment (boots, pants, eye and ear protective wear).
How To Apply?
Please upload your resume in PDF format.
We are committed to the principle of fair representation of individuals from the four designated groups as defined by the Employment Equity Act. We encourage qualified women, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities to apply for our positions.
If you require any accommodations in the recruitment process, please reach out to
[email protected] to discuss, but please note that applications will not be reviewed or accepted via this email address.
Notice on Use of Technology in Recruitment - We may use technology, including AI tools, to support parts of the application process. All hiring decisions are made by people.
