Assistant Ship Superintendent

Ship Assistant Superintendent

Holland America Line has been exploring the world since 1873. Our ships offer innovative features and enriching experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized travel, inviting guests to savor the journey.

The Ship Assistant Superintendent at Holland America Line and Seabourn is responsible for supporting technical operations and maintenance activities for assigned vessels under the guidance of Fleet Directors or superintendents. This role involves assisting with planned maintenance tracking, documentation, and compliance tasks, as well as supporting dry-dock and wet-dock planning and execution. The Assistant Superintendent will work closely with shipboard engineering teams, Fleet Technical Operations, and supply chain partners to ensure timely coordination of technical requirements and accurate reporting. They contribute to certification tracking, audit preparation, and project documentation while promoting adherence to safety and environmental standards. The position also includes monitoring requisitions, assisting with cost tracking, and maintaining communication between shoreside and onboard teams. The ideal candidate will have a valid maritime engineering license, 23 years' experience, familiarity with AMOS systems or similar, and strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities:

• Vessel Technical Support and Maintenance: The Assistant Superintendent assists in monitoring planned maintenance activities through AMOS and ensures accurate documentation under the guidance of ship superintendents. They help evaluate technical issues reported by shipboard teams in both hotel and technical spaces to coordinate corrective actions as directed. This includes preparing requisitions for spares and services and following up with the supply chain team on delivery timelines. The role supports maintaining up-to-date certifications and technical records for assigned vessels. Assistant Superintendents participate in ship visits alongside senior staff to assess technical conditions and update maintenance plans. Assist with the data collected from ship technical and hotel (AIMS/NPS) performance reporting and carry out recommendations for long-term technical operations planning. The position requires attention to detail in tracking maintenance schedules and ensuring compliance with company standards. By supporting these activities, the Assistant Superintendent will contribute to the overall improved condition in technical and guest facing spaces.
• Dry-Dock and Wet-Dock Support: The Assistant Superintendent plays a role in assisting with dry-dock and wet-dock planning and execution under close supervision. They help prepare specifications and documentation for technical and/or hotel technical projects, ensuring alignment with company requirements. During refit periods, they coordinate with internal teams and external vendors to support timely completion of assigned tasks. The role involves maintaining accurate records of all docking activities and updating project files for future reference. They follow up on assigned actions to ensure compliance with timelines and standards. Communication with shipboard teams is essential to confirm readiness and resource availability. This accountability emphasizes learning and collaboration while supporting major technical and/or hotel technical projects that impact vessel performance. Budget and Cost Tracking: The Associate Superintendent assists in monitoring technical expenses for assigned vessels or project and ensures accurate reporting of costs. They help track spending against approved budgets and escalate variances to superintendents for review. The role includes preparing cost summaries and maintaining transparency in financial documentation. Associate Superintendents collaborate with supply chain and finance teams to verify invoices and confirm compliance with purchasing procedures. This accountability requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing financial data. By supporting cost control efforts, the Associate Superintendent contributes to operational efficiency and resource optimization.
• Compliance and Certification: The Assistant Superintendent assist in preparing for audits and inspections by maintaining accurate records and coordinating with shipboard teams. The role involves reviewing non-conformances and supporting corrective action plans under supervision. Assistant Superintendents liaise with classification societies as directed to facilitate compliance activities. They monitor adherence to Global HESS and SMS standards and report any gaps promptly. Environmental protection and safety remain priorities in all assigned tasks. The position requires familiarity with regulatory frameworks and a commitment to maintaining operational integrity. By supporting compliance processes, the Assistant Superintendent helps safeguard the company's reputation and ensures vessels meet all legal and safety requirements.
• Communication and Collaboration: The Assistant Superintendent acts as a key liaison between shipboard teams and shoreside departments for routine technical updates. They participate in meetings and provide status reports on assigned projects and maintenance activities. The role requires effective communication to align priorities and resolve issues in coordination with superintendents. Assistant Superintendents collaborate with electrical and hotel teams to ensure technical needs are addressed promptly. They maintain accurate records of discussions and decisions to support transparency and accountability. By fostering collaboration across departments, the Assistant Superintendent contributes to a culture of responsiveness and continuous improvement. Strong interpersonal skills and adaptability are essential for success in this accountability area.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Scope: The Assistant Superintendent operates within Fleet Technical Operations and supports Holland America Line and Seabourn brands. This role bridges shipboard engineering teams and shoreside departments, ensuring technical requirements are documented and coordinated effectively. Responsibilities extend across both shoreside and fleet environments, contributing to vessel readiness and compliance. While the position does not lead projects independently, it plays a critical role in supporting dry-dock and wet-dock activities, maintenance planning, and certification tracking. The Assistant Superintendent interacts with multiple stakeholders, including supply chain, finance and hotel department, under the guidance of the Fleet Director or superintendents. The Assistant superintendent can act as a back up for the technical superintendent. Their work impacts operational reliability and safety standards across assigned vessels. By maintaining accurate records and facilitating communication, the role supports long-term fleet performance and sustainability. This position provides exposure to global maritime operations and offers a foundation for future technical leadership within the organization.
• Problem solving: The Assistant Superintendent encounters technical challenges that require analytical thinking and attention to detail. They assist in interpreting maintenance data from AMOS to identify potential issues and escalate concerns appropriately. The role involves supporting corrective actions for non-conformances and audit findings, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Assistant Superintendents anticipate scheduling conflicts and resource constraints during dry-dock planning and help adjust timelines under supervision. They contribute to resolving procurement delays by coordinating with supply chain teams and tracking delivery status. Problem-solving also includes verifying documentation accuracy for certifications and regulatory updates. While decisions are guided by senior staff, the Assistant Superintendent applies sound judgment in prioritizing tasks and maintaining operational continuity. This accountability fosters the development of technical and analytical skills essential for future growth.
• Impact: The Assistant Superintendent has a meaningful impact on vessel reliability, safety, and compliance through accurate documentation and timely coordination. Their support in maintenance planning and certification tracking helps ensure ships meet operational and regulatory standards. By assisting with dry-dock and wet-dock projects, they contribute to the long-term condition and performance of the fleet. The role influences cost control by maintaining transparency in expense tracking and supporting budget reviews. Effective communication between shipboard teams and shoreside departments enhances responsiveness and operational efficiency. Assistant Superintendents help uphold environmental and safety commitments by promoting adherence to Global HESS and SMS standards. Their contributions strengthen technical processes and reinforce the company's reputation for excellence. Although entry-level, this position plays a vital role in sustaining fleet operations and guest experience.
• Leadership: The Assistant Superintendent does not have direct reports but demonstrates leadership through collaboration and accountability. They coordinate with shipboard teams, supply chain partners, and internal departments to ensure technical tasks are completed accurately and on time. The role requires clear communication and the ability to manage multiple priorities under supervision. They maintain professionalism in interactions with vendors and regulatory authorities, representing the organization's standards. Leadership in this role is expressed through reliability, adaptability, and proactive engagement in cross-functional projects. By building strong working relationships, the Assistant Superintendent contributes to a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement. This experience prepares them for future roles with greater responsibility and decision-making authority.

Requirements

• Valid maritime engineering license or marine engineering technology certification or equivalent.
• Competency in using AMOS or similar planned maintenance systems for technical documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications for reporting and communication.
• Basic understanding of Class Society and Flag State regulations relevant to vessel compliance.
• Ability to travel internationally and work in both shoreside and shipboard environments as required.
• 23 years' experience in technical operations in the maritime industry.
• Demonstrated ability to assist with maintenance planning and documentation under supervision.
• Exposure to dry-dock or wet-dock activities, including preparation of specifications and coordination of tasks.
• Familiarity with interpreting technical data to identify potential issues.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including engineering, supply chain, and compliance departments.

Travel: Less than 25% with shipboard travel likely

Work Conditions: Work primarily in a climate-controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential.

Physical Demands: Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.

This position is classified as "in-office." As an in-office role, it requires employees to work from the Holland America office in Seattle, WA Monday through Thursday each week. You are able to work from home on Fridays.

What You Can Expect

• Cruise and Travel Privileges for You and Your Family
• Health Benefits
• 401(k)