Ship Superintendent

Ship Superintendent

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess is the world's leading international premium cruise line and tour company, carrying millions of guests each year to hundreds of destinations around the globe. We give our guests the Medallion Class experience others simply can't. The Love Boat promises something for everyone.

We're looking for an experienced Ship Superintendent to fill this hybrid role which is based out of our Miami office. In this critical role you'll be responsible for providing timely technical support to assigned vessels, ensuring safe and efficient operations. This role involves managing repair and maintenance budgets, overseeing technical purchases and deliveries, and coordinating dry-dock and wet-dock projects. The Ship Superintendent will work closely with the Fleet Technical Operations team, electrical and hotel interior superintendents, and other departments across PCL to align technical requirements and ensure compliance. They serve as the primary shoreside contact for their vessels, maintaining detailed records of maintenance activities and certifications. The position requires planning and executing refit specifications, monitoring onboard maintenance systems, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have 5–7 years of licensed experience afloat, preferably as a second engineer or senior electrician on AC Diesel-Electric vessels. Strong skills in project management, communication, and data analytics are essential. Familiarity with AMOS systems, Class Society and Flag State regulations, and shore-based maintenance programs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Vessel Technical Oversight and Maintenance: The Ship Superintendent is responsible for managing all technical repair and maintenance activities for assigned vessels. This includes monitoring planned maintenance via the AMOS system and ensuring timely execution and accurate documentation. They will participate in PBL meetings assisting the PBL manager to ensure Diesel Engine overhauls are completed on time and that any DG issues are resolved in a timely fashion. They oversee the evaluation and resolution of hotel technical defects, promoting continuous improvement. The role involves verifying and approving requisitions for spares, services, and consumables, and coordinating with the technical supply chain team to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery. The Superintendent supports shipboard staff in maintaining up-to-date certifications and documentation. They also monitor AAQS reports and performance to ensure availability at all times, Cooling Water analysis results, lubricating oil consumption and analysis reports to identify trends and potential issues. Regular ship visits are conducted to assess technical condition producing a written report for each visit with any action plans if required. One of these visits should align with the Annual PSSC Renewal Survey or other key milestones.
• Dry-Dock and Wet-Dock Planning and Execution: This role includes planning and managing dry-dock and wet-dock repairs and renovations, including the development of detailed specifications. The Ship Superintendent oversees shipyard work during refit periods, ensuring alignment with company standards and timelines. They maintain comprehensive records for all dockings and special projects. Coordination with internal departments and external vendors is essential to ensure that all technical requirements are met. The Superintendent ensures that all relevant updates are communicated to ship management. They also review third-party surveys and ensure that any identified defects are addressed promptly. Recommendations from these surveys are entered into the maintenance system and assigned to the appropriate onboard personnel. The Superintendent ensures that resources are available to complete these tasks efficiently.
• Budget Management and Cost Control: The Ship Superintendent manages the technical maintenance budget for assigned vessels, ensuring expenses align with approved allocations. They assist in compiling the annual budget, including Capital Projects, and monitor spending throughout the fiscal year. This includes tracking costs for repairs, maintenance, and technical purchases. The role requires close collaboration with finance and supply chain teams to evaluate suppliers and assess cost-effectiveness. The Superintendent ensures compliance with company purchasing and logistics procedures. They also support the evaluation of new products and services to enhance operational efficiency. Budget performance is reviewed regularly, and corrective actions are taken when deviations occur. Transparency and accuracy in financial reporting are key responsibilities.
• Compliance, Certification, and Safety: Ensuring compliance with Global HESS and SMS standards is a core accountability. The Ship Superintendent supports ship staff in maintaining all required certifications and documentation. They monitor renewal schedules and coordinate visits from relevant personnel to ensure timely updates. The role involves reviewing marine casualty reports, audit findings, and non-conformances, and developing corrective and preventive action plans. Coordination with classification societies and flag state authorities is required for modifications and regulatory updates. The Superintendent ensures that all operations prioritize environmental protection and the safety of guests and crew. They also facilitate internal approvals for vessel modifications and ensure proper documentation. This accountability supports the company's commitment to safe and sustainable operations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Communication: The Ship Superintendent acts as the primary shoreside contact for assigned vessels, facilitating communication between shipboard teams and corporate departments. They collaborate with electrical and hotel interior superintendents, brand representatives, and other stakeholders to ensure technical needs are understood and addressed. The role requires strong communication skills to align priorities and resolve issues efficiently. The Superintendent ensures that technical updates are shared with ship management and relevant departments. They also support hiring and onboarding efforts for technical roles when needed. Participation in cross-functional meetings and project teams is expected. The Superintendent contributes to a culture of transparency, responsiveness, and continuous improvement across Fleet Operations.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Scope: The Ship Superintendent operates within Fleet Technical Operations and serves as the primary technical liaison for assigned vessels. This role bridges shipboard operations and shoreside departments, ensuring alignment across engineering, hotel interior, and electrical systems. The Superintendent's responsibilities span both shoreside and fleet environments, with direct influence on vessel readiness, compliance, and operational integrity. Their work contributes to consistent standards across the fleet. The role requires coordination with internal departments and external vendors, impacting procurement, logistics, and regulatory compliance. The Superintendent's oversight extends to dry-dock and wet-dock projects, which have long-term implications for vessel performance and guest experience. Their decisions affect not only individual ships but also broader fleet strategies. This role is integral to maintaining the technical health and safety of the fleet globally.
• Problem solving: The Ship Superintendent regularly encounters complex technical challenges that require proactive analysis and resolution. They must interpret data from systems like AMOS and oil analysis reports to identify trends and prevent equipment failures. Planning dry-dock specifications demands foresight into potential risks, regulatory requirements, and operational constraints. The role involves evaluating third-party survey findings and determining corrective actions that align with budget and timeline constraints. They must anticipate supply chain delays and adjust procurement strategies to maintain vessel readiness. Problem-solving also includes coordinating cross-functional input for vessel modifications, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned. The Superintendent must respond swiftly to audit findings and marine casualty reports, developing preventive measures that address root causes. Their ability to synthesize technical data and stakeholder feedback is critical to maintaining operational continuity.
• Impact: The Ship Superintendent has a direct and measurable impact on vessel performance, safety, and compliance. Their oversight of maintenance and repair activities ensures that ships meet regulatory standards and operate efficiently. By managing budgets and coordinating technical resources, they influence cost control and operational sustainability. Their work supports the company's environmental and safety commitments, contributing to Global HESS. The Superintendent's decisions affect the guest experience by ensuring reliable hotel and propulsion systems. Their coordination of dry-dock and wet-dock projects shapes the long-term condition and value of the fleet. The role also contributes to the development of technical standards and best practices across brands. Their influence extends beyond individual vessels to the broader strategic goals of Fleet Operations. This position is essential to maintaining the company's reputation for safety and operational excellence.
• Leadership: While the Ship Superintendent may not have direct reports, the role requires strong leadership in managing cross-functional teams and technical resources. They lead dry-dock and wet-dock projects, coordinating efforts across shipboard staff, supply chain, and external vendors. The Superintendent is responsible for managing vessel maintenance budgets and ensuring financial accountability. They guide shipboard teams in maintaining certifications and implementing technical updates, fostering a culture of compliance and continuous improvement. Their ability to lead through collaboration and technical expertise is key to successful project execution. This role demands strategic thinking, clear communication, and the ability to drive results.

Requirements

• Valid maritime engineering license with a minimum rank of Second Engineer or Senior Electrician on vessels equipped with AC Diesel-Electric propulsion systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage vessel maintenance programs from a shoreside position.
• Proficiency in project management practices applicable to technical operations.
• Working knowledge of Class Society and Flag State regulations relevant to vessel compliance.
• Competency in using AMOS or AMOS-based applications for planned maintenance and technical documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications for communication, reporting, and data management.
• 5-7 years proven experience overseeing technical operations and maintenance for commercial or passenger vessels, including dry-dock and wet-dock planning and execution.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and external vendors to deliver complex technical projects on time and within budget.
• Experience interpreting and applying regulatory standards from classification societies and flag states to ensure vessel compliance.
• Skilled in analyzing technical data such as oil consumption trends, maintenance logs, and survey findings to identify risks and implement corrective actions.
• Familiarity with managing vessel certification schedules and ensuring timely renewals and documentation.