Port Engineer

JOB SUMMARY:

Maintain vessel availability by minimizing unscheduled out-of-service time. Troubleshoot routine repair problems, assign resources, manage costs and analyze trends. Perform all duties consistent with the requirements of the Operating Company and Safety Management System (SMS).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Problem Solving:
Diagnose and develop solutions for routine and unique problems preventing vessel readiness and safety
Prioritize and organize multiple tasks and projects.
Supervise maintenance and repair to optimize vessel availability while protecting asset value.
Assure vessels regulatory compliance.
Approve spare parts purchases and arrange outside vendor repairs.
Set and monitor vessel operating budgets.
Evaluate skills of shipboard personnel and make promotional recommendations.

Accountable Goals:
Ensure compliance with Fuel Transfer Policies and Procedures and the safe fueling of tugs and barges.
Responsible for the overall management of repair and maintenance for assigned tugs and barges including routine voyage repairs, survey dry docking shipyard events, emergencies, casualties and modifications.
Manage fleet preventive maintenance and repair operations for assigned fleet with the goal of safe operations and maximum vessel availability.
Initiate complex shipyard projects (including development of shipyard specifications), schedules and budgets. Interface and contribute to project planning and execution efforts, as requested, to ensure that crew requirements are considered and that the final plan meet as many objectives as practicable.
Responsible for the planning, development and contracting for all major shipyard events including attending the execution of the project site in a shipyard for extended periods.
When unexpected problems arise, diagnose, recommend and oversee repair of vessel hull structure, cargo systems, various machinery, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic system. Utilize available expertise in the company, and its consultants and suppliers, to arrive at solutions that minimize out-of-service time and cost, while maximizing efficiency and safety. Assign vessel and external resources as needed to achieve objectives.
When out-of-service issues occur, present diagnosis and options to Fleet Maintenance Manager, and to Chartering. Contribute to the final decisions in a way that ensures that the maximum number of objectives is achieved.
Remain abreast of and ensure compliance with applicable ABS and USCG standards, international regulations, regulatory and customer audit/vetting concerns to ensure fleet remains available to customers.
Work with HSQE to ensure completion of required air quality and pollution prevention reporting from the engineering side.
Aid in the development, implementation and institutionalizing of procedures to increase operating efficiency. Assure compliance to all USCG and other agency regulations by preparing vessels for USCG inspection and by administering agency regulations details.
Assist Port Captain in supporting vessel Masters and Barge Captains in maintaining valid certifications and documents on vessels. Forecast and monitor respective Tug/Barge fleet operations expenses.
Coordinate and keep Port Captain informed concerning shipyard specifications and equipment needs / issues. Involve Port Captain in an active role in the shipyarding of assigned Tugs and Barges as required, including ship check, shipyard meetings and vessel visits during the all shipyard periods.
Prepare, monitor and manage maintenance budget including routine and major maintenance as well as engine consumables in accordance with company policy and the SMS.
Monitor vessel records, equipment/hull condition and status of repair list through scheduled visits. Utilize Fleet Maintenance program and other approved processes for record keeping and institutionalization of knowledge.
Develop and maintain effective communication with marine and shoreside personnel at all levels. Maintain open lines of communication with department manager to assure that all tugs, barges and are managed using the same processes.
Participate in the on-call duty rotation and vessel emergency response /command and control team. Be available as engineering support during all internal, customer and regulatory audits and vettings.
Support and ensure compliance with all PPE policies and maintain the highest safety standards at all times.
Work with Port Captain to minimize and eliminate unscheduled out of service time. Act as backup to Port Captain to support Operations processes in absence of Port Captain.
Represent Vane Brothers in a professional manner utilizing professional management skills to provide safe, efficient, reliable and economic service to all customers to ensure the continued success and growth.
Follows all company policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
B.S. Marine Engineering, Maritime Academy Graduate, or 10 years in a related field.
Seagoing experience is preferred but not required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Ability to travel locally and in support of California Operations as needed for unscheduled emergency vessel repairs.
Demanding physical requirements including climbing in cargo and ballast tanks under environmental extremes of heat or cold.
Ability to board vessels at anchor.
Willingness to remain accessible for communication and consultation on an around the clock basis.
Willingness to work unusual hours including nights and weekends as required for successful project completion.
Written and verbal communications at all organizational levels in a clear and concise manner.
Computer skills, working knowledge MS Office suite of software programs
Strong ability to manage multiple tasks requiring solid planning, control, review and cost projection/variance analysis skills.
High level of analytical and process management skills and ability.
Knowledge and understanding of ABS requirements and protocols relating to company vessels
Knowledge and understanding of USCG regulations and requirements concerning company vessels
Knowledge, understanding and ability to learn and understand Regional and State regulations requirements and reporting regarding air quality management and pollution prevention for vessels area of operation.
Possess good prioritization skills, is highly motivated and organized.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Medium - Lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Moderate - Occasionally exposed to extreme atmospheric conditions (temperature, noise fumes, dust, etc.)