Chief Engineer

The Chief Engineer is responsible for maintaining all onboard machinery, ensuring safe and effective operation of all equipment and systems, as well as fueling and fuel transfer operations and the ordering of all necessary parts and supplies.

Essential Duties

• Maintenance of all machinery and onboard systems
• Refueling and fuel transfer operations
• Complete necessary repairs in a timely manner
• Log and record all repairs and maintenance
• Track orders for parts and supplies

Working in the Bering Sea

Working at sea is physically and mentally challenging and requires long hours in remote locations, often several days' travel from the nearest port. Our deck and processing crews work 16‑hour shifts, 7 days a week. Most trips average 4‑5 weeks in duration, but depending on the fishing season, catch rates, weather, vessel size and other factors, trips can be as short as 10‑12 days or as long as 60+ days. Crew members generally work multiple trips (2 months or longer) in a single rotation.

Compensation, Travel & Expenses

Chief Engineers receive the higher of crew share percentage or a guaranteed daily rate. Daily rates are determined by the hiring manager (VP of Operations). Crew share calculations are based on the net adjusted sales. Net sales total is calculated by accounting for certain operating costs such as bait, fuel, observer expenses, etc. 40% of net sales go to the officers and crew. All travel for officers is arranged and paid for by the company, including flights, hotels, and meals while traveling.

Requirements

• Experience maintaining shipboard machinery to ensure safe operations
• USCG Licensing required: DDE 4,000 or greater
• Ability to handle all refueling and fuel transfer operations
• Shipyard competency certification required
• Extensive hydraulic experience required
• Ammonia refrigeration system experience required
• Ability to prevent equipment failure through proper maintenance
• Ability to assist with necessary repairs in a timely manner
• Attention to detail when logging and recording repairs and maintenance, ordering supplies, etc.
• Must pass pre‑employment drug screening (commercial fishing falls under federal authority; we cannot hire anyone who tests positive for THC)
• Pre‑employment background check required (past convictions will not necessarily prevent employment)
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. BWS participates in eVerify

Benefits

Vessel officers are eligible for healthcare benefits, subsidized by the company at 75% for both employees and dependents, including medical coverage, dental coverage, vision coverage, voluntary life insurance, and a Health Savings Account (HSA) with a discretionary company contribution. Vessel officers are eligible to enroll on the first day of the month after a one‑month waiting period.