Chief Marine Eng Officer | Transnet Vacancies

Transnet Vacancies – Chief Marine Eng Officer

Position Purpose

The Chief Marine Eng Officer is responsible for managing all marine engineering operations aboard a harbour tug to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the vessel’s main plant, auxiliary equipment, machinery, and engineering systems.

The role involves overseeing preventive maintenance programmes in accordance with approved maintenance schedules, managing fault diagnosis and onboard repairs, supervising machinery and equipment overhauls, and coordinating both planned vessel lay-ups and unplanned breakdowns. The position ensures compliance with marine engineering standards, statutory requirements, safety regulations, and company policies while maintaining optimal tug availability and operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain all marine plant, machinery, and equipment in accordance with approved preventive maintenance schedules to ensure maximum tug availability and operational reliability.
• Manage onboard fault diagnosis, troubleshooting, and repairs of marine machinery and engineering systems.
• Oversee the operation of main plant and auxiliary equipment in accordance with established marine engineering standards and best practices.
• Conduct regular inspections and operational checks of plant, machinery, and equipment, including monitoring their performance while the tug is underway.
• Manage periodic machinery lay-ups, maintenance activities, and equipment overhauls in collaboration with the Marine Technical Manager.
• Plan, allocate, and control engineering resources, including tools, power tools, spare parts, and other maintenance materials.
• Train, supervise, and mentor subordinate engineering personnel, including providing mentorship and practical training to Trainee Chief Engineers.
• Establish and maintain a safe working environment by implementing safe working practices in accordance with company policies and applicable legislative requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and company requirements, policies, procedures, and standards governing the marine engineering department onboard the tug.
• Respond to and manage unplanned machinery breakdowns and equipment failures to minimise operational disruptions.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date records of all engine room machinery, maintenance activities, inspections, and repairs.
• Ensure all tug equipment is maintained in accordance with Transnet’s Code 29 guidelines.
• Manage and enforce Quality Management System policies, procedures, and standards within the marine engineering department.
• Promote and uphold Transnet’s organisational values, ensuring they are reflected in daily operations and professional conduct.
• Apply project management principles when planning, coordinating, and implementing marine engineering projects and maintenance activities.
• Provide management information, including statistical reports, inspection findings, and audit results, to support effective decision-making and identify deviations from planned processes.
• Plan, implement, and oversee crew safety programmes to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety requirements.
• Monitor engineering activities and ensure that maintenance operations are completed efficiently, safely, and within approved operational requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must possess the following qualifications:

• Valid Second Engineer Officer Certificate of Competency (less than 3,000 kW), endorsed for Chief Marine Engineer Officer (CMEO) Port Operations; OR
• Valid Chief Engineer Officer Certificate of Competency endorsed for Port Operations.
• A Chief Engineer Unlimited Certificate will be an added advantage.
• A Project Management Certificate will be an added advantage.

Required Knowledge

• Quality Management Systems and related standards.
• Statutory and regulatory requirements governing marine operations.
• Environmental management principles and practices.
• Project management principles and methodologies.
• HOSA, ISO standards, and Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements.
• Marine operations and marine engineering services.
• Merchant Shipping Act and applicable maritime legislation.
• South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) Code.
• Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
• Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) principles.
• AMPP requirements and standards.
• Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) Integrated Management Systems.
• Marine plant, machinery, and auxiliary equipment.
• Marine watchkeeping procedures and responsibilities.
• Marine environmental conditions and operational requirements.
• Life-saving equipment, appliances, and procedures.
• Safety techniques, equipment, and emergency response procedures.
• Record-keeping and engineering documentation.
• Emergency response, evacuation, and contingency procedures.
• Good housekeeping practices within marine engineering environments.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Effective decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to supervise, manage, and develop subordinate personnel.
• Strong technical troubleshooting and fault-diagnosis skills.
• Ability to identify and resolve practical marine engineering problems.
• Knowledge and application of operational procedures and work instructions.
• Ability to implement SHE Integrated Management Systems and Quality Management Systems.
• Effective planning, coordination, and resource management.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate technical records and prepare management reports.
• Sound understanding of marine safety procedures and emergency management.
• Ability to manage maintenance activities and ensure operational efficiency.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and respond to unexpected technical challenges.

Employment Equity Statement

Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of designated groups, in accordance with the organisation’s Employment Equity Plan and the employment equity targets of the relevant Operating Division.