Title Chief Marine Engineer - FV Aukaha

Sealord Group Ltd; Nelson; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sealord Group Ltd seeks an experienced Chief Marine Engineer for the FV Aukaha, Nelson-based, with 3–4 week trip lengths and trip-off rotations. Applicants should hold MEC 4 and MEC 3 tickets for the Chief Engineer role and have proven experience managing propulsion, fishing, processing, and support systems at sea.

The role demands self-motivation, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to preventative maintenance, with life at sea offering a challenging yet rewarding career path within a

Qualifications

• MEC 4 ticket required.
• MEC 3 ticket required for Chief Engineer role.
• Proven experience in mechanical and electrical systems on vessels.

Responsibilities

• Oversee propulsion, fishing, processing and ancillary systems to ensure safe, efficient operation.
• Manage preventative maintenance and onboard engineering tasks.
• Work in a 3- to 4-week trip-onto-trip-off rotation with 12-hour shifts.
• Lead and support a small close-knit team at sea and uphold safety standards.

Skills

MEC 4 ticket

MEC 3 ticket

Marine engineering experience

Job description

Chief Marine Engineer - FV Aukaha

Date: 3 Nov 2026

Location: NZ

Company: Sealord Group Ltd

Sealord is one of the largest seafood companies in the Southern Hemisphere. And with more than 60 years of fishing experience, farming, processing, and marketing operations, our business consistently delivers quality seafood to our customers around the world.

Established in 1961, Nelson Sealord is half owned by the Māori people of New Zealand, through Moana New Zealand (Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd), and half owned by global seafood company Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd (Nissui). Sealord is one of the largest quota holders in New Zealand with partners and subsidiaries around the world through Nissui’s global links. Sealord Group has fishing operations, which include all deep‑water fishing activities as well as international and joint venture deep fishing activities, in New Zealand and Australia.

• Nelson based
• Trip on and trip off
• Bring your can‑do attitude

Currently, we’re looking to add to our team of 1,200 employees and have an opportunity for experienced Chief Fishing Vessel Trawler Marine Engineers for FV Aukaha.

Passionate about the sea, fishing, and developing your career in the industry, including gaining qualifications while you work …then this opportunity is not to be missed!

Marine Engineers – you will have aminimum MEC 4 and MEC 3 ticket for the Chief Engineer role along with proven experience in managing the mechanical and electrical performance of the vessel’s propulsion, fishing, processing and ancillary systems in a safe and efficient manner, self‑motivated to work independently with excellent problem solving skills and a commitment to preventative maintenance systems.

Trip lengths on the FV Aukaha is between 3 - 4 weeks and crew operate on a trip on, trip off rotation, the hours of work are generally done in shifts of 12 hours, PPE is supplied, and all meals provided by our experienced cook.

If this sounds like the right job for you, you have proven engineering experience on deep sea fishing vessels and would enjoy working in a small close‑knit team, then impress us with your positive can‑do attitude, teamwork, safety focus, and the ability to follow instructions and rules. While out on the water, resilience is a life skill that is critical, as is respect for each other and the environment. Being committed to your team and tasks is imperative for the whole crew to be successful.

Being at sea is a way of life, unique and exhilarating! This is a lifetime opportunity with a company committed to its people and their training and development to help you fulfil your potential; offering stability and a great work‑life balance.

A satisfactory pre‑employment drug test and a physical medical assessment will be required to be considered for this role. Applicants must have legal entitlement to live and work in New Zealand.