1st Engineer

Crew Life at Sea Ltd.; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Crew Life at Sea Ltd. in Cape Town seeks an experienced 1st Engineer to oversee all engine room operations, maintenance, and projects under the Chief Engineer.

You will mentor 2nd/3rd engineers, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and coordinate with ship's leadership to optimize propulsion and systems performance.

Qualifications

• Valid Chief Engineer license per STCW and flag state.
• Several years as 2nd Engineer or similar.
• Deep technical knowledge of propulsion and ship systems.
• Strong leadership and supervisory abilities.
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Oversee engine room systems (main propulsion, auxiliaries, pumps, boilers, fuel, lubricants).
• Plan and supervise maintenance, overhauls, and repairs.
• Coordinate with Chief Engineer on repairs, budgeting, and parts.
• Mentor 2nd/3rd engineers and engine room ratings.
• Ensure compliance with IMO, STCW, classification societies, and environmental rules.
• Monitor fuel consumption, emissions, and efficiency; propose improvements.
• Prepare technical reports, logs, work orders, and documentation.
• Assist inspections and audits by class societies and flag state.
• Ensure safety management systems and conduct drills.
• Stand watch or relieve other officers as required.

Skills

Leadership

English proficiency

Problem solving

Team supervision

Education

Chief Engineer license

Job description

Role Summary

The 1st Engineer serves as the senior day-to-day engineering officer (below the Chief Engineer) responsible for supervising all engine room operations, maintenance, and technical projects. He/she ensures compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, and acts as a bridge between the Chief Engineer and the engine department staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the technical and mechanical operations of all engine room systems (main propulsion, auxiliary machinery, pumps, boilers, fuel, lube oil, etc.).

• Plan, schedule, and supervise maintenance and repair activities (planned preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, overhauls).

• Coordinate with Chief Engineer on major repairs, budgeting, spare parts requisitions, and engineering department planning.

• Supervise and mentor subordinate engineering officers (2nd, 3rd engineers) and engine room ratings.

• Ensure compliance with maritime regulatory frameworks (IMO, STCW, classification society rules, environmental regulations).

• Monitor performance parameters (fuel consumption, emissions, efficiency) and propose improvements.

• Prepare technical reports, logs, work orders, and engineering documentation.

• Assist in carrying out inspections, audits, and surveys (internal and by classification societies / flag state).

• Ensure safety management systems are followed in the engine department, including emergency procedures, risk assessments, and safety drills.

• Be available to stand watch or relieve other officers when required.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Valid Chief / Staff Chief Engineer (or equivalent) license or certification in accordance with STCW / flag state / classification requirements.

• Several years experience as a 2nd Engineer or equivalent.

• Deep technical knowledge of marine propulsion, mechanical systems, auxiliary systems, electrical systems, and control systems.

• Strong leadership, supervisory, and organizational skills.

• Good problem solving, troubleshooting, and decision-making ability.

• Proficiency in English (verbal and written), ability to interpret technical manuals and reports.

• Ability to work under pressure, in confined spaces, and in varied environmental conditions.

• Familiarity with availability, repair, overhaul, and inventory planning.