Job Posting

JOB TITLE: Chief Engineer (Posting 2026-05)

LOCATION: Pelee Islander

POSTING CLOSES: January 21 2026 at 3:30 PM EST

START DATE: March 1 2026

TYPE: Full Time Year Round (185 Obligation Days)

REPORTS TO: Captain / Director of Fleet Engineering

UNION: Unifor Unit 3

SALARY: $86964 annually (2025 rate) plus vacation pay and benefits

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the management of the engineering department and the administration of the Safety Management System within that department. The Chief Engineer reports directly to the Captain with respect to routine and major maintenance and repairs as well as regarding critical deficiencies within machinery spaces and also works with and reports to the Director of Fleet Engineering on matters related to engineering standards maintenance and compliance.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

The primary job duties and responsibilities of the Chief Engineer include but are not limited to the following:

• The Chief Engineer is a critical member of the vessels crew responsible for ensuring that all mechanical and electrical systems are operating safely and efficiently and that the vessel is operating in compliance with all relevant regulations and policies.
• The proper conduct of the preventive maintenance program for main auxiliary electrical and all deck machinery. This includes lifesaving equipment.
• Supervising the Engineering Department. The Chief Engineer is responsible for supervising the Engineering Department ensuring that all members of the crew are operating in safe and efficient manner following all company policies and procedures Collective Agreements and operating in compliance with Transport Canada regulations. The Chief Engineer must ensure that all tasks and responsibilities and delegated appropriately among members of the Engineering crew.
• Overseeing Maintenance and Repair. The Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing all maintenance and repair work that is carried out on the vessel. This includes conducting inspections of all mechanical and electrical systems diagnosing and troubleshooting issues as they arise and coordinating repairs and maintenance work as needed to minimize downtime and ensure safe and efficient vessel operation.
• Ensuring Compliance with Regulations. The Chief Engineer must ensure that the vessel is operating in compliance with all relevant Transport Canada regulation company policies Engine Room Watchkeeping Procedures and Engine Room Standing Orders. This includes monitoring adherence to regulations relating to the operation of the vessels propulsion electrical mechanical and hydraulic systems and ensuring that all necessary safety equipment is present and operational.
• Maintaining Equipment Inventory. The Chief Engineer is responsible for maintaining and inventory of all tools equipment and spare parts that are used by the Engineering Department. This includes monitoring the usage of equipment and supplies to ensure that inventory levels are always maintained at appropriate levels.
• Ensuring Environmental Compliance. The Chief Engineer must ensure that the vessel is operating in compliance with all relevant environmental regulations including requirements around oil spill response sewage discharge and other environmental concerns.
• Communication and Reporting. The Chief Engineer must maintain clear and effective communication with all members of the crew and management providing regular updates on equipment status and any issues or concerns that arise during vessel operation. They must also ensure that all necessary reports and documentation are completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner.
• Ensuring that engineering watchkeeping arrangements are adequate to maintain a safe engineering watch while underway and in port.
• Observe follow and implement the companys policies which are contained within the company manuals and other official company instructions on all machinery-related Health Safety Quality and Environment (HSQE) matters.
• Assist in the continual improvement of the HSQE procedures and identify training needs.
• The accurate monitoring and control of the ships fuel and lubricating oil consumption and the status of fuel and lubricating oil bunker quantities including ordering fuel and lube oils. Supervision of all bunkering shore to ship and the maintenance of oil transfer procedures in accordance with the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous chemicals Regulations.
• Maintaining engineering records including the Oil Record Book and refrigeration unit checks and supplying data as requested for shore management purposes.
• Foster a culture of professionalism and teamwork among all engine department officers and crew while providing regular feedback and recognition to support their growth and performance.
• Carry out emergency duties and participating in drills.
• The efficiency maintenance and safe and secure operation of the engine room and the ships machinery (inclusive of the Deck machinery and fixed firefighting systems).
• Ensuring water analysis and testing for chlorine quantity is performed.
• Monitoring constant communication with Master and Shore Administration with respect to engineering and personnel.
• Administering safety procedures in the machinery spaces.
• Ensuring the Oil Prevention Plan is followed as per Contingency Plan.
• Compliance with statutory and classification survey requirements concerning machinery and relevant spaces.
• Direct control of all ships drawings instruction books.
• Responsible for requesting new unlicensed personnel for the engine room department through the Division Director of Operations.
• The accurate entry of all operational machinery parameters by the watchkeepers and duty engineers in the engine room logbook.
• Ensuring the Practice or Maintenance of Watch Keeping Standards in Machinery Spaces.
• The reporting of any accident or damage to the ships machinery or technical plant to the Director of Fleet Engineering and Division Director of Operations.
• The repair work planning and execution on board the ship.
• Member of the Shipboard Management and Health Safety & Environment Committees.
• Incumbent shall immediately notify the Master of any relevant occurrence which may affect the health safety security marine environment or energy efficiency and any essential service of the ship.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION KNOWLEDGE WORK EXPERIENCE and SKILLS

• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience as an Engineer onboard a ship and a minimum of 2 to 3 years experience as a Chief Engineer on passenger vessels.
• Valid Marine Engineer Certificate of Competency Motor Vessel with a minimum of 4th Class Motor Class.
• Valid Marine Emergency Duties (MED) for Officers certification including Basic Safety and Proficiency in Survival Craft certifications and Advanced Firefighting certification.
• Marine Advanced First Aid Certificate.
• VPWSR Vessel Personnel with Security Responsibilities Certificates.
• Valid Transport Canada Marine Medical Certificate.
• Valid Canadian passport: Canadian citizenship or landed immigrant status with ability to enter the United States of America.
• General knowledge understanding and experience in operating maintaining and repairing engines propulsion systems and ship apparatus.
• Experience working with diesel engines generators hydraulic systems and other marine equipment.
• Knowledge of relevant Transport Canada marine regulations and vessel safety management systems.
• Strong technical and mechanical knowledge and ability to manage engineering designs and technical specifications of the vessels systems.
• Ability to supervise and lead a team of engineering staff to ensure the vessel is properly maintained and operating safely and efficiently.
• Exceptional problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities ensuring the timely diagnoses of problems and prompt repairs to reduce downtime.
• Excellent communication leadership and organizational skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Preferred applicants possess initiative are analytical problem solvers and have a team-oriented work style and a track record for safety at work.
• Ability to maintain calm and professionalism during stressful situations such as emergencies or equipment breakdowns.
• Aptitude for managing inventory levels of engineering supplies and spare parts.
• Familiarity with computer skills for online communication record management and documentation purposes.
• Proficient with Microsoft applications; ABS ship management system is an asset.
• Ability to read write understand and speak English.

SAFETY SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENT

• Zero tolerance for drugs or alcohol.
• Personal Protective Equipment (boots pants eye and ear protective wear).

Please upload your resume in PDF format.

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