Safety, Training & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Permit-to-Work systems for all high-risk operations.
• Provide mentoring and training to ETO ship engineers, ensuring broad operational experience.
• Assist younger engineers by guiding them through advanced plant and machinery assessments, including hydraulic systems, forklifts, and telehandlers.
• Ensure the ship has logistical readiness for cruises by maintaining adequate spare parts and scientific machinery stores.

Legislative & Logistical Support

• Stay updated on maritime legislation relevant to deck engineering, particularly around health, safety, environmental regulations, and Polar-specific operational standards.
• Proactively maintain PMS digitised records, issue reports, and implement predictive and preventative maintenance protocols.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Essential Requirements

• Valid Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG1) without restrictions.
• STCW 2010 Approved Certificates (Personal Survival Techniques – PST, Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting – FPFF, Emergency First Aid – EFA, and Personal Safety & Social Responsibility – PSSR).
• Minimum Degree in Mechanical/naval/marine engineering or equivalent qualification (e.g., HND or higher).
• Strong understanding of H&S (Health and Safety), security, and environmental compliances in maritime and polar environments.
• Extensive experience in hydraulic systems, particularly operating and maintaining cranes, platforms, and lifts.
• Proficiency in computerised Planned Maintenance Systems, with ability to create condition-based maintenance programs.
• Capability to carry out hydraulic system fault diagnosis, operating and maintaining open- and closed-loop hydraulic systems.
• Excellent delegation, multitasking, and time management skills in high-pressure environments.
• Demonstrated strong leadership, technical problem-solving, and team coordination abilities.
• Fluency in oral and written communication (esp. clearly relaying instructions across technical and non-technical teams).
• Spatial reasoning and hands-on technical knowledge of machinery (spare parts management, repair, and maintenance).

Desirable Experience

• Industry-recognised crane operators certificate from shipping or engineering institutions.
• Additional courses in:
  • STCW Medical First Aid
  • Survival Craft & Rescue Boats
  • Designated Security Duties (SOPEP)
  • Hydraulic Hose Inspection, Assembly & Testing
    • High Risk Enclosed Space Training
• Field experience in variable-frequency drives and high-speed diesel engine systems.
• Relevant skills in variable frequency drives (VFD) and marine science logistics.
• Polar operations experience will be highly advantageous (particularly with RRS Sir David Attenborough).

Additional Requirements

• BASMedical clearance must be secured before Polar deployment.
• Security clearance (or eligibility to undergo security vetting) as per UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) standards. Employer reserves the right to re-check or revise security approvals throughout employment.

Benefits

Selected Benefits for Deck Engineers:

• Access to a generous defined-benefit pension scheme.
• Comprehensive sickness benefits for Australian deployments and medical/psychological support in Polar regions.
• Full accommodation, meals, and specialised clothing provided during deployments.
• Multi-business discount scheme offering discounts on sports equipment, environmental products, and travel (Golden Pass).
• Extensive training support including further professional education and certifications.

Flexible Working & Incentives

• Deployment to Antarctic environments, leading to unique global experience.
• Contributing to groundbreaking scientific research in critical environmental and climate studies.