Technical Superintendent

Position Summary

The Technical Superintendent is responsible for the safe, reliable, and cost-effective technical management of assigned vessels. The role ensures full compliance with statutory, class, charterer, and company requirements, while driving proactive maintenance, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement across the fleet. The Technical Superintendent acts as the primary technical custodian for assigned vessels and serves as the key interface between shipboard teams, office management, and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Management & Vessel Performance

• Oversee the overall technical condition, safety, and operational readiness of assigned vessels.

• Monitor and analyse machinery performance, fuel efficiency, and system reliability, identifying areas for improvement.

• Ensure continuous awareness of vessel condition through daily monitoring, reporting, and proactive engagement (not reactive intervention).

• Review vessel reports (monthly, voyage, defect reports) and provide timely guidance and follow-up actions.

2. Maintenance, Defect & Reliability Management

• Plan, monitor, and verify the execution of Planned Maintenance System (PMS) for all critical equipment.

• Ensure all defects are properly reported, tracked, and rectified, maintaining alignment between PMS, defect lists, and inspection findings.

• Analyse recurring failures and implement preventive and corrective actions to enhance reliability.

• Manage critical equipment status, spare parts planning, and long lead-time procurement.

3. Dry Docking, Repairs & Projects

• Plan, budget, and execute dry docking, repairs, and major maintenance projects.

• Prepare docking specifications, evaluate quotations, and recommend shipyards in coordination with management.

• Monitor progress, cost, and quality of repairs, ensuring completion on time and within budget.

• Ensure all outstanding defects, PMS jobs, and service requirements are incorporated into docking scope.

4. Budgeting & Cost Control

• Prepare and manage annual technical budgets, including repairs, dry docking, and spares.

• Monitor vessel operating expenses and implement cost optimization measures without compromising safety and compliance.

• Ensure transparency and justification of unbudgeted expenses.

5. Compliance, Surveys & Audits

• Ensure compliance with:

o Flag State, Class, and statutory requirements

o ISM Code, MARPOL, and company QSMS procedures

• Plan and track surveys, certifications, and inspections, ensuring timely completion and deficiency closure.

• Conduct technical inspections, audits, and vessel visits, issuing reports and ensuring effective close-out.

• Support PSC, SIRE/CDI inspections and follow-up on findings.

6. Ship Visits, Inspections & Crew Engagement

• Conduct regular vessel visits, condition inspections, and technical audits.

• Provide onboard guidance, training, and mentoring to ship staff to enhance technical standards and safety culture.

• Ensure effective communication with Masters and Chief Engineers, promoting accountability and technical ownership.

7. Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary liaison with:

o Ship staff and ship managers

o Classification societies, Flag Administrations

o Shipyards, vendors, OEMs, and service providers

• Coordinate with internal departments (Marine, Crewing, Procurement, HSEQ) for integrated fleet management.

8. Safety, Incident Response & Continuous Improvement

• Investigate technical failures, incidents, and breakdowns, including root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.

• Participate in emergency response activities as required.

• Drive continuous improvement through:

o KPI monitoring

o Lessons learned dissemination

o Process and system enhancements

9. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and auditable technical records, reports, and vessel documentation.

• Ensure proper filing and traceability in accordance with QSMS requirements.

• Prepare technical reports for management, owners, and external stakeholders.

Other Requirements

• Chief Engineer (Class 1 Motor) or equivalent seagoing qualification
• Prior experience on tanker vessels (chemical/product) preferred

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of:

o ISM Code, MARPOL, Class & statutory requirements

o Tanker operations and industry standards

• Proficiency with:

o PMS systems, defect management platforms

o Technical reporting tools and MS Office

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability

• Ability to manage multiple vessels and competing priorities

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong sense of ownership and accountability for vessels

• Proactive and hands-on approach (not reactive firefighting)

• Effective communicator across multicultural ship and shore teams

• Ability to influence and drive performance improvements

• High level of integrity, professionalism, and safety focus

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel globally for vessel visits, inspections, and dockings

• Ability to work under pressure and respond to operational emergencies