Chief Engineer, Unlicensed

ABOUT UNCRUISE

At UnCruise Adventures, we work together to provide an enriching adventure experience while inspiring an appreciation of local cultures and the natural world. This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with manta rays, and share air with whales. Our destinations include Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, & Baja California.

PERKS

• Heath care benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• 401k with employer match (qualifications required)
• Credential reimbursement (qualifications required)
• Travel provided to and from the vessel
• Rotation schedule

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Engineer position begins in shipyard (Seattle, WA) over the winter months prior to the summer 2026 Alaska Sailing Season. The Chief Engineer will work a rotational schedule during the season.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the maintenance, operation, and repair of all vessel systems. On our larger vessels the Chief Engineer manages Assistant Engineer. The Chief Engineer reports to the Master of the vessel and will assist the Master in communicating and enforcing all company policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Maritime Engineering School Graduate in good standing and/or a Designated Duty Engineer License, or equivalent, preferred.
• Two years experience as Engineer onboard similar sized passenger vessels preferred.
• Strong knowledge of diesel propulsion and electrical generating systems, fuel centrifuges, air compressors, pumps, hydraulics, water makers, hotel systems, plumbing, refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning.
• Maintain professional demeanor at all times.
• Strong time management skills: able to handle multiple tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Crisis management: work well under pressure, act quickly and decisively using sound judgment.
• Computer experience: Microsoft programs Excel, Word, and SharePoint are required.

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Government ID (REAL ID Compliant) or Passport 
• CPR / First Aid / AED  
• TWIC 

Preferred Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• STCW Basic Training
• STCW Crowd Management
• STCW Crisis Management 
• STCW Medical First Aid Provider
• VPDSD
• STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft
• STCW Advanced Fire Fighting
• DDE 1000hp or higher
• QMED
• Shipyard Competent Person
• CDC Technical Training

Company Provided:

• Drug/Alcohol Test Specimen Collector 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Repair and Maintenance:

• Maintain the ship in a state of readiness at all times.
• Maintain potable water and auto chlorination system.
• Maintain black water/gray water/waste tanks, treatment, and testing program.
• Monitor and ensures completion of all deficiencies noted in Cabin Maintenance Notebook.
• Oversee all fuel, oil and Potable water bunkering operations and ensures safety and environmental compliance.
• Oversee and maintain vessel systems including engineering, deck and hotel department preventative maintenance programs on a daily, weekly and monthly basis with the support of the Assistant Engineer.
• Proactively participates in drydocking, shipyard repair and maintenance periods.

Supervisory:

• Directly supervises the Assistant Engineer (where applicable).  
• Monitors and counsels work performance throughout the year and conducts written performance evaluations.  
• Trains all new and relief Chief Engineers and Assistant Engineers.

 Administrative:

• Keep vessel maintenance records, inventories, and voyage status reports. Make proposals for maintenance and repair projects. 
• Assist in building the annual shipyard budget and manage projects to the established budget.
• Maintain log sheets for all equipment.
• Oversee all accounting reports, inventory and requisitions regarding equipment maintenance.
•  Track all vessel Non-Conformity Reports and Equipment Deficiencies in the company PMP (HELM) program for vessels 

 Safety and Security:

• Follow company safety and pollution prevention policies and procedures and will request supervisory assistance/guidance when necessary.
• Conduct periodic inspections to ensure that crew observes regulations pertaining to safe vessel operation.
• Prepare the vessel for all U.S. Coast Guard annual drydocks and other inspections.
• Participate in shore side and on-board training as required by the company.  
• Maintain familiarity with all duties under the company Safety Management System including Emergency Response Activities.

 Communication Skills:

The Chief Engineer will interact with our passengers daily and must be professional and engaging at all times. Must be able to interpret maritime technical literature and governmental regulations. Must be able to verbalize and write technical information clearly and precisely.

ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Living Conditions- Crew live in close quarters with 4 to 8 people of all genders per room depending on the vessel. Having your own room is not an option due to limited berthing.
• Chief Engineer Sailing/Shipyard Length of Work Shift - Physically able to work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week for 4 to 8 weeks at a time. Rotations off the vessel are usually 2-4 weeks. During shipyard, works hours are assigned by the vessel Master; these are typically Monday to Friday, 0700-1530. 
• Mobility- Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and pushing/pulling. Must ascend and descend stairs and ladders, sometimes while carrying tools or objects. Able to stand or sit for long periods of time.
• Handling/Strength- Able to handle, lift, and lower objects totaling 50 pounds between the ground/deck level to a height of about 4 to 6 feet, and able to repeat these movements. Able to carry these objects up to 100 feet continuously for 20 minutes.
• Environmental Conditions- Able to work in all weather conditions, around loud noise, in small spaces, and fit through a 28-inch wide hatch.

BASE PAY

$415 - $487/day - Wage is based on Vessel Placement