Marine technical superintendent (degree)

Reference Number: ST0623

Details of standard

Occupation summary

The Marine Technical Superintendent (MTS) is a shore-based, technical role responsible for the safe and economic operation of one or more vessels. They oversee vessel performance and are responsible for the technical and operational condition of vessels from an engineering perspective, including the planning and execution of refit and fleet time maintenance programmes, implementing and monitoring compliance and ensuring vessels are fully certified according to international maritime legislative requirements and classification society regulations.

The duties and responsibilities of the MTS are significantly broader than those of a sea-going engineer and require advanced skills in leadership and management, financial and commercial proficiency, project management expertise and the commitment to keep abreast of emerging technologies, including cybersecurity and ship automation. The MTS would also provide subject-matter expertise in the event of an emergency response situation. This is primarily a senior engineering management role, with typical progression routes from sea-going and shore-based occupations. Typically, the MTS reports to the Technical or Fleet Manager overseeing operations and all Chief Engineers in the fleet would typically report to the MTS.

Entry requirements

Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their Apprenticeships. Entrants to the role should typically have a foundation level qualification (level 5) and experience in a maritime engineering discipline, preferably as a second engineer officer or electro-technical officer with equivalent experience. However, suitable candidates may also have a background in the management of ship-repair or experience as a classification society surveyor.

Occupation duties

KSBs

Knowledge

K1 Vessel construction and operation for a fleet of vessels of varying types and complexity

K2 Programmes/schedules for refit, fleet time maintenance, planned maintenance systems (PMS), regular servicing, dry docking, vessel upgrades, repair and internal / external audits

K3 Financial strategies to manage technical budgets in order to successfully monitor and control maintenance and repair costs

K4 Insurance stakeholder roles (broker, underwriter, surveyor) for the effective processing of Maritime insurance claims

K5 Regulatory compliance frameworks for the technical management of vessels, crew safety and protection of the environment such as International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG), ISM Code, Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), International Labour Organisation Maritime Labour Convention (ILO MLC), Flag State, International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) requirements, hazard analysis tools and workforce health and safety legislation and how they affect technical planning

K6 Relationships and responsibilities of Flag State, Port State Control and Classification Societies

K7 Processes and appropriate record-keeping for risk assessment, vessel audit and inspection and accident investigation

K8 Leading and managing teams successfully, including conflict resolution and managing difficult conversations

K9 Effective oral and written communication strategies and a working knowledge of the terminology used in this occupation

K10 How to access industry news and market trends through relevant publications and technical bulletins, such as those published by International Maritime Organisation (IMO) or IMarEST etc

Skills

S1 Evaluate complex, technical information from many sources drawing accurate conclusions and making informed decisions

S2 Predict and solve operational problems with innovative solutions where appropriate and using integrated software solutions to aid problem solving

S3 Work within any necessary commercial and budgetary constraints to ensure vessels remain in a safe and seaworthy condition in accordance with Classification Society and Flag State requirements, are operated safely and meet all necessary regulatory standards

S4 Organise and plan technical projects within agreed strict deadlines and budget, and to agreed quality standards to optimise the utilisation of vessels within a given fleet. Ensure that all work is completed in accordance with the appropriate contract and that extra and emergent work is completed within financial and time constraints ensuring required quality standards are met

S5 Manage the operating expenditure (OPEX) and capital expenditure (CAPEX) technical budgets for the maintenance and dry docking of vessels in the fleet, including monitoring and control of the cost of repairs, spare parts, fuel and lube oil usage

S6 Develop and apply an understanding of maritime sector economics to support well-founded commercial decision-making. Analyse financial data and liaise with all relevant stakeholders to maintain an efficient technical operation

S7 Successfully implement compliance frameworks for the technical management of vessels, crew safety and protection of the environment such as SOLAS, MARPOL, IMDG Code, ISM Code, STCW, ILO MLC, Flag State, ISO requirements and workforce health and safety legislation

S8 Build, lead and manage multifunctional teams, interacting with and influencing a range of internal and external stakeholders. Develop HR-related skills such as the performance management of staff, recruitment and selection activities etc.

S9 Act as a team player when operating as part of a wider team

S10 Communicate effectively and professionally with all levels within and across the organisation, both at-sea and on-shore.Positively challenge to affect change where appropriate

S11 Develop and maintain close working relationships with stakeholders to ensure that all parties are aware of operational and technical requirements

S12 Support vessel’s senior staff with technical expertise and knowledge of options (e.g 3rd party assistance) during emergencies

S13 Effectively liaise with relevant manufacturers regarding technological advances

S14 Effectively scope, allocate accurate budgetary costs and present a business case for vessel upgrades or the adoption of emerging technologies to optimise performance

Behaviours

B1 Be self-motivated with the ability to work independently and with integrity

B2 Able to take personal responsibility for their actions, demonstrate leadership and show resilience

B3 Able to work under pressure to tight deadlines

B4 Be an implementer of best practice in technical and safety management, complying with the International Safety Management (ISM) code and adhering to the company’s safety management systems (SMS). Promote and adopt a safety culture within the organisation, taking responsibility for effective problem-solving, emergency response and safeguarding the company’s reputation

B5 Able to interact and influence a range of stakeholders

B6 Able to integrate technical operations with financial requirements

B7 Able to function as an enabler to provide services rendered in an efficient and transparent way

B8 Promote the case for the adoption of emerging technologies to optimise performance

B9 Enable their own professional development, seeking opportunities to enhance their knowledge, skills and experience. Keeping abreast of current industry advances in advanced manufacturing and computer technologies such as cybersecurity best practice and ship automation, and their potential application in an engineering capacity. Maintaining awareness of new regulations and compliance requirements

B10 Maintaining awareness of new regulations and compliance requirements

Qualifications

English and Maths qualifications
Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Other qualifications 

• BEng Engineering / 6 (non-integrated degree)

Professional recognition

• Recognised by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology at IENG Level

Additional details

Occupational Level: 7

Duration (months): 36

Review

This standard will be reviewed after three years.

Crown copyright © 2019. You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. Visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence