Barge Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Barge Engineer to oversee and coordinate all marine operations aboard our offshore drilling unit. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of personnel, environmental compliance, and operational efficiency while maintaining the integrity of the vessel and its equipment. This position requires a proactive leader with a strong technical background in marine engineering, stability management, and emergency response protocols.

Key Responsibilities

The Barge Engineer will be responsible for the following critical functions:

• Marine Operations Supervision: Oversee all marine-related activities, including safety protocols, environmental compliance, firefighting equipment readiness, lifting operations, rig moves, jacking system operations, stability and ballast controls, helicopter operations, hull and tank maintenance, and emergency response roles.
• Rig Move Coordination:
  • Supervise and arrange preparations for rig moves, including stability calculations for jacking, floating, and preloading operations.
  • Monitor weather forecasts to determine optimal rig move windows and preload hours.
  • Review soil condition reports to anticipate expected penetration and ensure compliance with rig move preparation checklists.
  • Verify that jacking systems, motors, mooring winches, and towing equipment are maintained, operational, and certified.
  • Ensure the drilling package, cantilever, cranes, and loose items are secured in accordance with seamanship best practices and operational manuals.
  • Participate in and arrange rig move meetings, maintaining comprehensive records of associated documents and move history.
  • Conduct watertight integrity checks to ensure vessel safety.
• Stability Management:
  • Monitor and calculate daily rig loading, leg reactions, fuel/water supplies, and centers of gravity to ensure compliance with design limits for safe operation.
  • Verify that deck loading adheres to loading criteria outlined in the rig design and operational manuals.
• Lifting Operations Oversight:
  • Supervise and direct the loading, unloading, and movement of all cargo, including planning and executing critical and complex lifting operations.
  • Coordinate personnel transfers both onboard and outboard the unit, ensuring the security of lifted items and personnel through accurate load distribution calculations.
• Drilling and Work-over Operations Support:
  • Collaborate with the drilling crew to ensure safe and efficient operations, assigning crew members as required to support drilling activities.
• Emergency Response Management:
  • Serve as a key member of the Rig’s Emergency Response Team, adhering to the Emergency Plan and Company Procedures.
  • Instruct all personnel on applicable emergency procedures and conduct regular drills, including Well Control and general safety exercises, in compliance with Company and Regulatory requirements.
• Inspections and Certifications:
  • Prepare for and participate in inspections and surveys in accordance with Class, statutory, and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain the unit’s statutory certifications and records as mandated by Class, Flag, and other regulatory bodies, including STCW conventions issued by the IMO.
• Equipment and Maintenance Oversight:
  • Monitor all preventive maintenance activities for marine, helideck, navigation, firefighting, and lifesaving equipment, ensuring timely execution and certification.
  • Collaborate with the Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) and Maintenance Department to address outstanding maintenance, repairs, and audit recommendations.
  • Develop and review annual plans for hull and tank painting, ensuring timely completion and compliance with industry standards.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates for this role must possess the following:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role aboard offshore drilling units, with hands-on expertise in rig moves, stability management, and emergency response.
• Strong knowledge of Class and statutory regulations, including STCW conventions and IMO guidelines.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and coordinate complex operations under pressure.
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities, with a commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.
• Proficiency in using marine engineering software and tools for stability calculations, load distribution, and equipment certification.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The Barge Engineer will operate in a dynamic offshore environment, requiring the ability to work in various weather conditions and adapt to the demands of a 24/7 operational schedule. The role may involve extended periods at sea, with responsibilities extending to emergency response scenarios. Physical stamina, technical proficiency, and a strong commitment to safety are essential for success in this position.