Starts on this apprenticeship are paused in the absence of an End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO). Starts will be permitted again once a suitable EPAO is in place.

Overview of the role

Overseeing vessel performance and the technical and operational condition of vessels.

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

Duty KSBs

Duty 1 Provide guidance and solutions to technical issues to ensure the full technical readiness and optimum performance of vessels in meeting the service commitments of the organisation.

K1 K5 K6 K12

S1 S2 S3

B1 B2 B3 B4

Duty 2 Plan, coordinate and project manage fleet-time maintenance programmes, regular service periods, dry-dockings and vessel upgrades.

K2 K8 K9

S4

B2 B3 B4 B5 B6

Duty 3 Manage and control technical budgets for maintenance, repair, re-fit, spare parts, lube oil, chemical and gases and other consumables.

K3 K4

S5 S6

B1 B2 B3 B5 B6

Duty 4 Coordinate and control the supply of spare parts and necessary vessel equipment.

K2

S3 S4

B2 B5

Duty 5 Execute and commission surveys, inspections and certification in line with the requirements of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, maritime legislation, classification society regulations, Flag State requirements and other standards required by the company.

K5 K6 K7

S7 S10

B4 B7

Duty 6 Be an implementer of best practice in safety management and promote safety and safe working practices as an operational necessity.

K5 K6

S7 S10

B4

Duty 7 Lead and manage multi-functional teams, including contribution to HR processes such as recruitment and performance management of staff.

K8

S8 S9 S10

B1 B2 B5

Duty 8 Provide effective communication across all levels within the organisation to inform of significant operational/technical issues that impact on the availability of vessels within the fleet and acting as the principal point of contact between ship and shore-based staff.

K9 K11

S10 S11

B5

Duty 9 Provide a leading role and technical expertise in the event of an emergency response situation.

K1 K5 K6 K11

S8

B3 B4

Duty 10 Keep abreast of current and emerging industry advances and their application in an engineering capacity. Promoting the case for vessel upgrades or the adoption of emerging technologies to optimise performance.

K10

S1 S2 S12 S13

B8 B9

Duty 11 Maintain awareness of new regulatory and compliance requirements.

K5 K12

S7

B10


KSBs

Knowledge

K1: Vessel construction and operation for a fleet of vessels of varying types and complexity. Back to Duty

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

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

K4: Insurance stakeholder roles (broker, underwriter, surveyor) for the effective processing of Maritime insurance claims. Back to Duty

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 and workforce health and safety legislation and how they affect technical planning. Back to Duty

K6: Clear understanding of the relationships and responsibilities of Flag State, Port State Control and Classification Societies. Back to Duty

K7: Processes and appropriate record-keeping for risk assessment, vessel audit and inspection and accident investigation. Back to Duty

K8: Leading and managing teams successfully, including conflict resolution and managing difficult conversations. Back to Duty

K9: Effective oral and written communication strategies and a working knowledge of the terminology used in this occupation. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

K11: Technical expertise and knowledge of options (e.g. 3rd party assistance) during emergencies. Back to Duty

K12: Relationships and responsibilities of Flag State, Port State Control and Classification Societies. Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Evaluate complex, technical information from many sources drawing accurate conclusions and making informed decisions. Back to Duty

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

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. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

S9: Act as a team player when operating as part of a wider team. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

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

S12: Effectively liaise with relevant manufacturers regarding technological advances. Back to Duty

S13: Effectively scope, allocate accurate budgetary costs and present a business case for vessel upgrades or the adoption of emerging technologies to optimise performance. Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Be self-motivated with the ability to work independently and with integrity. Back to Duty

B2: Able to take personal responsibility for their actions, demonstrate leadership and show resilience. Back to Duty

B3: Able to work under pressure to tight deadlines Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

B5: Able to interact and influence a range of stakeholders. Back to Duty

B6: Able to integrate technical operations with financial requirements Back to Duty

B7: Able to function as an enabler to provide services rendered in an efficient and transparent way. Back to Duty

B8: Promote the case for the adoption of emerging technologies to optimise performance. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

B10: Maintaining awareness of new regulations and compliance requirements. Back to Duty


Qualifications

English and Maths

Other mandatory qualifications

High Level Qualification

BEng Engineering degree

Level: 6 (non-integrated degree)

Professional recognition

This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:

  • Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology for IENG Level


Additional details

Occupational Level:

7

Duration (months):

36

Review

Status: Approved for delivery (available for starts)
Level: 7
Degree: non-integrated degree
Reference: ST0623
Version: 1.1
Date updated: 01/04/2022
Approved for delivery: 13 May 2019
Route: Engineering and manufacturing
Typical duration to gateway: 36 months (this does not include EPA period)
Maximum funding: £12000
LARS Code: 455
Employers involved in creating the standard: Carmet Tug Co, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Svitzer, Holyhead Towing, Brookes Bell, Stena / Northern Marine, Seatruck Ferries

Version log

Version Change detail Earliest start date Latest start date
1.1 Standard revised 19/07/2019 Not set
1.0 Retired 13/05/2019 18/07/2019

Crown copyright © 2024. 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

Is this webpage useful?

Thank you for your feedback

Tell us about your experience