What you need to perform it
Primary qualification
- STCW III/2 Chief Engineer certificate (≥ 3,000 kW) or the equivalent the flag requires in the unit's safe-manning document.
- Management-level high voltage (A-III/2) — drilling plants typically run at 6.6-11 kV.
- BOSIET/FOET with CA-EBS, offshore medical and familiarisation with the unit's MODU Code.
Basic STCW
- A-VI/1
- A-VI/2
- A-VI/3
- A-VI/4
- OPITO BOSIET
Specific courses
- Diesel-electric plant management: PMS, load sharing and blackout recovery
- DP Awareness/Maintenance on dynamically positioned units
- Well-control awareness for technical staff (indicative per contractor)
- Management-level ERM and multicultural team leadership
Indicative experience
STCW III/2 plus, indicatively, 12+ months as 2nd Engineer on offshore units before the top job; semis and drillships additionally require history with the specific DP configuration.
Observations
Plant failure on a DP unit is a well-safety event (loss of position): the maintenance plan is audited by operator and class. Progression: 2nd Engineer → Chief Engineer → Technical Section Leader / fleet technical superintendent.
What this role does
The MODU's senior plant authority: power generation, propulsion and thrusters (on floaters), the drilling package's hydraulic and pneumatic systems, HVAC, water and sanitation. Leads the technical team (mechanics, electricians, ETs), runs planned maintenance and budget and answers to the OIM that the unit never loses power or position for plant reasons.
Typical watches
- Day work / 24 hour availability for emergencies
Key responsibilities
- Full responsibility for all mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems.
- Preventive maintenance program management (CMMS).
- Supervision of the technical machine team.
- Coordination with IOM for the technical integrity of the installation.
- Inventory management of critical parts and fuels.
Operational scope
- Engine room
- Electrical generation system
- DP propulsion
- Drilling systems (mechanical)
Profile reviewed by HydroAbyss (2026). Cited rules and timeframes are indicative: the final requirement is set by the flag State, the Administration and each company.