Maintenance Technician – HVAC Systems on Vessels and Platforms

The Senior HVAC Maintenance Technician is responsible for leading the diagnosis, repair, optimization, and oversight of HVAC systems aboard ships and offshore platforms. This role ensures safe, reliable, and compliant operation of air conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration, and heating equipment across mission-critical areas. The senior technician acts as a technical authority in field maintenance and serves as the main point of contact for complex service tasks and mentoring junior staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• • Lead preventive and corrective maintenance of HVAC equipment including chillers, AHUs, compressors, condensers, fans, dampers, evaporators, and ducting systems.

  • Diagnose and resolve advanced electrical and mechanical faults, including control issues, refrigerant leaks, airflow imbalance, and temperature control failures.

  • Perform system optimization, including sensor calibration, VFD tuning, and air balancing across accommodation, technical spaces, and hazardous zones.

  • Oversee testing, commissioning, and restart of HVAC systems during overhauls, drydock, or post-failure recovery.

  • Ensure regulatory compliance with marine environmental and safety standards (SOLAS, MARPOL, IMO, ASHRAE).

  • Support integration of HVAC systems with fire/gas detection, automation (BMS), and emergency shutdown systems.

  • Maintain thorough documentation of maintenance records, fault logs, work permits, and spare part usage.

  • Train and mentor junior technicians in proper HVAC procedures, troubleshooting methods, and safe work practices.

  • Coordinate with engineering departments, OEM vendors, and offshore teams to schedule and execute maintenance tasks.

  • Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action planning for recurring or critical failures.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Advanced HVAC Diagnostics and System Recovery
   – Lead resolution of complex issues affecting critical HVAC performance and environmental control.

2. Marine HVAC Operational Excellence
   – Ensure systems maintain functionality in demanding maritime conditions (humidity, vibration, salt exposure).

3. Safety, Compliance, and Technical Oversight
   – Uphold HVAC system reliability and documentation in line with class society, flag state, and internal audit requirements.

4. Team Leadership and Knowledge Transfer
   – Supervise, guide, and support junior and mid-level team members in field activities and troubleshooting.

Qualifications and Skills:

• • Diploma, Associate Degree, or equivalent in Marine Engineering, HVAC Technology, or Mechanical Maintenance.

  • 6+ years of direct experience maintaining HVAC systems in marine/offshore environments.

  • Strong knowledge of HVAC/R fundamentals, refrigerant handling, airflow control, and pressure balancing.

  • Skilled in interpreting schematics, HVAC layouts, P&IDs, and electrical wiring diagrams.

  • Experience with multimeters, refrigerant gauges, airflow meters, and commissioning tools.

  • Familiar with marine HVAC system requirements for accommodation, engine rooms, hazardous areas, and electronic control rooms.

  • Knowledge of regulations and standards: SOLAS, MARPOL Annex VI, IMO ventilation codes, ASHRAE, ABS/DNV rules.

  • Ability to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, vendors, and supervisors.

  • Physically fit for offshore duty; capable of working in confined spaces, at height, and under time-sensitive conditions.

Preferred:

• • STCW-compliant training or offshore safety certifications (e.g., HUET, BOSIET).

  • Certified in EPA Section 608, marine refrigerant recovery, or equivalent.

  • Experience with automated HVAC controls, BMS systems, or PLC-driven air systems.

  • Exposure to HVAC maintenance on naval vessels, FPSOs, LNG tankers, or cruise ships.