Marine Technician / Marine Mechanic

Position Summary

The Marine Technician is responsible for the specialized mechanical and technical upkeep of marine craft, including tugboats, pilot boats, speedboats, and auxiliary port vessels. This role demands a deep understanding of marine propulsion, onboard auxiliary systems, and saltwater corrosion mitigation to ensure the vessel fleet achieves maximum sea-readiness and safely complies with international maritime regulations.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Install, service, diagnose, and overhaul inboard and outboard marine diesel engines (e.g., Perkins, Caterpillar, Cummins, Volvo Penta) and waterjet propulsion units.
• Troubleshoot and repair marine auxiliary equipment, including bilge and ballast pumps, hydraulic steering networks, fresh/seawater cooling systems, and marine refrigeration.
• Assist in checking and maintaining 12V/24V DC and 110V/220V AC marine electrical distribution boards, battery banks, charging systems, and basic navigation electronics.
• Inspect and maintain stern drives, propeller shafts, rudders, zinc anodes, and thru-hull fittings, and actively participate in slipway or dry-dock vessel overhauls.
• Conduct rigorous sea trials alongside marine crews to test machinery performance, monitor operating parameters under load, and troubleshoot intermittent marine mechanical faults.
• Ensure all maintenance activities align with international maritime protocols (STCW/SOLAS), local Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) safety regulations, and the ISM Code.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Diploma or Higher National Diploma in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (Marine Option), or an equivalent certified technical qualification from a recognized institution.
• Active registration as a Technician with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) for Diploma holders.
• Valid Lloyds Standard Welder Certificate.
• Valid STCW basic safety training certifications are highly desirable ; valid Seafarer Medical Fitness Certificate is an added asset.
• Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of active, hands-on experience troubleshooting and repairing marine engines and auxiliary systems in a shipyard, marine terminal, or busy port facility.
• Direct experience maintaining marine craft, tugs, or infrastructure assets within Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) installations or a reputable marine organization is a distinct advantage.
• Exceptional capability to read marine hydraulic layouts and mechanical schematics; proficiency in ICT and Knowledge in ISM Code DAMOS or applicable systems; deep understanding of port equipment operations.

How to Apply: Send your CV and cover letter only to careers@oildrop.co.ke Applications reviewed on a rolling basis, early applications encouraged.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Oildrop Africa Limited is an equal opportunity employer. All positions require deep commitment to a zero-harm safety culture.

Important Notice: Oildrop Africa Limited (OAL) never charges candidates any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. If you are asked to make a payment for a job opportunity claiming to be from OAL, it is a scam.

*Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted*