The Maintenance Manager – Shipboard HVAC Systems is responsible for planning, executing, and optimizing the preventive and corrective maintenance of HVAC systems across a fleet of vessels. This role ensures consistent environmental control performance, regulatory compliance, crew/passenger comfort, and the long-term reliability of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning infrastructure onboard ships.
Lead the scheduled maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of HVAC systems, including chillers, AHUs, ductwork, compressors, exhaust fans, and control systems.
Manage the preventive maintenance program, CMMS scheduling, and spare parts inventory for all HVAC-related assets across vessels.
Oversee diagnostics and repairs for system inefficiencies, refrigerant issues, air balancing, and temperature/humidity deviations.
Ensure compliance with marine environmental and safety regulations (IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL Annex VI, USCG) regarding ventilation and air quality.
Maintain documentation of service records, performance logs, maintenance history, and regulatory inspections.
Supervise HVAC technicians and coordinate with onboard engineering teams for work execution during port calls or drydock.
Support energy efficiency initiatives by tracking system performance and recommending upgrades (e.g., VFDs, smart thermostats, eco-mode operation).
Liaise with equipment OEMs, shore-based engineering, and regulatory authorities for technical assistance and compliance audits.
Assist in preparing technical reports, failure root cause analysis, and life-cycle cost assessments for HVAC infrastructure.
Enforce safety protocols during HVAC maintenance activities, especially in confined spaces or hazardous environments.
Manage HVAC vendor service agreements and oversee outsourced repair or commissioning activities as needed.
Reliability and Uptime Optimization
Ensure high HVAC system availability across operating vessels to maintain environmental control under all sailing conditions.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety
Maintain systems in full compliance with IMO, SOLAS, and flag-state standards, especially for air quality and fire zone ventilation.
Preventive and Predictive Maintenance
Implement proactive maintenance strategies using CMMS data to reduce unplanned downtime and extend system life.
Technical Troubleshooting and Continuous Improvement
Lead fault investigations, optimize system performance, and upgrade aging components or legacy systems.
Crew Comfort and Environmental Control
Maintain comfortable and safe climate conditions across crew quarters, engine rooms, accommodation blocks, and mission-critical areas.
Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
7+ years of experience in HVAC maintenance within the marine, offshore, or industrial sector.
Hands-on knowledge of shipboard HVAC systems, including air handlers, chillers, control systems, air balancing, and filtration.
Familiarity with marine safety/environmental regulations and vessel inspection regimes (e.g., class societies, flag state audits).
Experience with CMMS platforms and preventive maintenance planning tools.
Strong organizational and leadership skills with experience managing multi-vessel or fleet-level maintenance programs.
Effective communication and coordination skills with ship crew, shore teams, and OEM vendors.
Understanding of HVAC refrigerant management and F-gas regulations is an advantage.
Marine Engineer (Class 3 or above) or HVAC Technician certification.
Experience in cruise, defense/naval, offshore support, or RoPax vessels.
Certifications in HVAC/R, EPA refrigerant handling, or ISO 14001/OHSAS 18001 systems.
Familiarity with HVAC monitoring systems, smart controls, and remote diagnostics.