The Steam Plant Operator is responsible for the independent operation, monitoring, and routine maintenance of marine boiler and auxiliary steam systems onboard ships or in shore-based marine facilities. This role ensures continuous, safe, and efficient steam generation to support propulsion and shipboard services. The operator actively monitors boiler performance, maintains water chemistry, handles routine malfunctions, and collaborates with engineers during planned maintenance, inspections, and overhauls.
Operate main and auxiliary marine boilers, including fuel-burning and exhaust gas economizers, ensuring steady steam supply
Monitor operating parameters (steam pressure, water level, fuel pressure, temperature, draft) and adjust controls accordingly
Conduct routine boiler water chemistry tests and dosing, ensuring compliance with treatment protocols
Log performance data and maintain boiler logbooks as per operational and regulatory requirements
Perform or assist with daily and weekly maintenance, including burner cleaning, gauge checks, valve lubrication, and soot blowing
Respond to abnormal conditions, alarms, and fluctuations by implementing appropriate corrective actions
Participate in boiler blowdown, start-up, and shutdown procedures following established checklists
Support emergency drills and perform watchkeeping duties as part of the engineering team
Assist in troubleshooting combustion problems, control system anomalies, and steam leaks
Coordinate with marine engineers, inspectors, and fitters during dry-dock periods or system overhauls
Operational reliability and monitoring of marine steam systems
Boiler chemistry, combustion efficiency, and fuel system handling
Collaboration in maintenance planning and recordkeeping
Adherence to maritime regulatory requirements (IMO, SOLAS, Class society)
Education:
Marine Engineering diploma, Class 4 license (or in progress), or equivalent vocational training in marine propulsion and steam systems
Experience:
3–6 years of hands-on experience in marine or industrial boiler operation, including at-sea or shipyard duty
Technical Skills:
Proficient in boiler controls, fuel and air management, water level regulation, and alarm response
Able to conduct and interpret water chemistry tests (pH, phosphate, chloride, conductivity, etc.)
Familiarity with manual and automated burner systems, exhaust gas boilers, and economizers
Knowledge of marine safety protocols, steam system layout, and emergency shutdown procedures
Soft Skills:
Strong situational awareness and decision-making during live operations
Team coordination during shiftwork and maintenance routines
Clear communication and report writing for engineering logs
High attention to safety, reliability, and operational excellence