A marine superintendent oversees the operation of a ship, a fleet, or a marine-based location such as an oil rig. The superintendent is in charge of day-to-day operations as well as personnel hiring. A director of operations or a general manager is usually the marine superintendent’s boss.
This person is in charge of ensuring that all safety regulations are adhered to. The marine superintendent is also responsible for overseeing the installation of new machinery and equipment, as well as ensuring that everything on a boat or rig is in working order. Although the superintendent may delegate safety and compliance checks to others, the superintendent is ultimately responsible for these aspects of the operation. When safety policies or procedures are changed, the superintendent must inform employees of the new procedures.
Many countries have laws that limit emissions and specify how waste and pollutants must be disposed of boat and rig operators. All employees must be aware of environmental laws, according to the marine superintendent. If the firm is found to be in violation of local laws, government inspectors have the authority to conduct spot checks, and the superintendent is responsible for developing action plans to reduce waste and emissions. When companies break environmental laws in some countries, government agencies can levy fines, so the superintendent must protect the company’s financial interests ensuring that no fines or penalties are imposed.
Superintendents are in charge of hiring and firing employees in most cases. Entry-level workers are employed oil rigs and fleet companies, but skilled engineers, boat captains, and mechanics must have college degrees and industry experience. The superintendent conducts interviews and reviews job applications to find the best candidates for open positions. As a result, superintendents must have a broad understanding of the various job functions performed these workers. Superintendents are usually in charge of negotiating salaries with new employees because they have some control over the fleet or rig budget.
Marine superintendents are sometimes hired government agencies to oversee operations at shipyards, national oil rigs, or government-run boat fleets. The navy in many countries employs one or more superintendents to oversee ship and other types of marine vessel operations. Navy superintendents employed the government are in charge of day-to-day operations in both combat and peacetime.
A superintendent typically needs a bachelor’s degree in marine or mechanical engineering. Superintendents must also typically progress through the ranks from junior positions on boat crews or rigs. Many companies hire a deputy marine superintendent to assist the superintendent, and experienced deputies frequently take over vacant superintendent positions.