Engine Room Assistant Full-time Job

We are seeking a self-starter and a positive team player who provides essential vessel safety and operational expertise.  

Reporting to the 1st Engineer, Engine Room Assistants are responsible for:  

 

• Monitoring machinery including maintaining oil and water levels; checking temperatures and pressures of main and auxiliary engines, gear boxes, compressors and winches; ensuring operation of boilers; handling chemicals for testing; monitoring all pumps; relieving the watch; and doing rounds. Communicating in person and or by radio with ships’ officers and ticketing staff 

• Performing general housekeeping including cleaning of all shipboard machinery, bilges and spaces; prepping and painting machinery and engine room spaces; removing garbage; and polishing brass fixtures 

• Assisting the Engineers with maintenance work including oil and filter changes, engine adjustments, steering gear checks, and leg alignments; starting main engines and auxiliaries; taking lube and fuel oil samples; and assisting with major overhauls and refits 

• Performing daily work routine including taking fuel soundings; pumping dirty oil tanks; assisting in receiving fuel on board; checking void spaces; and cleaning oil strainers 

• Performing safety checks; ensuring emergency systems are in order; participating in emergency and safety drills; attending safety meetings; receiving stores; and repairing equipment defects in other departments 

 

What you bring to the team 

This position requires Marine Emergency duties training – STCW Basic Safety (MED A1 and MED B2) and Proficiency in Survival Craft (MED B1). You have an ability to prioritize and complete tasks in a safe and timely manner while monitoring and maintaining mechanical, electrical, and propulsion systems.   

A mechanical background including formal training and/or a Transport Canada Engine Room Rating certificate is considered an asset. Preference will be given to those with a 4th Class Motor Certificate. 

 

Join us! 

If this sounds like your next great career move, please submit your cover letter and resume by April 30, 2026.
*Please ensure to upload any relevant certificates you currently hold during the application process*. 

We're proud to be one of the largest ferry systems in the world, serving 1,600 km of coastline and moving over 62,000 customers and 23,000 vehicles on average each day.
BC Ferries acknowledges and respects the territories of Indigenous peoples on whose beautiful lands and waters that our ships, offices, terminals, and work sites operate along the Pacific West Coast.
For 65 years, we have been dedicated to providing safe and efficient travel to our customers.
Our role as a ferry transportation provider goes beyond getting passengers from point A to B. With 25 routes throughout the west coast of BC, we serve as advocates for the coastal environment and communities where we operate.
Operations began in 1960 with just two ferries providing service on a single route. Today we have 37 ferries moving more than 22.7 million passengers and 9.7 million vehicles every year.