About Vancouver Island Ferry Company and Hullo

Vancouver Island Ferry Company (VIFC), operating as Hullo, is redefining ferry travel in British Columbia. Based in Nanaimo, we provide comfortable and reliable passenger service between downtown Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver.

Our seamless booking process, reservable seating and onboard refreshments provide guests with a convenient travel experience from booking to arrival.

Hullo Culture

At Hullo, we prioritize safety, reliability and an exceptional guest experience while supporting continuous improvement and innovation.

We encourage employees to think creatively, take ownership of their work and contribute practical ideas. Our collaborative environment values professionalism, accountability and teamwork.

VIFC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Join Our Team as a Chief Engineer

We are seeking experienced, safety-focused and practical Chief Engineers to support the continued development of Hullo’s engineering and maintenance operations.

Hullo operates two Damen 4212 high-speed passenger vessels, each powered by four main engines and supported by modern monitoring and control systems, including Damen’s Triton IoT platform.

Reporting to the Fleet Engineering Manager, the Chief Engineer leads the assigned engineering shift and is responsible for the safe and reliable operation of the vessel’s machinery and technical systems, engineering readiness, maintenance execution, team leadership and shift handover.

Chief Engineers rotate through three types of shifts:

- Operational Shift
- Day Maintenance Shift
- Night Maintenance Shift

The rotation provides continuous engineering coverage. Chief Engineers are required to work both day and night shifts in accordance with the approved roster and applicable collective agreement. During maintenance shifts, the Chief Engineer leads the assigned Marine Maintenance Workers, directs and prioritizes their work, provides practical instruction and verifies that assigned tasks are completed safely and correctly.

Hullo’s Chief Engineers have a direct impact on vessel reliability, service availability and the success of our engineering culture.

Responsibilities

- Shift Leadership: Lead the assigned engineering shift, establish priorities, coordinate technical activities and maintain a safe and organized work environment.
- MMW Direction and Supervision: Assign, direct and supervise Marine Maintenance Workers during maintenance shifts. Confirm task scope, hazards, required controls and expected results,



and verify completed work.
- Engineering Watch and Vessel Operations: Accept the vessel, maintain an effective engineering watch and monitor propulsion, electrical, hydraulic, steering, cooling, bilge, tank, alarm and other essential systems.
- Planned Maintenance System: Review Helm Connect and the Planned Maintenance System daily. Plan, assign, execute, document and close maintenance tasks required to support safe and reliable vessel operation.
- Corrective Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Investigate defects, complete repairs within available competence and resources, and ensure unresolved issues are documented, communicated and properly handed over.
- Engine and Equipment Maintenance: Maintain main engines, generators and auxiliary equipment in accordance with approved procedures, maintenance schedules and manufacturer recommendations.
- Vessel Readiness: Prepare the required vessel for operation, confirm machinery status and testing, and ensure a clear CE-to-CE handover between Operational, Day Maintenance and Night Maintenance shifts.
- Bunkering: Plan, manage and document bunkering operations safely and in accordance with approved procedures and pollution-prevention requirements.
- Performance Monitoring: Monitor machinery parameters, fuel consumption, fluid levels, pressures, temperatures and running hours. Investigate and report abnormalities promptly.
- Technical Systems: Operate, inspect and maintain the vessel’s mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, refrigeration, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
- Records and Defect Management: Maintain accurate engineering logs, fuel records, maintenance records and defect reports in Helm Connect. Record work completed, findings, parts used, testing and required follow-up actions.
- Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Ensure engineering activities comply with the company Safety Management System, approved procedures, Transport Canada requirements, the vessel’s Secure Manning Document, applicable SOLAS and MARPOL requirements, manufacturer instructions and recognized marine-industry practices.
- Training and Development: Coach and train MMWs, support knowledge sharing and help develop the technical capability of the internal engineering team.
- Continuous Improvement: Develop and improve SOPs, work instructions, checklists and maintenance practices. Recommend practical improvements that strengthen safety, reliability,



efficiency and vessel availability.
- Contractor Coordination: Coordinate specialist and contractor support when required due to certification, competence, tooling or resource limitations, and verify the completed work before equipment is returned to service.
- Additional Responsibilities: Perform other related duties required to support safe vessel operation and engineering excellence.

We’re Here for You At Hullo, we value the well-being of our crew and aim to provide predictable rotating schedules that allow employees to plan their personal and professional lives.

We offer

- Full-time permanent employment
- A condensed rotating work schedule
- Annual paid vacation
- Opportunities to earn valuable sea time
- 100% VIFC-paid health and wellness benefit premiums
- A flexible health spending account
- 24/7 virtual access to doctors and nurse practitioners
- Annual employer RRSP contributions

Certificates and Qualifications
- Valid Transport Canada Second-Class Engineer, Motor Ship Certificate of Competency, or higher, meeting the requirements of the position
- Candidates holding foreign certificates eligible for recognition or endorsement by Transport Canada are encouraged to apply
- Valid Marine Medical Certificate acceptable to Transport Canada
- Current STCW and Marine Emergency Duties certificates required for the position
- Ability to obtain and maintain the required High-Speed Craft type rating or dispensation
- Passenger Safety Management certificate or endorsement is an asset

What We’re Looking For
- Demonstrated marine engineering experience, preferably aboard high-speed passenger vessels
- Strong practical knowledge of diesel engines, generators and mechanical, electrical and hydraulic vessel systems
- Experience using a Planned Maintenance System and maintaining accurate technical records
- The ability to lead a shift, establish priorities and direct and supervise maintenance personnel
- Strong troubleshooting and hands-on maintenance skills
- A safety-focused and accountable approach to engineering operations
- Clear communication and effective cooperation with engineering, vessel and shoreside teams
- A practical, solutions-focused mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement
- The ability to adapt to changing operational and maintenance priorities
- Attention to detail and pride in completing work safely, efficiently and correctly

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Pay: From $63.80 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits

- Company events
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Wellness program

Work Location: In person

📌 Chief Engineer (Nanaimo)
🏢 Hullo Ferries
📍 Nanaimo