Third Engineer – Mec3 (Mec2 Preferred)

StraitNZ keeps Aotearoa moving—by sea and by road.

Our Bluebridge ferries carry people, pets, and a serious volume of freight across Cook Strait every day.

Behind that reliability is an engineering team that takes pride in safe, tidy, efficient machinery.Why this role is different?

Modern tonnage, smart systems.

Two Ro-Pax ferries on the Wellington–Picton route, including our newest additions Connemara and Livia, with modern automation and control throughout.Proper engineering.

You'll be part of a compact, capable crew where good ideas travel fast and maintenance is done properly—not patched.Predictable lifestyle.

14 days on / 14 days off, single-cabin onboard, meals provided, home port in Wellington.The role : We're after a qualified Marine Engineer (MEC3 minimum; MEC2 or higher preferred) to join our onboard team.

You'll live onboard during your swing and work closely with the Second and Chief to keep the vessel safe, compliant, and on schedule.You'll be : Standing engineering watch as Third Engineer under the duty senior.Operating, monitoring, and logging propulsion, power generation, steering, and auxiliary systems.Diagnosing faults and escalating issues that could affect safety or schedule.Carrying out planned and corrective maintenance, managing spares, and keeping the engine room shipshape.Contributing to continuous improvement—procedures, reliability, and fuel efficiency.About the shipsRoute : Wellington ? Picton, multiple sailings daily.Type : Roll-on / roll-off passenger and freight ferries (Ro-Pax).

Machinery : Large MDO / VLSFO plant with auxiliary power generation, controllable-pitch propellers, bow thrusters, stabilisers, hydraulic systems (ramps / doors), HVAC, freshwater and sewage treatment plants.Standards : Classed, ISM-compliant, strong safety culture, clean-as-you-go routines.What you'll bringMEC3 CoC (MEC2 or higher preferred), recognised by Bahama Maritime Authority.

(Our ships are Bahamas flagged).

Sea time in engine-room operations—Ro-Ro / Ro-Pax experience a plus.Familiarity with CPP, automation / PMS, hydraulics, and stabilisers.A tidy, methodical approach to maintenance, record-keeping, and safety.A team mindset—you pitch in, speak up, and back your shipmates.Must-havesMEC3 issued or recognised by Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA).

NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa (open work rights).

Able to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screen, seafarer medical, and MOJ check.Note : MECs issued by Fijian authorities are not accepted under our current flag state (Bahamas).

What we offerCompetitive salary with up to 8% matched KiwiSaver.A stable, long-term role with training, progression, and support from shore-based technical specialists.A crew culture that values safe work, straight talk, and finishing each swing proud of the job.Ready to help keep New Zealand moving across the Strait—safely and efficiently?

Apply now.