Technical Assistant

The role

Position: Technical Assistant

Contract type: Full Time

Reporting to: General Fleet Manager – Technical (London)

Location: Mumbai, India

Overview of role

The Technical Assistant plays a key role in supporting the technical management and operational readiness of the company’s fleet. This position is responsible for ensuring that vessels maintain full compliance with statutory, class, and internal requirements, while contributing to the continuous improvement of technical performance, reliability and efficiency across the fleet.

Working closely with Senior Technical Managers, Technical Managers, Superintendents and external stakeholders, the role involves proactive planning, data analysis, and process optimisation to enhance the quality and consistency of fleet technical operations.

Key responsibilities and primary deliverables

Technical Compliance and Survey Planning

• Coordinate and monitor the status of class, flag, and statutory surveys, ensuring timely renewals and adherence to regulatory standards.
• Monitor technical and regulatory developments to anticipate future requirements, risks and opportunities for optimisation.
• Analyse survey data and inspection trends to identify potential risks, recurring deficiencies or areas for improvement.
• Liaise with Class Surveyors, Flag Inspectors and Superintendents to plan and execute inspection schedules effectively.
• Maintain and validate the accuracy of certification records and databases, ensuring alignment with fleet management systems.
• Provide management with insightful reports on survey performance, inspection results and certification trends.

Fleet Performance and Operational Support

• Support the Technical Managers in the strategic planning of maintenance, repairs and ad-hoc technical interventions.
• Review vessel condition and superintendent attendance reports, identifying patterns and technical issues requiring escalation.
• Monitor vessel inventories, “remaining on board” (ROB) data, and key operational parameters to ensure efficient resource planning.
• Contribute to the optimisation of dry dock preparation and management of technical documentation.

Data Management & Analysis

• Develop and maintain reliable technical data sets and dashboards related to surveys, maintenance activities, and overall fleet condition.
• Track lub oil and fuel analysis results, highlighting trends or deviations that may impact vessel performance.
• Manage and update fleet KPIs and Management of Change records, ensuring visibility of key performance indicators and actions.
• Support the implementation of digital tools or process improvements to enhance data quality, reporting accuracy and operational efficiency.

Vetting, Assurance & Documentation

• Maintain and update vessel particulars (VPQ, Q88 etc.) to ensure accurate, consistent and up-to-date information across stakeholders.
• Support the Vetting & Marine Assurance team by coordinating updates to vessel documentation, technical drawings, and certifications.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Produce and present periodic technical reports, highlighting key findings, compliance gaps, and improvement opportunities.
• Drive consistency and transparency in technical reporting across the fleet through standardised templates and processes.
• Support audit preparation, inspection readiness, and follow-up of corrective actions.
• Participate in technical meetings, prepare agendas and minutes and track follow-up actions to closure

Skills profile

Relevant experience & education

• Shipping related degree or equivalent in Naval Architecture / Nautical Science or Marine Engineering.
• Ex sea-going experience (Third / Fourth Engineer) would be an advantage.
• Experience in ship management, technical operations or marine engineering.
• Strong technical knowledge of ship operations, class and statutory compliance.
• High level of analytical skills and strategic thinking ability to support decisions with sound reasoning and judgement.
• Highly effective at building and sustaining relationships at multiple levels throughout a global organisation.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to apply sound commercial judgement
• Highly organised, detail-orientated, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient in data management tools, Excel and reporting systems.
• Collaborative communicator with a solutions-focused mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement.