The posting
The Fitter Refrigeration is a skilled member of the Technical Department, responsible for supporting the maintenance, repair and reliable operation of the vessel’s refrigeration, air conditioning and ventilation equipment.
Working under the direction of the responsible Refrigeration/HVAC Engineer, the role carries out planned and corrective maintenance, fault-finding and repairs on refrigeration plants, compressors, cooling equipment, ventilation systems and associated mechanical and electrical components.
The position plays an important role in maintaining safe and reliable cooling across provision stores, technical spaces and other areas of the vessel.
Key Responsibilities
Carry out planned and corrective maintenance, repair and overhaul of refrigeration, air conditioning and ventilation equipment under the direction of the responsible Technical Officer.
Inspect, maintain and repair refrigeration plants, compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, fans, valves, piping and associated equipment.
Perform fault-finding and troubleshooting on refrigeration and HVAC equipment, identifying mechanical, refrigeration and basic electrical/control system defects and supporting effective repairs.
Monitor the condition and performance of refrigeration and cooling equipment, identifying abnormal operation, leaks, deterioration or developing faults and reporting findings promptly.
Support the reliable operation of provision refrigeration, chilled and freezer spaces, and other onboard refrigeration equipment, helping maintain required operating temperatures. Comparable cruise refrigeration roles specifically include provision refrigeration and temperature monitoring as core responsibilities.
Carry out maintenance and repairs on ventilation and air-handling equipment, including fans, motors, dampers and associated mechanical components.
Assist with the maintenance and testing of electrical, control and automation components associated with refrigeration and HVAC equipment, within the technical scope and authority of the position.
Complete assigned refrigeration and ventilation defects and work orders safely, efficiently and to the required technical standard.
Follow appropriate procedures when working with refrigerants and refrigeration systems, maintaining required safety and environmental standards.
Safely use and maintain hand tools, power tools, test equipment and specialist refrigeration tools appropriate to the role.
Follow all shipboard safety procedures, permit-to-work requirements, isolation procedures and risk controls, including the correct use of personal protective equipment.
Support the responsible Technical Officer and Technical Stores team in maintaining appropriate stocks of spare parts, refrigerants, consumables and maintenance materials.
Accurately record completed maintenance, equipment condition, work history and parts used within the vessel’s planned maintenance system (AMOS).
Respond to equipment failures and urgent defects as required to support the safe and reliable operation of essential shipboard refrigeration and ventilation services.
Work effectively with other members of the Technical Department when maintenance or repairs involve multiple technical disciplines.
Participate fully in assigned emergency duties, safety drills and shipboard training.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Minimum 24 months’ professional experience as a Refrigeration Technician, HVAC/Refrigeration Fitter, Refrigeration Mechanic or similar technical role.
Recognized technical or vocational training in refrigeration, air conditioning, HVAC or a related mechanical discipline is highly desirable.
Strong practical knowledge of refrigeration systems and the refrigeration cycle, with hands-on experience in maintenance, repair and fault-finding.
Practical experience maintaining and repairing compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, fans, valves, piping and associated refrigeration equipment.
Experience working with commercial or industrial refrigeration equipment, including cold rooms, freezer rooms, refrigerators, ice machines and other cooling equipment. Comparable cruise refrigeration roles cover provision refrigeration, chilled and freezer spaces and onboard refrigeration equipment.
Good working knowledge of air conditioning and ventilation systems, including air-handling units, fans, dampers and associated mechanical equipment.
Ability to carry out effective fault-finding and troubleshooting across mechanical, refrigeration and basic electrical/control systems.
Basic working knowledge of electrical components and controls associated with refrigeration and HVAC equipment, including motors, sensors, actuators and control circuits.
Ability to safely perform appropriate refrigerant recovery, charging and system servicing activities in accordance with applicable procedures and environmental requirements.
Ability to recognize indications of refrigerant leakage, abnormal temperatures, pressures or equipment performance and take appropriate action within the responsibilities of the position.
Competent in the safe use of refrigeration service tools, test equipment, hand tools, power tools and measuring instruments.
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, equipment drawings, refrigeration diagrams and basic electrical/control schematics.
Good understanding of planned and corrective maintenance practices, including accurate recording of equipment condition, work completed and parts or materials used.
Strong practical problem-solving skills, with the ability to systematically identify the cause of equipment faults and support effective repairs.
Strong understanding of technical safety, isolation procedures, permit-to-work requirements, risk controls and personal protective equipment.
Ability to work independently within assigned responsibilities while following the direction of the responsible Refrigeration/HVAC Engineer or Technical Officer.
Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a multicultural and multidisciplinary Technical Department.
Previous experience working onboard ships, in shipyards, large hotels, commercial facilities or industrial refrigeration environments is highly desirable but not essential.
What the Role Offers
Take your refrigeration and HVAC skills into a challenging and varied maritime environment as part of a professional shipboard Technical Department.
This hands-on role offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of commercial and marine refrigeration, cooling and ventilation equipment across the vessel. You will strengthen your fault-finding, maintenance and repair skills, gain valuable experience with complex shipboard systems, and work alongside experienced technical professionals from around the world.
For skilled refrigeration technicians looking to broaden their experience and build a career at sea, this role offers a unique opportunity to develop within the maritime industry.
