Educated and Experienced Superintendents: How to Get Them?

The Importance of Educated and Experienced Superintendents in the Maritime Industry and challenges in finding them

By Margus Raad, Managing Director

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“Superintendents are the key people for the vessel.”

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In the maritime industry, the role of a superintendent is crucial for the smooth operation of vessels. These individuals are responsible for coordinating all aspects of the vessel's life, from crew management to maintenance and supply services. It is essential to have educated and experienced superintendents in this field due to the unique challenges it presents. In this article, we will explore the significance of having qualified superintendents, the educational and experiential requirements for the role, and the challenges of finding these exceptional individuals. Here to share his valuable insights is Margus Raad, Managing Director of Tschudi Ship Management AS.

While being a superintendent can be challenging, it is an essential position that requires both knowledge and experience. Margus explains that superintendents typically come from two main educational backgrounds: they are either former chief engineers or naval architects. “Chief engineers possess practical knowledge gained from their experience at sea, while naval architects have theoretical expertise in vessel design and structure. Both backgrounds contribute to the superintendent role, albeit in different ways,” he adds. Although captain-turned-superintendents are rare, their general knowledge of vessel operations can also be valuable.

“Superintendents are not the ones that put the gloves on and start doing repairs. They are responsible for coordination and oversight.”

Not all chief engineers can seamlessly transition to the role of a superintendent. While they may possess the necessary educational qualifications and experience, certain factors can hinder their suitability. One primary challenge is adapting to the managerial aspect of the job. “Superintendents are not the ones that put the gloves on and start doing repairs. They are responsible for coordination and oversight,” says Margus. Some chief engineers may struggle to shift their focus from solving immediate problems to strategic management. Additionally, the administrative workload and paperwork can be overwhelming, surpassing the simpler tasks they were accustomed to onboard. “It is also difficult to get used to the new work regime that the superintendent position requires. You actually have to come to the office once in a while and that is unfamiliar to the men who are used to working at sea,” Margus speaks from experience.

Naval architects differ a bit, in the sense of offering a unique perspective as superintendents due to their theoretical understanding of vessel design and systems. Unfortunately their education equips them with 50% of the necessary knowledge, they lack practical experience at sea. This gap can lead to uncertainties when dealing with crewmembers and operational matters. Margus has seen instances where naval architects successfully transition to superintendent roles, although they have trouble finding the right balance between theoretical knowledge and practical understanding.

Ideally, a superintendent would possess a combination of a chief engineer's practical expertise and a naval architect's technical understanding.

While individuals with dual education exist, they are relatively scarce. The maritime industry consistently seeks technical superintendents, indicating the high demand for professionals with a comprehensive skill set. Transitioning from chief engineer or naval architect to a competent superintendent can take around 1.5 to 2 years, allowing individuals to gain the necessary practical experience and become self-sufficient in their role

”It is a harsh reality to have to face, the job is not what you would imagine at first and a lot of people are simply just not cut out for it. There is definitely a lack of knowledge when it comes to understanding what superintendents do.” According to Margus, raising awareness is the key factor here and also cultivating more growth opportunities within the company. Long term, loyal employees are more likely to make the commitment and move to the superintendent's role. It is possible to start preparing trainees for the job from the start of their career, it takes time and effort from all parts but could ultimately be the best way to ensure a qualified workforce.

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If this sounded exactly like you and you would like to put your abilities to the test, please send your CV to cv@tschudishipmanagement.com