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Ship Classification Society Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Monitors Flag State and Classification Society survey schedules for all vessels and confirms survey ... The Ship Superintendent is obligated to review these manuals become familiar with their contents ...

Project Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

San Diego, CA NASCCO Ship Yard Department: Engineering Pay Rate: $130,000-$160,000 Annually DOE US ... regulations, and classification society standards. * Develop design concepts and product ...

San Diego, CA NASCCO Ship Yard Department: Engineering Pay Rate: $130,000-$160,000 Annually DOE US ... regulations, and classification society standards. * Develop design concepts and product ...

... for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code)and classification society rules for commercial vessels and offshore units. Analyze and apply the International Association of ...

San Diego, CA NASCCO Ship Yard Department: Engineering Pay Rate: $130,000-$160,000 Annually DOE US ... regulations, and classification society standards. * Develop design concepts and product ...

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Ship Classification Society information

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How much do ship classification society jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship classification society in the United States is $17.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of professionals working at a Ship Classification Society, and how do they collaborate with ship owners and maritime stakeholders?

Professionals at a Ship Classification Society are primarily responsible for inspecting ships, reviewing designs, and ensuring compliance with international safety and environmental standards. Their daily work often involves conducting surveys, audits, and technical assessments both on-site and remotely. Collaboration is key, as they regularly interact with ship owners, builders, engineers, and regulatory authorities to provide guidance and resolve compliance issues. This collaborative, consultative environment offers opportunities to develop specialized expertise in maritime regulations and can lead to advancement into senior surveyor, management, or technical advisory roles.

What is the difference between Ship Classification Society vs Marine Surveyor?

AspectShip Classification SocietyMarine Surveyor
CredentialsCertifications in maritime standards, engineering, or naval architectureCertifications in surveying, marine engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentRegulatory bodies, shipyards, ports, officesShip inspections, surveys at ports, ships, or offshore sites
Employer & Industry UsageClass societies set standards for ship safety and certificationPerform inspections and surveys to ensure compliance with standards

Ship Classification Societies develop and maintain standards for ship safety and certification, while Marine Surveyors conduct inspections and surveys to verify compliance with these standards. Both roles require maritime certifications and often work together, but the classification society sets the rules, and the surveyor enforces them through inspections.

What are Ship Classification Societies?

Ship Classification Societies are organizations that establish and maintain technical standards for the construction and operation of ships and offshore structures. They conduct surveys and inspections to ensure that vessels comply with these standards, thereby certifying the ship's structural integrity and safety. These societies play a key role in maritime safety by issuing certificates that are often required by flag states, insurers, and port authorities. Some well-known examples include Lloyd’s Register, ABS (American Bureau of Shipping), and DNV. Their work helps prevent accidents and ensures that ships are seaworthy throughout their operational life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Ship Classification Society role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Ship Classification Society role, you need a background in marine engineering, naval architecture, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and industry certifications. Familiarity with inspection tools, regulatory frameworks (like IMO and IACS standards), and technical software such as CAD or ship design programs is typically required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help professionals assess vessel compliance and collaborate with shipowners or regulatory bodies. These competencies ensure vessels meet safety and environmental standards, maintaining maritime safety and regulatory compliance.
Infographic showing various Ship Classification Society job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,970 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Patriot Maritime is a leading ship owner and maritime contractor to the U.S. Government providing ship management services to MARAD, the Military Sealift Command (MSC), and commercial vessels. (www.patriotships.com) Offices are located in Concord, CA and Houston, TX.


Technical Superintendent

Reports To Director, Operations/Technical Management


Directly responsible for the safe, efficient, economical, and reliable operation of assigned vessels with particular focus on assuring continued performance of all onboard equipment and systems the condition of which may affect availability. Requires close liaison with the vessels' senior officers, office staff members, Classification Society and USCG personnel, monitoring parts and material acquisitions and managing scheduled as well as unscheduled maintenance and repair activities.


Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

In Support of Marine Operations:


  • Responsible for the technical operation and management of assigned fleet vessels.

  • Reviews vessel performance reports to monitor operating condition and efficiency.

  • Reviews all vessel engineering logs to verify machinery operation is consistent with policies and procedures and to ensure compliance with equipment guidelines.

  • Monitors vessel maintenance in NSE to track equipment history and over-due jobs ensuring company maintenance intervals are followed.

  • Reviews vessel planned maintenance programs, Standard Jobs and machinery histories. Makes recommendations for improvements in maintenance cycles; develops equipment life-cycle plans.

  • Reviews equipment status with Master and Chief Engineer; prepares worklists for vessel and Work Orders as necessary for Contractor assistance; monitors progress.

  • Prepares, coordinates and schedules vessel voyage repairs.

  • Attends vessel for regularly scheduled ship visits to inspect status of machinery spaces, propulsion systems, cargo handling equipment, accommodations, and deck. Records effectiveness of management system through completion of Ship Visit Report.

  • Develops implementation plans, secures equipment and materials, and directs installation of safety and operational upgrade projects.

  • Rides vessels for purposes of structural and equipment inspections, adherence to company policies and procedures, monitoring of worklists and upgrade projects, and evaluation of personnel.

  • Assists in preparation of Technical and HSEQ budgets noting proposals for equipment or system improvements based upon planned maintenance and machinery history reviews.

  • Provides technical consultation and on-scene vessel management to direct voyage repairs during periods of hull and machinery damage or system failure. Coordinates requisitioning, delivery and installation of all equipment and materials.

  • Liaises with equipment manufacturers, repair specialists and service technicians, as necessary, to timely respond to vessel requirements.

  • Evaluates shipboard engineering personnel; makes recommendations for promotion and replacement.

  • Attends vessel during shipyard repair periods. Maintains repair and inspection records. Develops worklists for subordinates. Prepares progress reports, inspection plans and non-conformance lists. Manages the shipyard project costs and provides updates to cost projection as requested.

  • Prepares vessel repair specifications.

  • Monitors Flag State and Classification Society survey schedules for all vessels and confirms survey completion in timely manner.

  • Develop and propose vessel improvements for cost, operating reliability and safety.

  • NSE Maintenance and Purchasing Module Champion with respect to Standard Job maintenance and development.

Applicable to Environmental Quality & Safety Management System (ISO/ISM):


  • As a SQEMS company, the operating criteria of the company are based upon our Mission Statement, Quality Policy, Safety Policy, and Environmental Policy. All aspects of Marine Operations are addressed in the Policy and Procedure Manuals available electronically on a shared drive. The Ship Superintendent is obligated to review these manuals become familiar with their contents and comply with all requirements.

  • The SQEMS covers all aspects of our operation and is supported by each employee through membership on the Shore Based Safety Committee. Each member of this committee is responsible for attending meetings, providing input regarding the effectiveness of the system and making recommendations for improvements.

  • Member: Shore Based Safety Committee

  • Ensure principles of the SQEMS are followed.

  • Responsible for all aspects of the Environmental Quality Management System as defined in the SQEMS Responsibility Matrix to review, establish new or revise procedures as necessary based upon operational changes, audit review, non-conformance, or to maximize vessel operational and engineering efficiencies. Submit applicable revisions to the Sr. Manager, HSEQ and Technical Management for final review and approval.

  • Conducts Internal Audits to verify SQEMS efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Monitors and reviews fleet input into NSE to verify complete, address outstanding issues and to provide feedback as is necessary to support vessel operations.

  • Management of Change (MOC) coordinator, responsible for compiling and presenting all submitted and outstanding MOCs at monthly Shore Based Safety Meetings for review, assignment of responsibility and to track progress, milestone and deadline dates.

Qualifications & Abilities


  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Engineering or equivalent Apprentice/Training program.

  • Sailing experience on both steam and motor propelled vessels with a Preferred Chief Engineer's license endorsed by an internationally recognized Flag State.
  • Tanker experience required

  • Strong time management, organizational skills and attention to detail

  • Strong project management skills

  • Good communication skills, both written and verbal

  • Budgetary management skills and capabilities

  • Able and willing to complete considerable travel associated with the responsibilities of this position.

  • Job related training as required.


Patriot is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Patriot is committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national or social or ethnic origin, gender, age, physical, disability, sexual/identity or orientation.