Gary Biggs
Hewett,SA
Summary
With a successful career spanning the maritime industry, including 17 years as a marine engineer and since 2013 as a chief engineer on tug boats, I possess extensive knowledge and a proven, dependable capacity to fulfill the duties required of the chief engineer role. Actively seeking opportunities to further my knowledge and skills, I engage in marine-specific courses to maintain relevance in qualifications and upskill myself, ensuring that I remain a valuable asset to my team.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Engineer
Svitzer Australia
07.2024 - Current
- Maintain operational standards of all machinery, including deck and engine
- Conduct maintenance and repair of marine plant and equipment
- Prepare maintenance and operational reports as required
- Report operational defects in a timely manner
- Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and statutory obligations
- Participate in safety, skills, and competency training
- Assist other crew members on deck as needed
- Undertake duty at dockings, including monitoring and supervising other personnel
- Monitor and review relevant health and safety standards and procedures
- Participate in operational improvement exercises and environmental compliance
Chief Engineer
Blacktip Towage
06.2019 - 07.2024
- Contracted to Kotug within the Blacktip Towage partnership and signed off as Chief Engineer on Damen ART85W tugs
- ART85W powered by three 3512 Caterpillar engines with Schottel propulsion capable of 85 tonne bollard pull
- Abide by Kotug and FMG policies and procedures
- Assist the Master and Mate with the day to day running of the vessel, providing technical advice as required
- Plan and execute maintenance tasks, recording tasks completed and defects found within the computerized Tug Vision maintenance system, as well as maintaining an accurate engine room log
- Diagnose faults and enact a subsequent defect rectification plan, liaising with shoreside Technical Manager and Operations to maintain the maximum possible vessel availability
- Ensure safe operation of the winch under direction of the tug master
- Data entry including maintaining the purchasing register, oil analysis folder, battery logs, warranty registers, HELM tasks and monthly reports
- Preparing for and attending the vessel's survey with Loyds Surveyor, ensuring systems are functional and in good order
- Order and control engine room consumable stores and spare parts within allocated budgets
- Oversee the implementation of all Lock out Tag out (LOTO), and JHA prior to work being conducted on mechanical and electrical systems
- Plan fuel bunkering and oversee its safe loading
- Organise, authorise and oversee work carried out by contractors
- Assist with Induction for new Crew Members
- Provide and record handovers at the completion of shifts and swings
- Capable of undertaking all required fire-fighting duties and partake in all vessel drills
- Maintain good housekeeping and cleaning of the engine room, machinery spaces and the vessel in general to a high standard
Chief Engineer
Pro Marine Services
03.2016 - 06.2019
- Contracted to Rivtow Marine within the Pro Marine Services partnership and signed off as Chief Engineer on RT80, ART, Z Tech and RAstar 85 tugs
- RT80 powered by three Niigata medium speed engines also with Niigata propulsion, capable of 80 tonne bollard pull
- ART powered by three high speed 3512 Caterpillar engines with Schottel propulsion, capable of 80 tonne bollard pull
- Z Tech ASD powered by two high speed 3516 Caterpillar engines with Schottel propulsion, capable of 55 tonne bollard pull
- RAstar 85 powered by high-speed CAT C175 engines and Schottel propulsion, providing 85 tonne bollard pull
- Abide by Rivtow Marine and BHP policies and procedures
- Assist the Master and Mate with the day to day running of the vessel, providing technical advice as required
- Plan and execute maintenance tasks, recording tasks completed and defects found within the computerized MPM maintenance system, as well as maintaining an accurate engine room log
- Diagnose faults and enact a subsequent defect rectification plan, liaising with shoreside Technical Manager and Operations to maintain the maximum possible vessel availability
- Ensure safe operation of the winch under direction of the tug master
- Data entry including maintaining the purchasing register, oil analysis folder, battery logs, lifting gear logs, hydraulic hose registers, warranty registers, MPM tasks and monthly reports
- Preparing for and attending the vessel's survey with Lloyds Surveyor, ensuring systems are functional and in good order
- Order and control engine room consumable stores and spare parts within allocated budgets
- Oversee the implementation of all Permits to Work, Lock out Tag out (LOTO), and JSA prior to work being conducted on mechanical and electrical systems
- Plan fuel bunkering and oversee its safe loading
- Organise, authorise and oversee work carried out by contractors
- Assist with Induction for new Crew Members
- Provide and record handovers at the completion of shifts and swings
- Capable of undertaking all required fire-fighting duties and partake in all vessel drills
- Maintain good housekeeping and cleaning of the engine room, machinery spaces and the vessel in general
Chief Engineer
Svitzer Australia
11.2013 - 03.2016
- Company Overview: Predominantly involved with Project Magnet the Tug and Barge operation transshipping iron ore from the Port of Whyalla to Cape Class size vessels anchored in the harbour's deeper waters
- Svitzer in Whyalla also provided Harbour Towage services to Whyalla, Port Bonython, Wallaroo and Port Pirie
- Signed off as Chief Engineer on ATD Tugs with CAT 3516 main engines with 55 tonne bollard pull, ASD Tugs with Daihatsu medium speed engines with approx
- 46 tonne bollard pull, and previously maintained smaller conventional Buccaneer class tugs prior to them being sold
- Compliance with operating procedures authorised by Svitzer, including Quality Assurance and ISM procedures
- Compliance with all relevant environmental regulations regarding minimising the risk of fuel/oil spills during bunkering procedures
- Manage the embarkation, integrity, usage and discharge of all fluids (fuel, lubricants, fresh water, grey and black water and sewage)
- Maintain all mechanical systems and extra low voltage systems (ELV) systems on board the vessel and record all repairs, maintenance and defects in SERTICA, the computerized preventative maintenance system
- Maintain records for oil analysis and battery logs, as well as maintaining an accurate engine room log
- Identify defects as they arise and plan for their rectification, ensuring defects are communicated to the Technical Manager and Operations to provide the highest possible availability of the vessel
- Safe operation of the winch responding to the directions of the Master
- Preparing for and attending the vessel's survey with vessel Surveyors, ensuring systems are functional and in good order
- Other duties consistent with above positions
- Predominantly involved with Project Magnet the Tug and Barge operation transshipping iron ore from the Port of Whyalla to Cape Class size vessels anchored in the harbour's deeper waters
- Svitzer in Whyalla also provided Harbour Towage services to Whyalla, Port Bonython, Wallaroo and Port Pirie
Chief and First Engineer
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
11.2008 - 11.2013
- Company Overview: The Customs Marine Unit provides border protection and offshore patrolling of Australia's coastline
- The vessel's crew intercept and conduct processing of vessels of interest and the persons aboard entering Australian waters that are of an illegal nature
- Responsible for and taking the lead in, all engineering and technical matters onboard including hull, mechanical and electronic systems and equipment
- Oversee the management of the ACV's technical administration, including, the Ships Oil Analysis Program (SOAP), Maintenance Control Records (MCR), Technical Directives (TD) and Technical Acquaints (TA)
- Provide daily advice to the Commanding Officer (vessel Master) about the current and projected availability and capabilities of the ACV
- Manage and operate the system for scheduling and recording planned and corrective maintenance
- Mentoring Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal trainees in all facets of working onboard a vessel and life at sea
- Prepare and approve Maintenance Control Records by using the Computerised Maintenance Management System
- Other duties consistent with above positions
- The Customs Marine Unit provides border protection and offshore patrolling of Australia's coastline
- The vessel's crew intercept and conduct processing of vessels of interest and the persons aboard entering Australian waters that are of an illegal nature
Education
Diploma - Transport And Distribution (Engineer Class 3)
Hunter Tafe
Newcastle, NSW11-2011
Skills
- Safety-First Approach
- Technical Troubleshooting
- Clear Verbal and Written Expression
- Maintenance Procedures
- Team-Oriented Approach
- Trustworthy Professional
Demonstrated Abilities
- Confident in having overall responsibility of the efficient operation and maintenance of all machinery on the vessel, including but not limited to propulsion, electrical, electronic and hydraulic equipment, as well as pumping, ventilation, air conditioning, fire fighting, alarm and safety systems.
- Proven ability to work leading a team as well as working within a team to achieve team goals and positive outcomes.
- Capably plan for and supervise contractors to carry out repairs or modifications to vessel plant and equipment.
- Have an excellent track record of ordering, procuring and maintaining a suitable amount of spares and consumable stores for the normal day-to-day operation of the vessel.
- Able to interpret and apply the Work Health and Safety Act and other relevant maritime industry legislation.
- Confidently provide technical advice to the Master during emergencies and drills.
- Able to conduct technical investigations, design solutions, costings and arrange repair action as necessary.
- Create excellent reports, am computer literate and conversant with word, excel and outlook.
- Provide mentoring to trade qualified crew to assist them in obtaining their Marine Engineering qualifications.
Timeline
Chief Engineer
Svitzer Australia
07.2024 - Current
Chief Engineer
Blacktip Towage
06.2019 - 07.2024
Chief Engineer
Pro Marine Services
03.2016 - 06.2019
Chief Engineer
Svitzer Australia
11.2013 - 03.2016
Chief and First Engineer
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
11.2008 - 11.2013
Diploma - Transport And Distribution (Engineer Class 3)
Hunter Tafe
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