**Overview**
This permanent position is for a Second Engineer in Port Operations, reporting to the Marine Technical Manager within Transnet National Ports Authority (NPA). The role is located in Port Elizabeth, forming part of the engine room management team for harbour crafts within the PTH, F&B, Tugs, and Engineering Crew department. The primary purpose of the role is to ensure safe and efficient craft service to clients through the operation and maintenance of plant, equipment, and machinery, including operational watchkeeping and routine/unplanned maintenance. The incumbent is also responsible for safeguarding Company Assets in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Act and maintaining/operating all machinery and engineering functions aboard crafts. The grade for this position is I1X, with reference req6038.
**What you will do**
The key responsibilities for this role include:
* Carrying out independent watchkeeping duties in the engine room.
* Assisting with the correct operation and running of engine room machinery.
* Executing tasks and functions as directed by the Chief Engineer.
* Performing routine visual inspections of machinery and equipment.
* Taking necessary readings and soundings.
* Recording results of all readings, soundings, and inspections in the relevant logbook.
* Reporting any anomalies discovered on machinery and equipment to the Chief Engineer.
* Ensuring correct liquid and pressure levels in all machinery, and topping up liquid levels as required.
* Monitoring running machinery.
* Assisting with the safe and efficient operation of machinery.
* Preparing main propulsion machinery for start-up.
* Starting up and maintaining efficient operation of generators/alternators as directed.
* Assisting with emergency shutdowns.
* Maintaining and repairing equipment by disassembling, reassembling, and replacing defective items.
* Testing equipment and machinery.
* Maintaining cleanliness in the area of responsibility, including cleaning out waste from the engine room, ensuring equipment and materials are cleaned and stowed, properly cleaning machinery, wiping down the engine room, and cleaning up spillages.
* Training AB Deck and Engine room personnel as and when required.
**Requirements (from the original advert)**
* **Qualifications and Experience:**
* Certificate of competency as Second Engineer (Port Operations), OR
* Motorman HG issued in terms of the Merchant Shipping Act, OR
* Officer in Charge of Engineering Watch, OR
* Designated Duty Engineer, OR
* Chief Eng. Officer (<1500 kW Port Operations).
* **And** valid Ancillary Courses: Medical First Aid, Personal Survival Technique, Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Personal Safety & Social Responsibility.
* **Knowledge Required:**
* Risk & occupational safety
* Quality management systems
* Statutory/regulatory bodies
* Environmental management principles
* NOSA, ISO, OHS Act
* Marine Operations/Services
* Merchant Shipping Act
* SAMSA port marine operations related legislation
* Procedures and work instructions (SHE integrated Management System, Quality Management System)
* Life-saving equipment/appliances
* Safety techniques/equipment
* Record-keeping
* Emergency and evacuation procedures
* Marine plant, machinery and equipment
* Watch-keeping procedures
* Marine environment
* Housekeeping
* **Skills Required:**
* Leadership
* Decision making
* Communication
* Building relationships
* Managing subordinates
* Ability to solve practical technical problems
**Who should apply**
Candidates should possess a relevant Certificate of Competency (Second Engineer, Motorman HG, Officer in Charge of Engineering Watch, Designated Duty Engineer, or Chief Eng. Officer <1500 kW Port Operations) along with the specified ancillary courses. Applicants must demonstrate knowledge in marine operations, safety regulations, quality management, and relevant legislation, coupled with leadership, decision-making, communication, relationship-building, subordinate management, and practical problem-solving skills. Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of designated groups, in line with Transnet's Employment Equity Plan and Targets.
**Deadline**
22/10/2026
**Reference**
Original posting: https://www.govpage.co.za/vacancies/transnet-vacancies-39
Source: govpage
Summary drafted with AI assistance from the original advert. The advert itself is the authority — how we use AI.
At a glance
First aid
Health and safety (OHS)
Extracted automatically from the advert; confirm requirements on the original listing.
Job description
TRANSNET
SECOND ENGINEER - PORT OPERATIONS
Operating Division: Transnet NPA
Employee Group: Permanent
Department: PTH, F&B, Tugs, Engineering Crew
Location: Port Elizabeth
Reporting To: Marine Technical Manager
Grade: I1X
Reference: req6038
The closing date is on 22/10/2026. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that HR has received the application before the closing date of the advertisement.
Position Purpose
• Forms part of the engine room management team of the harbour craft as second engineer under the direction of the Chief Engineer Officer.
• Responsible for the operation and maintenance of plant, equipment and machinery, including operational watch keeping duties, performance or routine and unplanned maintenance in order to ensure a safe and efficient craft service to clients.
• To safeguard Company Assets as per legislative requirements i.t.o. the Merchant Shipping Act.
• Maintain and operate all machinery and equipment aboard crafts.
• Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of all machinery and engineering function.
Position Outputs
• Carry out independent watchkeeping duties in the engine room.
• Assist with ensuring the correct operation and running of machinery in the engine room.
• Carry out tasks and functions as directed by the Chief Engineer.
• Carry out routine visual inspection of machinery and equipment as required.
• Take necessary readings and soundings as required.
• Record the results of all readings, soundings and inspections as required in the relevant logbook.
• Report any anomalies discovered on machinery and equipment to the Chief Engineer.
• Ensure liquid and pressure levels are correct in all Machinery.
• Top-up liquid levels in machinery as required.
• Monitor running machinery as required.
• Assist with the Safe and efficient operation of Machinery.
• Prepare main propulsion machinery for start-up.
• Start up and maintain efficient operation of generators/alternators as directed.
• Assist with emergency shutdowns as required.
• Maintain and repair equipment as required.
• Repair and maintain equipment as required.
• Disassemble equipment and machinery.
• Reassemble equipment and machinery.
• Replace defective items on machinery and equipment.
• Testing of equipment and machinery as required.
• Maintain cleanliness in area of responsibility.
• Ensure all waste is cleaned out of the engine room.
• Ensure all equipment and materials are cleaned and properly stowed away after use.
• Ensure all machinery is cleaned properly.
• Ensure engine room is properly clean and wiped down.
• Ensure all spillages are properly cleaned up.
• Train AB Deck and Engine room as and when required.
Qualifications and Experience
• Certificate of competency as Second Engineer(Port Operations). OR • Motorman HG issued in terms of the Merchant Shipping Act. OR • Officer in Charge of Engineering Watch. OR • Designated Duty Engineer. OR • Chief Eng. Officer (<1500 kW Port Operations). # And Valid Ancillary Courses: # Medical First Aid # Personal Survival Technique # Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats # Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting # Personal Safety & Social Responsibility.
Competencies
Competencies Required: Knowledge required: • Risk & occupational safety • Quality management systems • Statutory/regulatory bodies • Environmental management principles • NOSA, ISO, OHS Act • Marine Operations/Services • Merchant Shipping Act- • SAMSA port marine operations related legislation. Skills Required: • Leadership • Decision making • Communication • Building relationship • Managing subordinate • Ability to solve practical technical problems. • Procedures and work instructions (SHE integrated Management System, Quality Management System) • Knowledge of life-saving equipment/appliances • Safety techniques/equipment • Record-keeping • Emergency and evacuation procedures. • Marine plant, machinery and equipment • Watch-keeping procedures • Marine environment • Housekeeping
Equity Statement
Preference will be given to suitably qualified Applicants who are members of the designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and Targets of the Organisation/Operating Division.
Disclaimer
If you have not heard from Transnet within 90 days, please consider your application as unsuccessful.
Transnet, its employees or representatives never ask for a fee from job seekers. Any such requests are fraudulent. Please report any suspicious activities in this regard to the Transnet anti-fraud line on 0800 003 056 or email reportit@ethicshelpdesk.com
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL-IN-TRAINING
Operating Division: Transnet Freight Rail
Employee Group: Trainee
Department: SP-BUR-Young Professionals-Trainees-BFU
Location: Beaufort West
Reporting To: HR Officer
Grade: GRAD_6
Reference: req6029
The closing date is on 23/10/2026. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that HR has received the application before the closing date of the advertisement.
Position Purpose
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) invites suitable, unemployed South African graduates between the ages of 18-35 to apply for a two-year graduate development programme, within various functional areas to be provided with both the institutionalised knowledge and on-the-job training to help you build a solid work experience to increase prospects of employability. The programme is structured and mentored for twenty-four months and candidates progress is assessed after every six months to ensure that the programme meets the expectations of both the candidate and TFR.
This exciting opportunity is aimed at unemployed graduates from the Department of Higher Education & Training registered institutions i.e., Universities, Universities of Technology, Bachelors’ degree at NQF Level 6 or 7 or 8 with no prior work experience in their respective field of study.
Position Outputs
Successful candidates will be placed for work exposure in Beaufort West
Qualifications and Experience
QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must have a fully completed National Diploma or bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management, or Industrial Psychology/Psychology/Social Work or Related Field/Discipline.
EXPERIENCE:
No prior work experience is required. However, applicants will be required to undergo a recruitment and selection process. Successful candidates will place within relevant the department of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR).
CITIZENSHIP:
Must be a South African citizen.
Competencies
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:• Business understanding .
• Administrative Skills.
• Computer Skills .
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• High levels of integrity and professionalism.
• A customer-focused attitude towards work and problem-solving.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Effective negotiation skills.
• Ability to liaise effectively with different stakeholders.
• Politeness and a proactive approach to tasks. • Energetic and a self-starter.
• Assertiveness in dealing with various situations.
• Conflict Resolution Management.
• Research and Analytical skills.
Equity Statement
Preference will be given to suitably qualified Applicants who are members of the designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and Targets of the Organisation/Operating Division.
NB: First Preference will be given to Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and residing in Beaufort West.
Disclaimer
If you have not heard from Transnet within 90 days, please consider your application as unsuccessful.
Transnet, its employees or representatives never ask for a fee from job seekers. Any such requests are fraudulent. Please report any suspicious activities in this regard to the Transnet anti-fraud line on 0800 003 056 or email reportit@ethicshelpdesk.com
Before you apply
Confirm the requirements and closing date on the original listing (govpage). SPANi lists vacancies from other sites and may not reflect last-minute changes.
Legitimate employers do not charge application, registration or training fees.
Don't send your ID or bank details before you have confirmed the employer is real.
The closing date is on 27/10/2026. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that HR has received the application before the closing date of the advertisement. The provision of labour as directed by supervisor in order to ensure a safe and clean working environment or optimised cargo operation.
The closing date is on . It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that HR has received the application before the closing date of the advertisement.
The closing date is on . It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that HR has received the application before the closing date of the advertisement. 1.