The team that sails and repairs – what the work of mobile marine technicians really looks like

Not everyone realizes that many repairs carried out on ships don’t take place in shipyards at all, but directly on the vessels themselves — in ports, at anchorage, and sometimes even during a voyage. Companies like etmal.com.pl/en send mobile teams of technicians to handle such tasks, combining engineering expertise with the readiness to work in conditions most of us wouldn’t endure for even an hour.

What does a mobile technician’s day look like?

It’s a profession where no two days are alike. A technician might start the morning in the workshop and, an hour later, find themselves on the way to a port where a hydraulic failure or an issue with a deck crane is waiting. Sometimes the job is just a quick inspection, and sometimes it’s hours of work inside an engine room full of heat, noise, and constant vibration. Mobile specialists take tools, spare parts, and diagnostic equipment with them, because once they’re on board, there’s no option to “run to the store” for a missing bolt.

How do mobile repairs differ from those done in a shipyard?

A shipyard offers controlled conditions, access to heavy equipment, plenty of space, and a well-equipped workshop. Onboard a ship it’s a completely different story. Space is limited, conditions change from hour to hour, and the constant noise and movement force technicians to stay fully focused. They often work in tight, awkward corners of the structure where reaching a single screw requires surprising acrobatic skill. And they must work quickly — a ship can’t wait weeks for a repair, as every delay translates into significant financial losses.

Which skills are essential in this job?

Technical education is only the starting point. Mobile technicians need mental resilience, as working in noise, confined spaces, and constant motion requires strong concentration. They must understand hydraulics, mechanics, electrics, and control systems — and be able to diagnose problems on the fly. Teamwork is just as important, because most tasks are carried out in pairs or small crews where everyone must know exactly what to do to maintain safety.

What does repair work look like during a voyage?

The biggest challenge comes with jobs on vessels that cannot return to port. In such cases, technicians board the ship from a service boat and get to work immediately. Conditions can be extreme: everything is swaying, access is limited, and fatigue sets in far quicker than on land. Even so, many failures can be fixed “on the move,” which for the shipowner means keeping the schedule intact and avoiding costly downtime. This is the part of the job that people rarely talk about, yet it best reveals the true nature of mobile technicians.