Recruiter:V.Ships Leisure Category: Engine / Technical Jobs Position:HVAC / Refrigeration Engineer Published:January 22, 2026

We are looking for experienced REEFERMAN ready to join cruise vessel PONANT CRUISES, embarkation 17/May/2026, contract 6 months +/-1,

Position Summary

1. Responsible for the maintenance and repair of the ship’s HVAC equipment/ system, domestic refrigeration plant, ventilation, cooling, freezing, provision, equipment, all air conditioning throughout the vessel and ensuring they are are up to the Company standards and in compliance with Public Health, any National or International standards or any other prescribed regulations.
2. Ensures proper coordination with different technical parties and departments.

Reporting Structure

1. Reporting to the Hotel Engineer or HVAC Engineer.
2. Functional reporting to Hotel Engineer or HVAC Engineer for all Hotel Department matters.

Safety Duties:

1. Participates in crew safety drills according to instructions.
2. Must always comply with the Company’s safety and pollution prevention regulations and operating procedures.
3. Leads by example by taking care of Health and Safety of self and others.
4. Ensures that all work equipment, personal protective equipment, chemicals and safety devices are being used correctly.

Education/Experience/Qualifications:

1. Valid STCW certification.
2. Appropriate certification as required by regulations.
3. Good knowledge of refrigeration system, AC distribution systems and ability to solve AC issues in cabins and public spaces.
4. Consistent job experience as ship refrigerator fitter with screw and centrifugal compressors.
5. Licensed to handle refrigerant gases.
6. Physically and medically fit.
7. Moral integrity is required.
8. Public Health, Sanitation and Environmental training courses are appreciated.
9. Proficient in reading and understanding technical drawings and manuals.
10. Alaska experience is a plus.
11. It is recommended to have Public Health, Coast Guard and Port State Control experience.

Language requirements:
Excellent fluent English (verbal, written and technical). English is the working and safety language on board. This also includes the ability to give and receive instructions in verbal and written forms and to effectively and efficiently engage with guests and crew members. Additional languages are considered beneficial.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Required to stand, walk long distances, reaching and sitting. Repetitive motion of bending, going up and down stairs, climbing ladders. Lifting or pushing of up to 50lbs. The position requires overtime work and irregular schedules. Works in all areas of the vessel with noise, light traffic and distracting environments.

Profile:

1. Vast knowledge of a multi outlet operation.
2. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to lead, motivate and develop a culturally diverse work force.
3. Punctual.
4. Proactive approach to problem solving.
5. Ability to be flexible, well organized, self managed and motivated.
6. Ability to handle multiple demands, remain calm and effective under pressure and resolve issues quickly.
7. Safe, professional and personal practices. Fully conversant with VMS and MLC requirements.
8. Well groomed and neat appearance.
9. Ability to work in confined spaces.
10. Ability to live in close quarters, share limited space with cabin mates.
11. Ability to deliver a high standard of technical performance.

Status – Petty Officer.
Salary – Refer to contract.
Rotation – Refer to contract.

Key Responsibilities

1. Safe maintenance, operation, repair, supervision and ownership of the following systems according to Company policies and other prescribed regulations (to include but not limited to the following):
   1. Engine room ventilation systems.
   2. Galley ventilation systems.
   3. Provision room equipment.
   4. Multi-flow beverage machines.
   5. Hotel accommodation and areas.
   6. Crew accommodation and areas.
   7. Mini bar units and ice making machines.
   8. Under counter fridges.
2. Inspects the cleanliness and safety of galley, laundry, and launderette exhaust ducts, and ensures that all required and necessary cleaning routines are properly executed.
3. Assists the Hotel Engineer in the coordination and control of the refrigeration accounts.
4. Driving and maintenance of the air conditioning compressor cooling system equal or superior to 600 KW.
5. Control and maintenance of air conditioning station cooled by chilled water.
6. Carries out overhauls of A.C. Unit including the replacement of bearings and alignment.
7. Responsible to the Hotel Engineer for the cleanliness of AC Stations based on daily verification conducted with the assistance of Asst A/C Fitter.
8. Responsible to the Hotel Engineer for the maintenance of the Air Handling Units (AHUs).
9. Reports to the Hotel Engineer daily with verification/adjustments of AC temperature in hotel areas including restaurants bars and galleys.
10. Reports to the Hotel Engineer with daily verification of performance and maintenance of A/C Compressors.
11. Conducts “night audit” in rotation with the Asst A/C Fitter.
12. Ensures sufficient stock of spare parts and consumables is on order and in the onboard system to cover planned and unplanned maintenance.
13. Participates in the development of on board operational plans in accordance with all technical, legislative, safety and procedural specifications, to support the successful completion of maintenance periods and works closely with the Hotel Department on all maintenance issues, ensuring a minimal impact on the shipboard operation.
14. Reports completed maintenance to the Hotel Engineer for entry into the planned maintenance system.
15. Keeps Chief Engineer, Staff Engineer and Hotel Engineer promptly and fully informed of all problems and matters of significance. Conducting daily communication to review progress and agree on work prioritisation.
16. Accountable for ensuring that Company, Public Health, National and International standards are maintained and meeting requirements. Reporting to the Hotel Engineer any instances where the ship is unable or fails to comply.
17. Accurate completion of log books and other assigned documentation.
18. Observes and enforces uniform and grooming standards according to Company policies.
19. Practices good people management, maintaining proper conduct within the Hotel and Technical departments.
20. All other duties as assigned.

Details

Embarkation 30/November/2025, required experience as such on cruise ships, valid C1D visa, all valid Certificates.

About Ponant

As a result of our strong growth, each year Ponant recruits promising talented individuals. “We do not just recruit employees, we select them. We are looking for employees with great expertise, but also whose personality is adapted to the values of our company.”

We develop the skills of our employees to accompany our expansion. Each one has their own personalized training programme and we are currently developing the Ponant University (e-learning platform).

In order to build team spirit and loyalty, we organise events such as sporting challenges (taking part in races such as Marseille Cassis, la Marseillaise des Femmes and the Hydro Cup: a regatta organised by the Merchant Navy officer cadets, with ten teams in competition); cultural events (as part of our partnership with the MUCEM museum, our employees and their families were invited to visit the ‘Divine Migrations’ exhibition) and convivial events (cocktail parties and entertainment related to our cruise destinations).

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