1st Class Drydock Mechanic;

1st Class Drydock Mechanic (Job )

Colonna’s Shipyard is seeking a 1st Class Drydock Mechanic to support drydock operations in Norfolk, VA.

• Responsible for accomplishing all duties of a lower classman.
• Block and haul various vessels.
• Splice three‑strand ropes.
• Build keel and bilge blocks, cradles, and shoring for supporting ships in dry dock, marine railways, shipways, or building docks, using woodworking hand and power tools.
• Position and secure blocking in accordance with the ship’s blueprints.
• Use centering chains, lasers, oil sticks, and magnetic tapes.
• Identify various types of wood (Oak, Pine, Salt Treated, Composite) and ropes (Nylon, Samson, single braided, double braided, synthetic, manila, etc.).
• Become proficient in dry dock, railway, and travelift line handling.
• Moor vessels using different types of mooring equipment (Cleats, bitts, bollard bitts, chocks, H bitt, etc.) under instruction.
• Tie various knots (Barge hitch, Tow bridal).
• Operate the following equipment, completing any required training beforehand:
  • Drydock equipment (Capstan, grip hoist, flood valves, discharge valves)
  • Forklifts
  • Impact wrench
  • Nail gun
  • Coming a long
  • Industrial planer
  • Winches
  • JLGs
  • Small boats, oil booms, moving floats, and Yokohama handling.
• Perform basic chainsaw operation (startup, blade change, general maintenance).
• Train on emergency procedures relating to drydocks, railways, and travel lift.
• Complete maintenance tasks of dry docks and railways successfully.
• Locate Stern Reference Points (SRP).
• Learn and execute introductory blueprint reading skills.
• Perform rigging duties as needed.
• Read and understand a table of offsets and Gearman (railway gear and track watch).
• Train on guiding Travel lift on and off pier and grade beams.
• Work as deckhand and assist in hooking up tugs to vessels.
• Identify all piers and berthing locations within the shipyard.
• Adhere to safety policy and wear personal protective equipment—hard hat, safety glasses, steel toe boots/shoes and, when necessary, respirator.

• 24/7 availability.
• At least five (5) years of maritime experience in trade.
• Some technical training.
• Knowledge of and ability to use hand tools and instruments associated with the Mechanic.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Regular, reliable attendance.
• Ability to work independently to complete responsibilities.
• Capability to comprehend and follow complex instructions.

• Ability to obtain DBIDS.
• Experience operating small boats, JLG, chainsaws, and industrial planers.
• Welding/fitting experience.

• U.S. Citizenship required.

• Minimal travel; 10% or less.

• Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes (not less than 20 lbs).
• Physically agile to perform tasks in naval ships, work on ladders, in extreme temperatures, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces, including entering and moving through manholes.
• May ride ships at sea for extended periods.
• Ability to perform other duties involving high heat, humidity, noise, dirty conditions, working aloft or over the sides of vessels.
• Frequent exposure to noise due to machinery and equipment.
• Required to operate trucks, forklifts, & man-lifts.
• Must stand, walk, sit; use hands or fingers; handle or feel; talk and hear; reach with hands and arms; climb and balance; stoop, squat, kneel, twist and crawl as needed.
• Work in extreme temperatures and conditions; may be in areas with less adequate ventilation.
• Frequent use of respirator.
• Protective clothing or equipment and face shields or goggles when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal.

Colonna’s Shipyard Inc., and its divisions, are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Medical/dental/vision options, company‑paid disability insurance, 401(k) with match, legal services, company‑paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Management and Manufacturing;
Shipbuilding