Thudawe Dharmasekara

MARINE ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL | UK MCA CLASS 1 CHIEF ENGINEER

AucklandMember since October 25, 2026

Marine propulsion and auxiliary machineryEngine-room operations and engineering watchkeepingPlanned maintenance, reliability and defect rectificationMachinery troubleshooting and fault diagnosisEngineering team leadership and technical supervisionSafety Management Systems, risk assessments and permit-to-work proceduresRegulatory surveys, inspections and auditsExposure to USCG, AMSA and UK MCA survey requirements

About

Marine engineering professional with over 20 years of international seagoing experience, including approximately eight years as Chief Engineer and seven years as Second Engineer. Extensive experience in propulsion machinery, auxiliary systems, engine-room operations, maintenance management and engineering team leadership across internationally trading vessels. Currently employed as a Third Marine Engineer with StraitNZ Bluebridge, with direct experience in New Zealand’s Cook Strait ferry operations.

Experienced in planned maintenance, fault diagnosis, defect rectification, machinery reliability, regulatory surveys and safe vessel operations. Holds a UK MCA Class 1 Marine Engineer Certificate of Competency and received certificate of recognition by Maritime New Zealand, a Master of Engineering Project Management from AUT and an MBA from Wayamba University of Sri Lanka. Combines strong technical expertise with practical problem-solving, sound engineering judgement and a commitment to safety and operational reliability.

Experience

Third Marine Engineer - StraitNZ Bluebridge - Wellington, New Zealand

(2023-11)

Carry out engineering watchkeeping and machinery operations in accordance with vessel procedures and safety requirements.
Monitor propulsion engines, auxiliary machinery and associated systems to maintain safe and reliable operations.
Complete planned maintenance, inspections and defect rectification.
Investigate machinery abnormalities and report defects to senior engineering officers.
Follow the vessel’s Safety Management System, risk assessments and permit-to-work procedures.
Support safe and efficient engineering operations on Cook Strait ferry services.

Chief Engineer - International Shipping Companies

(2016-02 - 2023-05)

Main Engines – MAN B&W ME-B & ME-C, MAN B&W MC, DOXFORD, SULZER RTA Vessels sailed: Federal Biscay, Baltic Scopian, Baltic Mantis, Tomini Destiny, Mahanuwara and Tia Marta.

Held overall responsibility for engine-room operations, machinery performance, maintenance and engineering team supervision.
Managed propulsion engines, auxiliary machinery, planned maintenance and corrective repairs to minimize downtime.
Diagnosed technical faults and coordinated repairs to maintain vessel reliability.
Prepared vessels for statutory and classification inspections and participated in surveys and audits.
Liaised with surveyors and inspectors in relation to USCG, AMSA and MCA requirements.
Ensured compliance with safety procedures, environmental requirements and the vessel’s Safety Management System.
Supported safe and reliable operations on international trading routes.

Second Engineer - International Shipping Companies

(2009-12 - 2015)

Vessels sailed: RTM Cartier, A.M. Buchanan, AM Ghent and RHL Agilitas.

Assisted the Chief Engineer with engine-room operations, maintenance planning and machinery performance.
Supervised machinery maintenance, repairs and engineering watchkeeping activities.
Diagnosed machinery faults and coordinated corrective maintenance.
Assisted with regulatory inspections, surveys and compliance with company procedures.

Third Engineer - International Shipping Companies

(2003-05 - 2008-10)

Vessels sailed: New Delhi Express, Velasquez,

Operated and maintained propulsion-related and auxiliary machinery, carrying out inspections, planned maintenance and fault diagnosis.
Supported senior engineers with machinery repairs, dry-docking and safe engine-room operations.