We often talk about our friendly and helpful passenger relations team at Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, or our much-loved captains who steer the ship, but there are also other hardworking employees who work below decks and keep everything ticking over.
Find out more about the engineering team on board Scillonian III, which consists of just two engineers and a motorman at a time. Describing themselves as “a family” and “the heart of the boat”, we wanted to give you an inside look into this crucial part of Scillonian III.
We caught up with Chief Engineer, Alex Smirnovs, to find out more.
Can you tell us what a typical day of engineering on Scillonian III looks like?
A day consists of a range of tasks. These include equipment maintenance, which is cleaning filters, greasing equipment, fuel and lubrication bunkering, and servicing passenger facilities such as plumbing jobs. We also work on all deck’s hydraulic repairing, arranging any repairs with our contractors, and arranging all spare parts and jobs for a winter refit. On top of that, we ensure any technical problems are solved and engines are operating safely.
It sounds like a busy and varied role. What drew you to this kind of work?
With engineering there is no monotony of work, each day has its own challenges. I also really like a job that’s working with equipment and getting to explore new technologies in the maritime industry is one of my favourite parts of the job. And of course… the chance to often see the best part of the UK – the Isles of Scilly.
You mention how each day has its own challenges. Can you tell us more about the challenges that are faced with the maintenance of an older vessel?
The biggest difficulty of working on a ship that entered service in 1977 is finding original parts for repairs. Due to the age of the boat, most of the parts are obsolete and we must find the similar modern substitution for them. This means that maintenance takes longer, and we have to spend more time on it.
Is there anything else you would like to share about engineering?
These days a job at sea has become less popular, especially among the younger generation. We need to involve more young people to continue the history of the Steamship Group.
With Scillonian IV entering service in 2026, we are excited for the future, and positive about how the new ship can make work easier for the engineering team.
Earlier this month, the engineering team welcomed Barrie Brown on Scillonian III and showed him around the engine room – which he helped draught and design in 1976. Knowing Scillonian III’s time is near its end, he wanted to make sure he got a look at the engines in action before it was too late.
Now you can have your own sneak peek at the engine room and see all the hard work that goes on below decks!
