Neil Sonalkar
Thane
Summary
Accomplished marine engineering professional with ten years of deep-sea expertise and Indian MEO Class 1 COC. Specializes in maritime safety and quality systems, holding lead auditor credentials in ISM, ISPS, and MLC. Pursuing IRCA QMS (ISO 9001:2015) lead auditor status, with a focus on implementing safety management systems and conducting technical audits to ensure operational integrity and environmental sustainability.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Second Engineer Officer
OCS Services(India) Pvt Ltd
01.2017 - Current
- Monitored vessel performance parameters to optimize fuel consumption and reduce operational costs.
- Led engineering team to complete complex projects within budget and schedule constraints.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by updating procedures in response to industry changes.
- Reviewed and approved annual capital budgets, ensuring alignment with financial objectives.
- Oversaw facility inspections, identifying and prioritizing infrastructure improvements.
- Developed standard operating procedures for consistent engineering task execution.
- Created detailed reports for executive decision-making, documenting project findings.
- Fostered vendor relationships, exploring cost-saving solutions and enhancing procurement options.
Third Marine Engineer
OCS Services(India) Pvt Ltd
05.2015 - 12.2016
- Monitored fuel consumption levels, implementing corrective actions to optimize usage.
- Ensured safe bunker receipt and maintained documentation for environmental compliance.
- Facilitated smooth ship operations through timely communication with chief engineer and engineering team.
- Reduced downtime by troubleshooting and repairing electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems onboard.
- Streamlined preventive maintenance program with a detailed schedule, significantly reducing equipment failures.
- Managed spare parts inventory effectively, minimizing delays from unavailable components during repairs.
- Maintained accurate records of system performance and repairs to facilitate future analysis.
Second Assistant Engineer
TK Shipping Pte
05.2014 - 05.2015
- Cultivated respect and cooperation among diverse crews by developing a thorough understanding of international maritime conventions and applicable legislation.
- Ensured environmental compliance by adhering to regulatory requirements for waste management and pollution control systems.
- Assisted in managing engine room operations and maintenance schedules.
- Monitored equipment performance and reported anomalies to senior engineers.
- Supported the implementation of safety protocols and compliance measures.
Third Marine Engineer
OCS Services(India) Pvt Ltd
09.2012 - 03.2013
- Minimized machinery downtime by promptly troubleshooting and resolving technical issues, enhancing operational continuity.
- Responsible for undertaking preventive maintenance of air compressors, purifiers, boilers, , auxiliary machineries and main engine mountings.
- Contributed to on-time arrivals and departures by maintaining meticulous attention to detail in engineering tasks.
Education
Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering -
University of Pune
Pune, India06-2006
Skills
- Electronic engine expertise
- Engine management systems
- NOx compliance systems
- Diagnostic testing
- Maintenance planning systems
- Safety management
- Sustainability practices
- Auditing expertise
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Team leadership
- Onboard training
- Professional standards commitment
Affiliations
Institute of Marine Engineers(India)
Accomplishments
- Sustainability Initiative on Aging Vessel (2025)
Spearheaded an energy efficiency initiative on a 14-year-old IMO Tier I vessel by renewing insulation cladding on steam pipelines and overhauling faulty steam isolation valves. This led to improved heat recovery and system enthalpy, resulting in notable fuel savings and contributing to a better Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) rating, enhancing the vessel’s marketability to oil majors and sub-charterers.
- Leadership in High-Risk Maintenance Operation (2024)
Led a team of engineers and crew in executing Main Engine decarbonisation maintenance during a narrow window between two ship-to-ship operations in pirate-infested waters. Balanced technical requirements with crew safety and commercial urgency, ensuring timely completion and readiness for full-capacity operations the following day. Demonstrated exceptional planning, risk management, and leadership under pressure.
- Post-Commissioning Leadership on Tier III Compliant Vessel (2022)
Played a pivotal role in the post-commissioning phase of a newly delivered vessel equipped with IMO NOx Tier III technologies—EGR for the main engine and SCR for auxiliary engines. Conducted in-depth system analysis, developed pictographic SOPs, trained engineering crew, and supported the Chief Engineer in identifying system faults. Successfully raised 100+ guarantee claims, significantly reducing operational expenditure (OpEx).
- Prevented Major Non-Conformity During Critical Inspection (2019)
As Second Engineer, applied technical expertise and precise troubleshooting to resolve a critical Life Saving Appliance (LSA) issue, averting a potential Major Non-Conformity. This proactive intervention eliminated the need for Flag State dispensation and safeguarded the company’s reputation during a high-stakes Oil Major Inspection, preserving commercial credibility.
Languages
- English
- Hindi
- Marathi
Timeline
Second Engineer Officer
OCS Services(India) Pvt Ltd
01.2017 - Current
Third Marine Engineer
OCS Services(India) Pvt Ltd
05.2015 - 12.2016
Second Assistant Engineer
TK Shipping Pte
05.2014 - 05.2015
Third Marine Engineer
OCS Services(India) Pvt Ltd
09.2012 - 03.2013
Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering -
University of Pune