CHAD GERBER
Christchurch
Summary
A highly skilled mechanical specialist with over 20 years of extensive international experience within the Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical industry, with a strong background in mechanical and valve maintenance across Offshore and Onshore platforms, FPSO, and FLNG facilities. Adept at managing multi-national workforces on complex projects in multiple countries, ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to strict safety and industry standards. Known for a strong work ethic, the ability to work long hours as per project demands, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Proven expertise in managing operational processes, developing best practices, and leading teams to successfully execute large-scale mechanical maintenance and commissioning projects.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Fitter
Lyttelton Engineering
Lyttelton Harbour
12.2022 - Current
- Read and interpret engineering drawings.
- Setup and operate lathes, mills and drills.
- Hand fit, assemble and disassemble plant & machinery.
- Work safely with workshop plant and machinery.
- Dissemble refurbish Assemble all kind of valves for clients across New Zealand and incoming Vessels into Harbor.
- Servicing of Pumps across South Island New Zealand.
- Guide and advise Apprentices in the workshop.
Workshop Supervisor
SGS NZ Ltd
Christchurch
04.2023 - 10.2025
- As the Workshop Supervisor at SGS NZ LTD in the Industrial Valve Engineering division at the Christchurch branch, I am responsible for overseeing staff and managing workflow within the workshop environment.
- This includes directing daily operations, ensuring efficiency, and maintaining a productive atmosphere for all team members.
- My role involves meticulous data entry related to valves, as well as handling the procurement of spare parts and materials necessary for our operations.
- Additionally, I maintain communication with clients to ensure their needs are met and expectations exceeded, thereby strengthening our professional relationships and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- A significant aspect of my responsibilities includes carrying out repairs on valves, which entails disassembling, assembling, and thoroughly assessing the condition of the valves.
- This process involves measuring components, inspecting parts for wear and damage, repairing as necessary, and reassembling for testing.
- To promote safety and enhance team performance, I conduct daily toolbox talks to discuss pertinent topics and ensure all staff are informed and prepared for their tasks.
Mechanical Supervisor - Hook-Up and Preservation
Nikkham Offshore for Technip Energies
Coral-Sul
03.2022 - 01.2023
- Managed hook-up and preservation activities in preparation for startup, ensuring systems were aligned for commissioning.
- Oversaw P&ID and blueprint execution, pressure testing, and system integration.
- Led a team responsible for managing pumps and circulating products through storage vessels, ensuring safe and efficient workflows.
- Provided technical oversight and ensured adherence to all safety and compliance standards.
Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor and Coach
Diversified Lines Petroleum Services
Saudi Arabia
01.2020 - 05.2021
- Oversaw mechanical maintenance operations for major clients, including Saudi Aramco, ensuring strict adherence to safety and performance standards.
- Managed daily operations, including welding, fabrication, valve repairs, and rotating equipment servicing.
- Conducted site inspections, performance reviews, and detailed equipment diagnostics.
- Provided training and mentorship to Valve Technicians, ensuring knowledge transfer and technical upskilling.
Valve Workshop Supervisor and Training Coach
Severn Valves
Iraq
11.2017 - 07.2019
- Supervised the onshore and offshore valve workshop at NGL Basra gas, managing valve testing, overhaul, and maintenance.
- Provided technical training to local technicians and ensured compliance with international standards.
- Coordinated daily operations, documented repair processes, and engaged with clients for performance reporting and service enhancement.
Offshore Valve & Mechanical Specialist
Equipment & Controls Africa
Angola
04.2011 - 10.2017
- As an Offshore Valve & Mechanical Specialist at E&C Africa in Angola, I played a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency and safety standards.
- I received multiple safety awards from ECAL/SVA, Chevron, and Sanha Complex for outstanding performance in safety management.
- My notable achievements include the successful establishment of new databases that facilitated effective warehouse management of emergency parts and valves, which significantly improved our operational readiness.
- Additionally, I managed the startup of the Mafumeira Sul Project in Angola Block 0, achieving operational readiness ahead of schedule and with minimal downtime.
- Leveraging advanced greasing techniques developed over my years of experience, I effectively sealed off three critical valves, which allowed pressure testing to proceed without the need for extensive onshore refurbishments.
- The cost savings from these initiatives were recognised and appreciated by both Halliburton's team and the Company man, leading to a personal acknowledgment from the Teams Onshore Manager.
- In my role, I was responsible for ensuring seamless operations at offshore facilities through meticulous scheduled maintenance.
- My expertise encompassed the maintenance, installation, and removal of pressure safety valves across various sizes.
- I undertook comprehensive overhauls of valves, including the handling of manual valve-operated gearboxes and actuators, while overseeing all greasing and maintenance activities.
- I also prioritised the training of Angolan nationals and assistants, aligning our efforts with Chevron's principles of operational excellence.
- My responsibilities included delivering presentations on safety and valve maintenance to prevent systemic failures and coordinating employee schedules to optimise resource allocation.
- I conducted thorough inspections to guarantee quality control from commissioning to the point of Ready for Operations (RFO), and ensured the integrity of our valves through nitrogen pressure testing.
- Additionally, I managed stock levels of grease to maintain an effective balance between supply and demand across the platforms.
Pump & Rotating Equipment Specialist - Freelance Contractor
John Crane, Engen, DBS
Durban
02.2007 - 12.2010
- Executed mechanical maintenance, inspections, and breakdown repairs Gas Turbine, Compressor, pumps, valves, and rotating equipment within the petrochemical industry.
- Conducted precision alignment, vibration analysis, and full-scale overhauls.
- Managed equipment installations, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
- Performed safety inspections and ensured compliance with industry standards.
- (Contracting)
Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor
GUD Filters
South Africa
01.2004 - 12.2006
- Supervised mechanical maintenance operations for hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
- Conducted reconditioning of various valves and ensured smooth equipment functionality.
- Focused on safety-driven operational management and preventive maintenance strategies.
Valve & Pump Reconditioning Technician
NCP
Isipingo
01.1997 - 12.2003
- Specialized in valve reconditioning and maintenance, including removal, testing, and reinstallation of safety and pressure valves.
- Managed nitrogen testing and certification.
- Conducted routine maintenance, visual inspections, and repairs of rotating equipment.
- Ensured adherence to operational and safety standards through systematic risk assessment.
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Honors -
Mechanical Engineering
Skills
- Strong leadership and team coordination skills
- Mechanical maintenance and valve refurbishment expertise
- Extensive experience with plant shutdowns and turnaround activities
- Commissioning
- Startup
- Operational readiness
- Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID) and blueprint management
- Quality control
- Risk assessment
- Safety compliance
- Procurement and spare parts management
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Ability to thrive under pressure in high-risk environments
- Training
- Coaching
- Mentoring of technical teams
Vessels
- NDOLA FPSO
- SANHA FPSO
Platforms
- SANHA Complex
- North SANHA
- South SANHA
- North NDOLA
- North & South NEMBA
- BOMBOCCO
- MAFUMEIRA
Barges
CAMELOT
F L N G Facility
Coral-Sul FLNG, Mozambique
Languages
- Portuguese
- English, Fluent
- Portuguese, Basic
Availability
Fully vaccinated and available for offshore/onshore assignments worldwide
Certificates
- Seaman Book
- UKOG Medical Certificate
- PPC Certificate
- First Aid Level 1
Industry Knowledge And Technical Expertise
- Extensive experience in mechanical maintenance of pumps, valves, PSV systems, and rotating equipment within the Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical industry.
- Comprehensive knowledge of international mechanical codes and industry best practices.
- Hands-on expertise in dismantling, repairing, and reassembling mechanical equipment for offshore and onshore facilities.
- Strong background in plant shutdowns, turnaround activities, and commissioning projects.
- Highly skilled in leading teams, ensuring quality control, and maintaining safety compliance in high-risk environments.
Timeline
Workshop Supervisor
SGS NZ Ltd
04.2023 - 10.2025
Fitter
Lyttelton Engineering
12.2022 - Current
Mechanical Supervisor - Hook-Up and Preservation
Nikkham Offshore for Technip Energies
03.2022 - 01.2023
Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor and Coach
Diversified Lines Petroleum Services
01.2020 - 05.2021
Valve Workshop Supervisor and Training Coach
Severn Valves
11.2017 - 07.2019
Offshore Valve & Mechanical Specialist
Equipment & Controls Africa
04.2011 - 10.2017
Pump & Rotating Equipment Specialist - Freelance Contractor
John Crane, Engen, DBS
02.2007 - 12.2010
Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor
GUD Filters
01.2004 - 12.2006
Valve & Pump Reconditioning Technician
NCP
01.1997 - 12.2003
Bachelor's Degree in Honors -
Mechanical Engineering