David Anthony Novello
Offshore Rig Mechanic / Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor
Cape Town
Summary
Knowledgeable Offshore Rig Mechanic/Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor with solid background in rig mechanics. Proven track record in maintaining and repairing drilling equipment to ensure optimal performance. Demonstrated expertise in troubleshooting mechanical issues and implementing effective solutions.
Overview
49
49
years of professional experience
Work History
Offshore Rig Mechanic/Hydraulic Mechanic
Island Drilling
12.2022 - 02.2025
- Contributed to a positive work environment with strong teamwork skills and attention to detail.
- Collaborated with drilling crew to minimize delays in operations due to mechanical failures.
- Enhanced rig efficiency by performing routine maintenance and repairs on drilling equipment.
- Performed comprehensive overhauls on major components such as engines, transmissions, gearboxes, and hydraulic systems for improved longevity.
- Ensured optimal rig performance with regular preventive maintenance on engines, compressors, pumps, and other essential systems.
Lead Hand Mechanic
Nikham Offshore
05.2022 - 06.2022
- Installation & commissioning of gas turbines onboard the vessel.
Rig Mechanic / Hydraulic Technician
Nikham Offshore
01.2022 - 04.2022
- Replacement (5 year) of hydraulic hoses on cranes, maintenance baskets, hydra rackers etc
- Fostered a safety-first mindset by strictly adhering to established protocols during all maintenance and repair activities, contributing to an accident-free work environment.
- Installed, calibrated and tested new or repaired parts and equipment.
- Conducted preventative maintenance on heavy equipment, such as lubrication, checking fluids and replacing worn parts.
Chief Mechanic
Sarcose (Enertek/Wellperform)
06.2021 - 09.2021
- Maintenance & upgrading of equipment and machinery
- Promoted a positive work environment by consistently demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and respect for all team members.
- Served as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on matters related to mechanical operations and maintenance strategies.
- Identified opportunities for process improvements that led to significant reductions in repair turnaround times.
Rig Mechanic
Nikham Offshore
07.2020 - 12.2020
- Onboard commissioning of the oil & gas production unit.
Rig mechanic
Nikham Offshore
10.2019 - 03.2020
- I was part of the team upgrading the machinery as well as planned maintenance and breakdowns on running equipment.
- Reduced downtime by troubleshooting and diagnosing mechanical issues quickly and accurately.
- Ensured optimal rig performance with regular preventive maintenance on engines, compressors, pumps, and other essential systems.
- Contributed to a positive work environment with strong teamwork skills and attention to detail.
- Implemented best practices for maintenance procedures, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Mechanical maintenance leader
CSM Offshore
08.2018 - 11.2018
- Company Overview: (Ulsan, South Korea)
- Leading a team of rig mechanics to get the Bollsta up and ready for the new client. It had been hot stacked for some time & needed to be up & running to full capability before being handed over to the new owners.
- (Ulsan, South Korea)
I & C Mechanical Engineer/Lead Mechanic
NOV (National Oilwell Varco)
07.2012 - 08.2017
- Company Overview: (South Korea)
- As Lead Mechanic, I was responsible for carrying out daily office duties including orders/sourcing of spares/reports and handling of PIB's (Product Information Bulletins) and Safety Alerts.
- As an I & C Mechanic I was responsible for the installation and pre-commissioning of NOV equipment onboard newbuild projects.
- Diagnosed mechanical failures to determine and delegate corrective actions.
- Promoted a culture of teamwork within the department, fostering collaboration among mechanics to achieve common goals efficiently.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations and company policies by reinforcing proper procedures during daily operations.
- (Ulsan, Busan South Korea)
Rig Mechanic
Xltec Recruitment
02.2012 - 04.2012
- Company Overview: (Agent) (Stewart McKerchar - Glasgow, Scotland)
- Repairs on Iron Rough Neck
- Repairs and Maintenance on Galley/ablutions/grey water piping
- Replacement of Piping on the Top Drive System
- Water Pipe and Hydraulic Pipe replacement
- Complete overhaul of Price compressor
- Repair and Maintenance of Vessel ventilation system; Water tight doors; Cranes; Main Fire Pumps
- Basic daily planned Maintenance schedules
- (Agent) (Stewart McKerchar - Glasgow, Scotland)
Rig Mechanic
Spencer Ogden
11.2011 - 12.2011
- Company Overview: (Agent) (Martin Cantwell - Aberdeen, Scotland)
- Repairs on Iron Rough Neck; FRC (Fast Reaction Craft); Potable Water Systems
- Repairs and Maintenance on Deep Water Pumps, Koomy System (Valves & Pipework)
- Repairs and Maintenance on Galley Return tanks and piping.
- Maintenance on Diversion Valves; BOP System
- Repair of Fire Mains Pump / Seal
- Repair and Maintenance of Top Drive System; Rotary Table
- Repair and replacement of parts on the Drawback System
- Repairs and Maintenance on the pipework of Hydraulic Pump Units
- Water Pipe replacements / Hydraulic Pipe Replacements.
- Additional…. Daily maintenance and PM's / CM's
- (Agent) (Martin Cantwell - Aberdeen, Scotland)
Rig Mechanic
HSE Contracting
07.2011 - 08.2011
- Company Overview: (Paarden Island, Cape Town)
- Mudpumps - Draining of oil, making of new gaskets, lubrication service
- Monkey board - Replacing of quick connect hose & fittings
- Realignment of TDS; Shale shakers
- Removal and Replacement of Deep Water Pumps + Stop Valves
- Complete lubrication and planned maintenance of onboard cranes.
- Anchor winch - Complete lubrication of system and checking that everything is 100%
- Engine room - Draining of engine sumps, removal of filtration plates and the cleaning/replacing thereof; replacing of engine filters, damaged fuel oil feeder pipes, fuel supply brackets/fasteners on Bergen engines
- Daily maintenance - Fastening of loose panels, lube etc; Inspection of generators, compressors; Safety & Housekeeping
- (Paarden Island, Cape Town)
Facilities Manager
RBT
06.2009 - 02.2011
- Company Overview: (M Berth, Port of Cape Town, South Africa)
- (M Berth, Port of Cape Town, South Africa)
Mechanical Maintenance Lead
Egyptian Linear & Fluting
05.2008 - 02.2009
- Company Overview: (Cairo, Egypt)
- (Cairo, Egypt)
Mechanical Fitter Lead
Cape Board Mills
06.2007 - 11.2007
- Company Overview: (Cape Town, South Africa)
- (Cape Town, South Africa)
Mechanical Maintenance Foreman
Lafarge Roofing (Coverland)
05.2003 - 05.2007
- Company Overview: (Cape Town, South Africa)
- (Cape Town, South Africa)
Maintenance Manager
Clicks DC
01.2001 - 02.2003
- Company Overview: (Cape Town, South Africa)
- (Cape Town, South Africa)
Maintenance Manager
Drake & Scull
01.2000 - 12.2000
- Company Overview: (St Georges & Cape Sun Intercontinental)
- (St Georges & Cape Sun Intercontinental)
Mechanical Fitter Lead
Technical Systems
04.1999 - 12.1999
- Company Overview: (Cape Town, South Africa)
- (Cape Town, South Africa)
Mechanical Fitter Foreman
Lion Match Company
10.1989 - 12.1998
- Company Overview: (Durban, South Africa)
- (Durban, South Africa)
Mechanical Fitter
Wayne Rubber
09.1989 - 10.1989
- Company Overview: (Durban, South Africa)
- (Durban, South Africa)
Mechanical Fitter (Underground)
Tavistock Coal Mine
12.1988 - 09.1989
- Company Overview: (Witbank, South Africa)
- (Witbank, South Africa)
Mechanical Fitter
Mondi Board Mills
02.1984 - 12.1988
- Company Overview: (Durban, South Africa)
- (Durban, South Africa)
Mechanical Fitter
Dunlop
12.1981 - 12.1983
- Company Overview: (Durban, South Africa)
- (Durban, South Africa)
Apprentice Automotive machinist/Fitter
Vegas Engineering
01.1976 - 11.1981
- Company Overview: (Durban, South Africa)
- (Durban, South Africa)
Education
Trade Tested Artisan - Cum Laude - Mechanical
Dunnottar Technical College
Johannesburg 04.2001 -
N4 - Qualified Automotive Machinist & Fitter
01.1976 - 11.1981
Skills
Bearing installation
Diagnostic skills
Pressure testing
Hand tool proficiency
Mechanical troubleshooting
Hydraulic systems
Rotating equipment
Vibration analysis
Lubrication systems
Teamwork
Maintenance and repairs
Machinery installation
Workplace safety
Machine assembly
Excellent communication
Critical thinking
Passport - Valid Until
03/01/35
Schengen Visa
022924108, 05/23/26
Contact
+27 82 2103403, +27 71 3777 452, davidnovello1959@yahoo.com
Timeline
Offshore Rig Mechanic/Hydraulic Mechanic
Island Drilling
12.2022 - 02.2025
Lead Hand Mechanic
Nikham Offshore
05.2022 - 06.2022
Rig Mechanic / Hydraulic Technician
Nikham Offshore
01.2022 - 04.2022
Chief Mechanic
Sarcose (Enertek/Wellperform)
06.2021 - 09.2021
Rig Mechanic
Nikham Offshore
07.2020 - 12.2020
Rig mechanic
Nikham Offshore
10.2019 - 03.2020
Mechanical maintenance leader
CSM Offshore
08.2018 - 11.2018
I & C Mechanical Engineer/Lead Mechanic
NOV (National Oilwell Varco)
07.2012 - 08.2017
Rig Mechanic
Xltec Recruitment
02.2012 - 04.2012
Rig Mechanic
Spencer Ogden
11.2011 - 12.2011
Rig Mechanic
HSE Contracting
07.2011 - 08.2011
Facilities Manager
RBT
06.2009 - 02.2011
Mechanical Maintenance Lead
Egyptian Linear & Fluting
05.2008 - 02.2009
Mechanical Fitter Lead
Cape Board Mills
06.2007 - 11.2007
Mechanical Maintenance Foreman
Lafarge Roofing (Coverland)
05.2003 - 05.2007
Trade Tested Artisan - Cum Laude - Mechanical
Dunnottar Technical College
04.2001 -
Maintenance Manager
Clicks DC
01.2001 - 02.2003
Maintenance Manager
Drake & Scull
01.2000 - 12.2000
Mechanical Fitter Lead
Technical Systems
04.1999 - 12.1999
Mechanical Fitter Foreman
Lion Match Company
10.1989 - 12.1998
Mechanical Fitter
Wayne Rubber
09.1989 - 10.1989
Mechanical Fitter (Underground)
Tavistock Coal Mine
12.1988 - 09.1989
Mechanical Fitter
Mondi Board Mills
02.1984 - 12.1988
Mechanical Fitter
Dunlop
12.1981 - 12.1983
Apprentice Automotive machinist/Fitter
Vegas Engineering
01.1976 - 11.1981
N4 - Qualified Automotive Machinist & Fitter
01.1976 - 11.1981
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