Good morning Mr. Russo, and thank you for taking the time for this interview. You are one of Mozzanica’s Marine Supervisors.
How long have you been working in the Marine fire protection sector and how did your career begin?
I have been working in the Marine fire protection sector since 2010. I started out as a freelancer collaborating with another company in the field. During several inspections on board ships, we realized that many systems lacked proper maintenance. That’s when a project dedicated specifically to fire system maintenance took shape. A three-person team was created and, after carrying out a full “backup” of all the ships, we analyzed the critical issues and developed a structured maintenance service to address them.
How long have you been working with Mozzanica?
I have been working with Mozzanica since 2015, when the Technical Director Mario Mignacca brought me on board to expand the Marine division.
I accepted immediately because I had the opportunity to be one of the company’s pioneers in the Marine sector.
Just a few weeks after joining, I began organizing the first jobs: one of the first was in Los Angeles, where we carried out a major revamping project on several ships.
What experiences in Mozzanica have had the biggest impact on your professional growth compared to your earlier work?
The main difference is that today I deal with complete systems, not just maintenance or service.
At Mozzanica we have a team of engineers and technical documentation specialists that allows us to manage pools of contractors, organize logistics for equipment and crews, and coordinate projects all over the world.
We can send our own staff or partner personnel, including mechanics, welders and electricians, to respond to any need or emergency. It’s a much broader and more structured level of management.
What does your job look like in practice, especially when it comes to on-board operations?
In our line of work, strong interpersonal skills are essential, as well as the ability to work effectively with the crew and certification bodies. We always come prepared; we are the ones who define what must be done and how to do it. We draw up an operational plan and a detailed work plan, organizing activities around sailing days and port calls so we don’t interfere with the ship’s normal operations. Before any activity begins, we hold coordination meetings to define roles, tasks and the checks required by the authorities. The Marine Supervisor oversees the entire process and prepares teams trained and specialized for each type of work so they can operate independently and at peak efficiency.
During dry docks, times are often tight. How do you manage unexpected issues and multiple teams while keeping the work on track?
Before every dry dock we organize everything carefully, both in terms of materials and personnel, so we’re ready for any unexpected situation. Over the years we’ve created storage containers that we bring with us to the shipyards. They’re stocked with components and materials suitable for any type of system, which means we’re never caught unprepared. During a recent job, for example, we were supposed to revamp the CO₂ piping and replace several valves in the main fire system. However, other companies on board couldn’t finish their work because they lacked the proper materials. The ship asked us to step in and, thanks to our organization and the experience we’ve acquired over time, we were able to respond immediately and take on tasks that weren’t originally planned.
Can you share a meaningful experience you remember with particular pride?
Earlier this year, we had to replace the CO₂ valves on a ship that was originally scheduled to dock in Naples. Shortly before the job, however, the Naples dry dock became unavailable and the ship was diverted to Malta. We didn’t have enough time to move the components from Naples, so we had to build all the piping from scratch and reorganize the logistics in record time. With a team of four people, two welders, one electrician and myself as supervisor, we dismantled and rebuilt the entire system in just three and a half days, a job that normally takes about ten. It was a huge challenge, but we completed it successfully. The client praised our speed, quality and logistical management, especially considering the complexity of having all materials certified by RINA before shipment.
What do you think are the three key qualities of a good Marine Supervisor?
The first is the ability to build a good relationship with the team: there shouldn’t be any sense of hierarchy, but teamwork and harmony. The second is respect for roles: everyone must know and uphold their responsibilities. The third is mindset: “it can’t be done” shouldn’t exist. You always need to find a way to achieve the goal. I’d also add the ability to maintain a calm and constructive dialogue with the client, even in critical moments.
In conclusion, what do you think is Mozzanica's main strength in the Marine sector?
Mozzanica is now one of the leading companies in Marine Fire Safety, able to provide 360-degree support on any onboard system, from self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to Ultra Fog systems. We can source materials quickly and organize teams of technicians ready to intervene anywhere in the world. We have international partners that we coordinate directly and two operational offices in the United States, in West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach (Florida), with warehouses for storing spare parts. Here is a concrete example: during a voyage from St. Anton, a ship experienced an emergency because several cylinders were discharged. Thanks to our collaboration with a partner, we arranged the replacement at the very first stop in Cadiz, where we solved the problem in a single day and fully met the client’s expectations. This is what sets Mozzanica apart: the ability to intervene anywhere, quickly, with effective solutions and a truly global service.