Job Overview:
The Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of vessels and marine operations.
This role involves conducting vessel inspections, risk assessments, and ensuring that Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) and Fire-Fighting Appliances (FFA) meet all regulatory requirements.
Additionally, the Safety Officer will lead safety inductions, tool-box meetings, internal training, safety campaigns, and maintain detailed safety and marine reports/documentation.
The role is critical to ensuring the safety of personnel, vessels, and equipment, and to ensuring compliance with maritime safety regulations.
The Safety Officer will also act as a key point of contact for safety-related matters, driving a culture of safety and awareness across the organization.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities:
1. Vessel Inspection & Risk Assessment:
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- Conduct regular and thorough inspections of vessels to ensure that safety standards are met and all equipment is in proper working condition.
- Perform risk assessments on operational activities and vessel conditions to identify potential hazards and implement corrective actions to mitigate risks.
- Provide recommendations and improvements for safety-related practices based on findings from inspections and assessments.
2. Safety Induction & Tool Box Meetings:
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- Conduct safety inductions for new employees and contractors, ensuring they are fully informed about the company’s safety procedures, policies, and emergency protocols.
- Facilitate regular tool-box meetings to discuss potential hazards, share safety tips, and reinforce the importance of safety protocols among all crew and staff members.
- Ensure that safety topics are relevant and up-to-date with industry best practices and regulatory changes.
3. LSA/FFA Equipment Compliance:
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- Ensure that all Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) and Fire-Fighting Appliances (FFA) on vessels are compliant with regulatory standards, operational, and safety requirements.
- Perform routine checks to ensure LSA/FFA equipment is maintained, functional, and stored according to safety regulations.
- Work with the procurement team to monitor and ensure timely replacement or upgrading of LSA/FFA equipment when necessary.
4. Follow-up on Purchase Requests for LSA/FFA:
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- Monitor and follow up on purchase requests for LSA/FFA equipment to ensure that required items are acquired in a timely manner and in compliance with safety standards.
- Collaborate with suppliers and the purchasing department to ensure that all necessary equipment is delivered and integrated into the vessel in accordance with the safety requirements.
5. Conduct Safety Campaigns, Safety Flash, and Internal Training:
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- Develop and conduct regular safety campaigns to raise awareness about key safety issues, potential risks, and preventive measures.
- Issue and communicate Safety Flash reports to keep personnel informed of any immediate hazards, incidents, or safety concerns.
- Organize and deliver internal training programs to continuously educate employees on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and the proper use of safety equipment.
6. Maintain Safety & Marine Reports/Documentation:
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- Maintain up-to-date records of safety inspections, vessel compliance, safety meetings, and training sessions.
- Ensure all safety-related documentation, including risk assessments, incident reports, safety audits, and regulatory compliance documents, is accurately recorded and easily accessible for audit and review.
- Prepare and submit regular safety and compliance reports to management, highlighting key safety issues, corrective actions taken, and overall safety performance.
Qualification & Skills:
1. Education:
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- Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, Maritime Safety, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
2. Experience:
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- Minimum of 3 years of experience in a safety-related role, preferably in a maritime or industrial setting.
- In-depth knowledge of maritime safety regulations, including SOLAS, ISM Code, and relevant international conventions.
- Proven experience in conducting vessel inspections, risk assessments, and ensuring LSA/FFA compliance.
- Experience in organizing and facilitating safety training, tool-box meetings, and safety campaigns.
3. Certifications:
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- Certification in Safety Management or Occupational Health and Safety (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH, or similar) is preferred.
- STCW certification (Safety Training for Seafarers) and any relevant maritime safety certifications would be an advantage.
- Certified First Aid and CPR is desirable.
4. Skills and Competencies:
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- Strong knowledge of safety regulations and industry best practices.
- Excellent attention to detail with a methodical approach to inspections, assessments, and documentation.
- Ability to identify hazards, conduct risk assessments, and implement corrective actions to mitigate risks.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively conduct safety training and report on safety issues.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and safety management software.
5. Personal Attributes:
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- Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and motivate staff to adhere to safety protocols.
- Proactive, self-driven, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to work under pressure, handle emergencies, and make critical decisions quickly.
- High level of integrity and professionalism with a commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks effectively.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Completion of vessel inspections and risk assessments within established timelines.
- Compliance rate of LSA/FFA equipment with relevant regulations.
- Number and effectiveness of safety inductions, tool-box meetings, and internal safety campaigns.
- Accuracy and timeliness in maintaining safety records and documentation.
- Reduction in workplace incidents, injuries, or near misses.
Working Conditions:
- Full-time position, with a mix of office-based and on-site work (vessel inspections, training, and meetings).
- Occasional travel may be required to different vessels or locations.
- Ability to work in challenging and sometimes hazardous environments, adhering to all safety protocols.