Marine Operations Manager

The Marine Operations Manager oversees and manages all day-to-day aspects of marine operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance with the Companys SMS, international and local regulations, and laws. The Marine Operations Manager will be responsible for coordinating vessel schedules, itinerary planning, ensuring maintenance and safety standards, and optimizing operational performance. Key responsibilities include liaising with regulatory bodies, vessel management, crew supervision, and coordinating maintenance and implementing best practices to enhance operational efficiency.

1. Vessel Monitoring and Operations Management

• Oversee day-to-day marine operations of the fleet and ensure compliance with safety regulations and the Companys SMS.
• Ensure all marine shipboard safety and environmental policies are carried out in accordance with international and national regulations, and Company procedures.
• Liaison with Masters and Staff Captains, Flag States, Classification Societies, Port Control States, Health Organizations, Owners, and Operators.
• Assist and supervise the established standards for assigned vessels, in collaboration with the Director of Marine Operations.
• Collaborate with other departments and external stakeholders, to ensure smooth operations and customer satisfaction.
• Deal with non-conformities covering the operation of the vessels.
• Zodiac/Tender operations management and maintenance monitoring.
• Introducing operation plans and policies for equipment and software installed onboard related to operations such as OLEX, Alcoliser, FOS, AVO etc.
• Prompt support and assistance provided to operators and owners applicable to vessel marine operations.
• Compliance with the Companys operational manual and policies. Review and analysis of the same for the purpose of improving the system and the efficiency of the operation.
• Advise the management of developments in regard to the vessels operation, shoreside operation, and owners/operators requirements.

2. Quality, Safety, Health and Environmental protection management

• To comply with and improve safety culture throughout the fleet in order to achieve the company objectives.
• Verify all accidents, incidents, and near misses related to marine operations.
• Review or create forms and policies relating to operations in the SMS.
• Assist in accident investigation and/or VDR review.

3. Security Management

• Designated Alternate Company Security Officer for the Company.
• Assist CSO and conduct Ship Security Assessments and develop tailored Ship Security Plans.
• Ensuring the security of a companys assets, personnel, and ships.
• Implementing and monitoring security measures that comply with the ISPS Code
• Developing robust safety protocols and crisis management to prevent data breaches, phishing, and malware
• Support and advisory to fleet SSOs concerning security.

4. Emergency Response and Support.

• Member of the emergency response team.
• Support to Captains and bridge officers as part of the Masters decision support system onboard.
• On-call for emergency response and navigation hazards.
• On-call for all security and stability-related emergencies and responses.
• Coordinate and assist during medical-related incidents and evacuation.
• Assist in crisis and crowd management.

5. Navigational Support

• Route Monitoring, Weather monitoring, and cautionary advice to vessels.
• Ensuring proper manning, safety procedures, navigational equipment, and the proper training of shipboard personnel.
• Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the instructions given in the Marine Operations Team.

6. Regulatory & Statutory Inspections

• Assist vessels for surveys, internal, external, and third-party inspections such as PSC, USCG, USPH, PHAC, PSSC, MLC, ISPS, ISM, Class, Flag, P&I, Owners, AECO, IAATO, etc.
• Ensure that USCG, and USPH standards are achieved for applicable vessels sailing in the US in accordance with the VSP manual and CFR.
• Coordinating and supporting vessels for inspection observations and non-conformity closure, as applicable.

7. Port Operations

• Preparing and verifying itineraries for operators/owners wrt speed, distance, availability, etc.
• Vetting the ports and area of navigation to deem fit for the individual vessels wrt safety, navigation, environment, and fuel efficiency.
• Ensure the vessel complies with all International and local regulations and laws for the scheduled port of call.
• Assist in port bookings/cancellations and DA calculations, as applicable,

8. Regulatory and Internal Data Management

1. Collection and submission of data to owners and/or operators for external regulatory submissions such as IAATO, AECO, EPI, etc..
2. Brief understanding of various regulations such as MRV, Fuel-EU, EU-ETS, etc.
3. Maintain awareness of changes within the industry, keeping up-to-date with press releases, and reviewing industry codes.
4. AVO system management including amendments and changes to ensure optimum efficiency.

9. Crewing

• Coordinate with crew manager to ensure crew processes are in line with company SMS and short/long-term plans.
• Interview assessments of Deck Officers and Security Officers.
• Carry out de-briefing and briefings of Deck Officers.
• Familiarization of the new employees in the team.
• Creating and/or amending interview processes.

10. Travel

• Occasional travel for training, meetings, or to attend relevant conferences.
• Travel to the vessel for Ship Security Assessment, audits, verification, and assisting in vessel preparations prior to inspection.
• Travel to the vessel as part of the shoreside takeover team which may include verification of the operational status of the vessel, certification, and may also include training the start-up crew onboard wrt Muster list and emergency duty roles.
• Coordinate and assist compliance and technical department as required during ship visits/projects.

External: Owners, Operators, Class, P&I , PSC, Coast Guard, Agents, Local authorities, RSO, prospective Clients, Marine Operations service providers.

Internal: Senior Management, Shipboard teams, Operations Team, Compliance Team, Technical Team, Environmental Compliance Team, MHR.

Education:

• Bachelors degree in Nautical Science or similar equivalents.
• Additional training or degrees related to accident investigation, Public Health, Insurance, auditing, leadership, or management are advantageous.

Experience:

• Valid sailing experience onboard a cruise ship as First Officer rank or above.
• Experience with marine operations in the cruise industry.
• Knowledge of vessel management systemsand compliance regulations.

Familiarity with marine technology, including navigation systems, communications equipment, and vessel maintenance and repair procedures.