Safety Officer to Expedition vessel

 Duties include (but are not limited to):

1. Safety Management & Compliance
Ensure the vessel adheres to all international safety regulations (SOLAS, ISM Code, MARPOL, Polar Code, etc.) and company standards.

Maintain and update the ship’s Safety Management System (SMS) and ensure its effective implementation across all departments.

Monitor the proper use and condition of all safety and life-saving equipment onboard (lifeboats, fire extinguishers, lifejackets, EPIRBs, etc.).

2. Emergency Preparedness & Response
Develop and lead emergency response procedures, including:

Firefighting

Flooding

Man overboard

Abandon ship

Organize and conduct regular emergency drills for crew and passengers, in compliance with flag state and company requirements.

Lead or support emergency response teams during real incidents.

3. Crew Training & Supervision
Conduct onboarding safety briefings for all new crew.

Train crew on emergency procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and survival craft.

Ensure all crew are familiar with their muster station duties and participate in drills.

4. Equipment Inspections & Maintenance
Carry out routine inspections of all safety equipment, ensuring compliance with maintenance schedules.

Liaise with technical department for servicing and repair of safety-related systems.

Maintain accurate inspection logs and certification records for all safety appliances.

5. Environmental and Polar Code Compliance
Monitor vessel operations for compliance with environmental regulations, especially in sensitive areas (e.g., polar zones).

Support enforcement of garbage management, fuel handling, and emissions control in accordance with MARPOL and the Polar Code.

Assist in safe navigation and operations in ice-infested waters by supporting the bridge team with safety assessments.

Watchkeeping Duties (as Certified Officer)
1. Bridge Watch
Stand navigational watch (typically 4-hour shifts) as Officer of the Watch (OOW), especially in challenging environments like ice navigation or fjords.

Maintain a proper lookout and safe navigation in accordance with COLREGs and company standing orders.

Monitor weather, ice, traffic, and environmental conditions, and report significant changes to the Master.

2. Logbook & Record Keeping
Record all navigational and safety-relevant data in deck and safety logbooks.

Report and document safety-related incidents, near misses, and anomalies during watch.

3. Passenger and Expedition Support
Coordinate with expedition leaders regarding safe tender operations, landings, and guest movements.

Assist with safety briefings and supervision during shore excursions or Zodiac operations, if required.

Qualifications & Certificates
STCW-compliant Certificate of Competency 

Advanced Firefighting, Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, and Proficiency in Security Awareness.

Polar Code training (Basic or Advanced) if operating in polar regions.

Familiarity with environmental protocols (AECO, IAATO, etc.) is a plus.

Key Competencies
Strong leadership, communication, and risk management skills.

Experience in safety-critical roles on passenger or expedition vessels.

Ability to lead teams in high-stress or emergency scenarios.

Watchkeeping competence in challenging environments (ice navigation, remote areas).