Safety Officer for Expedition vessel

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible to the Master for onboard Safety and Accident Prevention

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & REPONSIBILITIES

All duties and responsibilities are to be performed in accordance with ISM/ISO and SQM standards, USPH guidelines, Environmental, and Safety policies.

• In accordance with company policy each employee always conducts oneself in a professional and courteous manner. This consists of physical and verbal interactions with guests or fellow shipboard employees and/or in the presence of guest contact and Crew areas.

• The Safety Officer is responsible for the Crew Training and Familiarization Induction for Non Marine Persons working onboard in accordance with internal and external requirements. Plan and publish drill and training schedules for the crew and passengers in accordance to SOLAS and STCW, and maintain records of passenger and crew safety drills and trainings.

• The Safety Officer is responsible for the coordination, planning and execution of the maintenance of Safety Equipment as detailed in SQM policy Marine Operations.

• The Safety Officer shall have a full understanding of the Safety and Quality Management Program including his/her responsibilities in in the Safety Organization according to the Emergency Plan and Station Bill.

• The Safety Officer shall be familiar with the entire shipboard organization and work closely with all Department, Division Heads and Supervisors. He/she shall assist the Staff Captain/ Chief Mate and cooperate with the other Marine Officers in maintaining good order and conduct throughout the vessel at all times.

• The Safety Officer shall maintain the compliance databases in cooperation with IT, Guest Services and Crew Administrators to provide an accurate balance of Guests and Crew on Departures. Through IT Systems, maintain Emergency Plan Database and ensure compliance with the Flag requirements for the Emergency Plan and Survival Craft manning and certification.

• The Safety Officer shall have oversight and act as auditor for the correct and timely presentation of the Investigations and resolution of incidents in accordance with SQM Safety manual. He/she will:

o Provide Guidance to the investigation team as appropriate
o Ensure the incident investigation is completed in compliance with the investigation policy and procedures
o Ensure the investigation is conducted appropriately for the severity of the incident
o Report the incidents to the shipboard Steering Committee

• The Safety Officer shall, in conjunction with the other marine officers, ensure that the safety and security at the gangway is always monitored.

• The Safety Officer shall coordinate the actions and duties of the 3rd Officer toward their extra duties.

• Keep the Captain and Staff Captain/Chief Officer informed of all matters of significance within his area of responsibility.

BRIDGE

• The Safety Officer shall maintain a working knowledge of all Bridge Equipment and Routines, sufficient to support the Bridge Team in a Leadership role.

• The Safety Officer shall participate in Navigational duties, as his/her Safety duties allow, developing his/her skills in maneuvering as directed by the Master.

• The Safety Officer should participate in Arrivals and Departures, when possible, to ensure there is continuity toward the Bridge operation.

• The Safety Officer, when required, may act as extra resource on the bridge (Senior Bridge Officer), as directed by the Master.

LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT

• The Safety Officer shall supervise the maintenance and repair of the ship's lifeboats, rescue boats, tenders, and descent gear. He/she shall ensure the life/tender boats are fully refueled, the batteries are charged, and are properly equipped and ready to launch always. He/she shall work in close cooperation with the engine department on technical topics. Shall conduct regular inspections throughout the ship, insisting on a high standard of safety awareness and material condition of the ship.

• The Safety Officer shall ensure the condition of the life rings, smoke signals and lights are perfect.

• The Safety Officer shall supervise the maintenance and inspections of the ship's liferafts and MES systems (if applicable).

• The Safety Officer shall supervise the maintenance of the life jackets (including luminescent CREW stickers), immersion suits and thermal protection aids.

• The Safety Officer shall ensure all emergency escapes are properly and clearly marked with arrows and/or signs. These signs shall be either made from luminescent material or be lit and supported by the emergency power.

• The Safety Officer shall maintain a file of service certificates for all lifesaving appliances.

• The Safety Officer shall ensure the maintenance records are updated in the maintenance program, including unplanned maintenance (when needed).

FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT

• The Safety Officer shall coordinate and conduct inspection and maintenance of the ship's firefighting equipment, including maintaining the inventory.

• The Safety Officer shall ensure that portable firefighting equipment is ready for immediate use and is properly stowed and marked. He/she shall also ensure proper documentation and replacements are onboard as required by SOLAS, Flag State, and the Classification Society.

The Safety Officer shall supervise the testing of fire screen doors, ensuring that all doors are tested for function at least once a month. He/she shall issue AVO to Carpenter first hand and, if needed, request the engine department for any mechanical or technical problems found.

• The Safety Officer shall ensure that the annual testing of the portable fire extinguishers is conducted onboard according to manufacturer's instructions.

• The Safety Officer shall ensure the testing and maintenance of the following items are conducted as required:

o Fire alarms and fire detection systems
o Sprinkler/water mist system, in cooperation with the technical department
o Permanent smothering systems
o Semi-portable and portable fire extinguishers
o Fire stations (hoses, hydrants etc.)
o Fire dampers and their controls, in cooperation with the technical department (OPEN/CLOSE position always to be clearly marked)
o All fire and bilge pumps, in cooperation with the technical department, including the remote control of the bilge pumps

• The Safety Officer shall maintain a file of service certificates for all firefighting equipment.

• The Safety Officer shall ensure the maintenance records are updated in the maintenance program, including unplanned maintenance (when needed).

DAMAGE CONTROL

• He shall ensure that all watertight doors are always closed at sea, operated daily and inspected at least once a week in accordance with current SOLAS regulations. He/she shall assure that the record of all tests, drills, and inspections are entered in the logbook with a detailed description of any defects that have been disclosed. Drills and weekly inspections should also be logged in the maintenance program.

SAFETY TRAINING

• Maintain the Crew of the ship in compliance with internal and external requirements through training in:

o SQ16 Familiarization & Induction Including Watertight Door Operation.
•
o Pre-Departure Safety Training (PDST), Ship Safety Orientation Training (SSOT), Crowd Management Training (CMAT), Crisis Management and Human Behavior Training (CMHB), Lifeboat Certification Course (BOAT)
o Critical Emergency Number training, Emergency Plan Instruction number training,
Galley Crew Fire training
o Provide specialized refresher/familiarization training for Mobile Fire Groups in Dressing, Entry Procedures, and Search and Rescue and specialized equipment.
o Approved Video Library training.

• The Safety Officer shall ensure that personnel are qualified for the emergency duties assigned to them. Particular attention is to be given to those crew members moving into Critical Emergency Numbers. The Safety Officer shall manage compliance with regulatory training requirements. He/she shall be capable of delivering all the regulatory training intended for on- board delivery.

• The Safety Officer is also responsible for supporting and ensuring appropriate implementation of other safety related initiatives and established programs.

OTHER

• The Safety Officer shall ensure, in cooperation with the Chief Electrician that the emergency generator and emergency lights are operational. All emergency lights must be marked with a letter "E" or a red dot.

• The Safety Officer shall ensure all crew are provided with an emergency card.

• The Safety Officer shall ensure, in cooperation with the Security Officer that the fire patrol watches are in place. He/she shall ensure that the start and end times of the patrols are recorded in the deck log book.

• The Safety Officer shall ensure, with the assistance of the Staff Captain/ Chief Mate, that the company's in port manning policy is being adhered to.

• The Safety Officer shall ensure, in cooperation with the Chief/1st Electrician and IT Officer that the Public Address system is operational and well heard in guest and crew areas.

• The Safety Officer shall plan and coordinate the required drills as required by SQM and SOLAS.

• Attends meetings, training activities, courses and all other work-related activities as required.

• Performs related duties as required. This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the shipboard employee occupying this position. Shipboard employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor or management.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial responsibilities for budget, expenses and/or achievement of revenue targets.

• This position is responsible for cost containment through the proper use, handling and maintenance of records, reports, supplies, safety inventories and equipment.
• Conducts workstation spot checks to ensure items are correctly stored to minimize deterioration and waste.

MOTIVATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

People management responsibilities to ensure optimal performance of the function.

• Monitors and manages the various assigned workstation functions. Monitors the assignment of duties and responsibilities to his/her staff. Observes and evaluates staff and work procedures to ensure quality standards and service are met. Makes recommendations regarding personnel actions such as new hire requests and discharges, to ensure adequate and continuous staffing. Inspects workstations, work areas, equipment, etc. to ensure efficient service and conformance to standards.

• Mentors, develops and provides on-the-job training to his/her staff to strengthen their current performance and preparation for future advancement.

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum hiring, language and physical requirements to perform the job.

Hiring Requirements:

• Unlimited Chief Officer’s License

• Training in accordance with STCW

• Previous experience as a Watch Officer on Company vessels

Language Requirements:

• Ability to speak English clearly, distinctly and cordially with guests.
• Ability to read and write English in order to understand and interpret written procedures. This includes the ability to give and receive instructions in written and verbal forms and to effectively present information and respond to questions from guests, supervisors and co-workers.
• Computer literate.

 

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand;

• walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

• All shipboard employees must be physically able to participate in emergency lifesaving procedures and drills. Full use and range of arms and legs as well as full visual, verbal and hearing abilities are required to receive and give instructions in the event of an emergency including the lowering of lifeboats. Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

• Self-motivated and can work under pressure.

• Must have passed psychological assessment.