Senior Marine Personnel Officer - Mumbai

The Role

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As a Senior Marine Personnel Officer, you will be responsible for strategically overseeing the crew management for all vessels under your purview. Your role will ensure the fulfilment of manning requirements, driving initiatives to optimize crew performance and career progression, particularly for senior officers. You will also ensure consistency in the promotion pipeline for senior and junior officers while upholding the highest standards of crew quality and compliance. Using the data available, you will identify and implement improvements to achieve more efficient crew operations, while supporting the team in their understanding and implementation of these initiatives. As a senior member of the team, you will act as an interim in the absence of the General Fleet Manager (GFM) to ensure continuity of operations and management of critical tasks.

Key Responsibilities and Primary Deliverables

Crew Management and Optimization

• Oversee the manning requirements of vessels, ensuring they are in line with Minimum Manning Documents, Zodiac Management requirements, and the operational needs of the vessels.
• Lead the efficient and cost-effective planning and execution of crew changes, coordinating closely with vessels, manning offices, port agents, and Masters to ensure smooth transitions.
• Ensure that all seafarers join vessels with the correct Flag documents, visas, medical certificates, and required training/ familiarization.
• Proactively plan and arrange travel for joining and leaving seafarers, optimizing port choices for cost efficiency without compromising operational effectiveness.
• Identify potential crewing challenges early and collaborate with relevant teams to develop timely solutions to mitigate risks.
• In emergency situations, take charge of swift communication with impacted parties and ensure compliance with company guidelines.

Strategic Crew Development and Performance Management

• Monitor and manage the performance appraisal process for crew members, particularly Junior and senior officers, ensuring continuous career development and timely follow-up on performance issues.
• Ensure consistency in the promotion pipeline for senior officers, providing guidance and support to ensure that high-potential individuals are identified and developed for future leadership roles.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of seafarer performance, applications, and other related documentation.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Support the General Fleet Manager (GFM) in overseeing daily operations and decision-making, stepping in as the interim GFM when necessary, while ensuring continuity in crew management and operations under the guidance of the Head of Crewing.
• Lead strategic initiatives to improve crew management practices and contribute to the overall operational success of the fleet.
• Mentor and support Marine Personnel Officers to ensure optimal functioning of the crew management team and adherence to company standards.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the arrangement of visas for joining seafarers and their families, ensuring seamless integration into their roles.
• Conduct briefings for the Captain and Chief Engineer to ensure alignment and adherence to crew department policies and best practices.
• Monitor vessel victualling and welfare to ensure the well-being of crew members on board managed vessels.
• Assist with ad-hoc duties, projects, and activities as required, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic operational environment.

Communication

• Ensure timely, clear, and professional communication with all internal and external stakeholders, responding to inquiries promptly and accurately.

IT Profile

• Maintain strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly in Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Actively contribute to the successful implementation of upcoming crew systems, ensuring alignment with the department’s objectives and seamless integration of new technology.

Skills profile

Relevant experience & education

• A minimum of 2 years’ similar experience in a shore-based senior crew operator position within the shipping industry.
• Seafaring experience would be an advantage.
• Demonstrated awareness and understanding of STCW95, National & Flag state documentation.
• Demonstrated awareness and understanding of certificate requirements for different types of vessels.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to facilitate and maintain strong relationships across the business.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to identify and focus on relevant information.
• Ability to prioritise conflicting demands against short timelines.
• Well-developed numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills, with strategic thinking ability, to support decisions with sound reasoning and judgement.
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, collaborative in style and excellent communication skills.
• Strong focus on delivering quality and meeting deadlines. A successful track record in dealing with a broad set of activities within a fast-paced environment, whilst managing ambiguity and pressure well.
• Flexible in working hours as you will be required to respond to messages outside of normal working hours.
• Strong academic record with professional qualifications in maritime would be an advantage.