Designated Person Ashore (DPA) - English Channel

DFDS UK & Ireland; Dover; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading shipping organization in the United Kingdom seeks an experienced marine professional to manage safety standards across its vessels operating in the English Channel. The successful candidate will act as the Designated Person Ashore and Company Security Officer, ensuring compliance with international regulations while enhancing operational performance and safety culture in a collaborative environment. Ideal applicants will have relevant maritime certifications, crisis management experience, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This role is based in Dover with required proximity for operational reasons.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Support for professional growth

Qualifications

• Certification as DPA in accordance with MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.6.
• Certification as CSO in accordance with MSC/Circ.1154.
• Business-level proficiency in English (written and spoken).
• Strong knowledge of international maritime rules and regulations.
• Experience in Ro-Ro, Ro-Pax, and/or High-Speed Craft (HSC) operations.
• Proven experience in crisis management and accident investigation.
• Experience conducting audits, inspections, and compliance reviews.
• Commitment to safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Candidates must live within commutable distance of Dover or Calais/Dunkerque/Dieppe.

Responsibilities

• Act as Designated Person Ashore (DPA) ensuring effective safety management.
• Act as Company Security Officer (CSO) overseeing security arrangements.
• Monitor and support safe marine operations across the fleet.
• Ensure compliance with international and flag state regulations.
• Support audits, inspections, and technical reviews.
• Lead or support incident investigations.
• Contribute to crisis management and emergency responses.
• Promote a proactive safety culture among teams.

Skills

Crisis management

Communication

Collaborative working

Stakeholder management

Safety compliance

Education

Certification as Designated Person Ashore (DPA)

Certification as Company Security Officer (CSO)

Tools

ISM/ISPS tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Are you an experienced marine professional with a strong safety mindset and a passion for operational excellence? If so, you could join DFDS as part of our Marine Standards team, supporting vessels operating in the English Channel while contributing to safety management across the wider DFDS fleet.

Be part of the movement - and play your part.

About the role

In this role, you will have overall responsibility for marine operations and safety standards across DFDS vessels operating in the English Channel. In parallel, you will play an active role in safety management initiatives across the global DFDS fleet. Acting as the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) and Company Security Officer (CSO), you will ensure full compliance with international regulations while driving continuous improvement in safety, security, and operational performance.

You will be part of the global DFDS Marine Standards & Safety team, reporting directly to the Head of Marine Standards in Denmark.

You will be responsible for:

• Acting as Designated Person Ashore (DPA) in line with the ISM Code, ensuring effective safety management systems are implemented and maintained

• Acting as Company Security Officer (CSO), overseeing vessel and company security arrangements in accordance with the ISPS Code

• Monitoring and supporting safe marine operations across the English Channel fleet

• Ensuring compliance with international and flag state maritime regulations

• Supporting audits, inspections, and technical reviews, both regionally and across the DFDS fleet

• Leading or supporting incident, accident, and near‑miss investigations, including follow‑up actions

• Contributing to crisis management and emergency response activities when required

• Promoting a strong, proactive safety and reporting culture across vessels and shore teams

• Collaborating closely with ship management, technical teams, and senior stakeholders

You will join the global DFDS Marine Standards & Safety team, a highly experienced and collaborative group working in a professional, trust‑based environment with a strong focus on practical safety and compliance. You’ll work with DFDS safety management and reporting systems, ISM/ISPS tools, and Microsoft 365, supported by standard DFDS hardware to collaborate closely with vessels and shore teams across the fleet.

About you

If you enjoy operating in a dynamic maritime environment and bring a calm, structured, and safety‑first approach, this role could be a strong fit for you. You are confident engaging with both shipboard and shore‑based colleagues and are comfortable taking responsibility in complex situations.

You will ideally have:

• Certification as a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) in accordance with MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.6

• Certification as a Company Security Officer (CSO) in accordance with MSC/Circ.1154

• Business‑level proficiency in English (written and spoken)

• Strong knowledge of international maritime rules and regulations

• Experience within Ro-Ro, Ro-Pax and/or High‑Speed Craft (HSC) operations (strong advantage)

• Proven experience in crisis management and accident investigation

• Experience conducting audits, inspections, and compliance reviews

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder‑management skills

• A genuine commitment to safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement

• For operational reasons, candidates must live within a commutable distance of Dover (UK) or Calais / Dunkerque / Dieppe (France).

Working at DFDS

Join the movement and grow with us.

At DFDS, safety and innovation guide everything we do. Join our Marine Standards team and use your expertise to drive operational excellence across our international fleet. Here, you’ll be more than an employee; you’ll be a valued partner in ensuring the safety and success of a forward‑thinking shipping organisation.

We believe development comes from hands‑on experience. In this role, you’ll grow by leading safety initiatives, audits, and operational improvements, with targeted training available to support your professional growth and success.

Are we a match? Then what are you waiting for? Apply Now.

If your skills, experience, and enthusiasm align with this role, we’d love to hear from you. Please send us your CV promptly, as we review applications and meet potential candidates on an ongoing basis.

We look forward to hearing from you.