Designated Person Ashore (DPA) - English Channel

DFDS; Dover; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading shipping organization is looking for a marine professional to oversee marine operations and safety standards in Dover. Key responsibilities include acting as the Designated Person Ashore and Company Security Officer, ensuring compliance with international regulations, and driving safety initiatives. Candidates should hold relevant certifications and possess a strong safety mindset, with excellent communication and collaboration skills. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to safety management across a dynamic maritime environment.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Act as Designated Person Ashore (DPA), ensuring effective safety management systems.
• Oversee vessel and company security arrangements as Company Security Officer (CSO).
• Monitor and support safe marine operations across the English Channel fleet.
• Ensure compliance with international maritime regulations.

Skills

Crisis management

Accident investigation

Communication

Stakeholder management

Compliance review

Operational excellence

Education

Certification as a Designated Person Ashore (DPA)

Certification as a Company Security Officer (CSO)

Tools

ISM/ISPS tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Overview

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:

Responsibilities

• 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.

Are you a good fit?

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. 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.

Qualifications

• 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).

How to apply

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.

About DFDS

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.