Marine Superintendent (Container Vessels)

Direct Search Global; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Search Global is seeking an experienced Marine Superintendent to oversee safe, compliant and efficient operations of a container fleet from a shore-based role. You will advise Masters and deck officers while ensuring adherence to ISM, ISPS, SOLAS and class requirements, and prepare performance reports for clients.

The role involves regular vessel inspections, navigational audits, and support for Port State Control, Flag State and customer inspections, with international travel as needed

Qualifications

• Certificate of Competency as Master Mariner, Class 1 or equivalent.
• Seagoing experience as Master or senior deck officer aboard container vessels.
• Shore-based Marine Superintendent or similar fleet-management experience would be advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of container-vessel operations, cargo stowage, stability, lashing and dangerous-goods requirements.
• Familiarity with SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, ISPS, STCW and relevant Flag, Class, Port State requirements.
• Experience conducting vessel inspections, navigational audits and incident investigations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily marine operations of assigned container vessels.
• Provide operational guidance and support to Masters, Chief Officers and vessel teams.
• Ensure vessels comply with Safety Management System, Flag State, Port State, Class and statutory requirements.
• Monitor navigational safety, cargo operations, stability, ballast management and deck-maintenance standards.
• Review stowage plans, container securing arrangements, lashing requirements and dangerous-goods documentation.
• Support vessels in managing cargo-related matters, including damaged containers and reefer cargoes.
• Conduct regular vessel inspections, navigational audits and sailing visits.
• Prepare detailed inspection reports and ensure observations and corrective actions are closed promptly.
• Prepare vessels for Port State Control, Flag State, Class, ISM, ISPS and customer inspections.
• Monitor fleet performance, vessel KPIs, deficiencies, incidents and recurring operational issues.
• Lead or support investigations into marine incidents, near misses, cargo damage and navigational matters.
• Conduct root-cause analysis and ensure corrective and preventive measures are implemented.
• Review passage plans, risk assessments, permits to work and Management of Change submissions.
• Support emergency-response activities and provide guidance during marine incidents.
• Assist with vessel takeovers, handovers, new deliveries and mobilisation projects.
• Participate in the selection, appraisal and development of Masters and senior deck officers.
• Identify training requirements and support the professional development of shipboard personnel.
• Coordinate closely with Technical, Crewing, HSEQ, Operations and Commercial teams.
• Maintain regular communication with third-party shipowners and provide timely operational, compliance and performance reports.
• Ensure third-party vessels are managed in accordance with agreed service levels, management agreements and client expectations.
• Attend owner meetings and respond to operational enquiries or concerns.
• Support budgeting and cost control for marine-related equipment, services and operational requirements.
• Travel internationally to attend vessels, ports and client meetings when required.

Skills

Master Mariner

Shore-based supervision

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Navigational safety

Inspections & investigations

Critical thinking

Education

Certificate of Competency (Master Mariner)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Fleet-management systems

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Marine Superintendent to oversee the safe, compliant and efficient marine operations of a fleet of container vessels under both in-house and third-party ship-management arrangements.

The successful candidate will act as the primary shore-based marine contact for assigned vessels, providing guidance to Masters and deck officers while ensuring compliance with company procedures, client requirements and international maritime regulations. The role will also involve regular communication with third-party shipowners and the preparation of vessel-performance and operational reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily marine operations of assigned container vessels.

• Provide operational guidance and support to Masters, Chief Officers and vessel teams.

• Ensure vessels comply with the Safety Management System, Flag State, Port State, Class and statutory requirements.

• Monitor navigational safety, cargo operations, stability, ballast management and deck-maintenance standards.

• Review stowage plans, container securing arrangements, lashing requirements and dangerous-goods documentation.

• Support vessels in managing cargo-related matters, including damaged containers, reefer cargoes, overweight containers and operational claims.

• Conduct regular vessel inspections, navigational audits and sailing visits.

• Prepare detailed inspection reports and ensure that observations and corrective actions are closed promptly.

• Prepare vessels for Port State Control, Flag State, Class, ISM, ISPS and customer inspections.

• Monitor fleet performance, vessel KPIs, deficiencies, incidents and recurring operational issues.

• Lead or support investigations into marine incidents, near misses, cargo damage and navigational matters.

• Conduct root-cause analysis and ensure corrective and preventive measures are implemented.

• Review passage plans, risk assessments, permits to work and Management of Change submissions.

• Support emergency-response activities and provide guidance during marine incidents.

• Assist with vessel takeovers, handovers, new deliveries and mobilisation projects.

• Participate in the selection, appraisal and development of Masters and senior deck officers.

• Identify training requirements and support the professional development of shipboard personnel.

• Coordinate closely with Technical, Crewing, HSEQ, Operations and Commercial teams.

• Maintain regular communication with third-party shipowners and provide timely operational, compliance and performance reports.

• Ensure third-party vessels are managed in accordance with agreed service levels, management agreements and client expectations.

• Attend owner meetings and respond to operational enquiries or concerns.

• Support budgeting and cost control for marine-related equipment, services and operational requirements.

• Travel internationally to attend vessels, ports and client meetings when required.

Requirements

• Certificate of Competency as Master Mariner, Class 1 or an internationally recognised equivalent.

• Seagoing experience as Master or senior deck officer aboard container vessels.

• Previous shore-based experience as a Marine Superintendent, Port Captain or in a similar fleet-management position would be advantageous.

• Strong knowledge of container-vessel operations, cargo stowage, stability, lashing and dangerous-goods requirements.

• Good understanding of SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, ISPS, STCW and relevant Flag, Class and Port State requirements.

• Experience conducting vessel inspections, navigational audits and incident investigations.

• Familiarity with third-party ship management and direct communication with shipowners would be advantageous.

• Strong stakeholder-management and client-service skills.

• Able to manage multiple vessels, priorities and operational issues independently.

• Strong leadership, analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and fleet-management systems.

• Willing and able to travel internationally and sail with vessels when required.