Marine Fleet Compliance Manager

Darwin Recruitment; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment is seeking a Maritime Compliance Manager to oversee fleet-wide regulatory compliance, inspections, and certification readiness across a diverse vessel portfolio in the United States. You will serve as the primary liaison with USCG and class societies, coordinating plans, audits, and incident investigations.

Ideal candidates bring 5–7 years of maritime regulatory experience, knowledge of 46 CFR Subchapters, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of maritime regulatory compliance experience.
• Working knowledge of 46 CFR Subchapters C, I, M, and T and USCG guidance.
• Experience preparing, reviewing, and submitting technical submissions.
• Experience with vessel inspections, repairs, and certification readiness.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.
• Willingness to travel 20-30% and obtain TWIC.

Responsibilities

• Regulatory plan review and plan submissions for regulatory authorities and classification societies.
• Coordinate vessel inspections, surveys, and certification activities.
• Lead internal audits and deficiency resolution processes.
• Oversee repair oversight, damage assessments, and repair packages.
• Investigate incidents and report regulatory findings to leadership.
• Monitor regulatory changes and translate into practical procedures.

Skills

Maritime regulatory compliance

USCG regulations

Vessel inspections

Regulatory plan review

Audit management

Technical documentation

Stakeholder management

Incident investigations

Leadership

Safety culture

Education

USCG Marine Inspector credential (preferred)

Maritime technical training or related certifications

Tools

Regulatory submissions software

Documentation review tools

Job description

The Maritime Compliance Manager is responsible for ensuring fleet-wide compliance with applicable maritime regulations, safety standards, environmental requirements, and classification rules across a diverse commercial vessel fleet. This role serves as the primary regulatory and technical liaison between company leadership, vessel crews, marine operations teams, shipyards, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and classification societies. Key responsibilities include regulatory plan review, vessel inspections, audit management, repair oversight, deficiency resolution, incident investigations, and certification readiness.

Key Responsibilities:

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure vessels and marine operations comply with applicable federal, state, and international maritime regulations, including relevant U.S. Coast Guard requirements and classification standards.
• Technical Submissions and Plan Review: Prepare, review, and submit technical documentation, engineering plans, modification requests, and repair packages to regulatory authorities and classification societies for approval.
• Regulatory Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact for the USCG, classification societies, and other relevant authorities, coordinating inspections, surveys, certifications, and regulatory reviews.
• Vessel Inspections and Readiness: Conduct onboard inspections and pre-inspection assessments to verify vessel readiness for regulatory examinations, classification surveys, and certification renewals.
• Repairs and Engineering Oversight: Evaluate vessel condition reports, damage assessments, repair proposals, and drydock specifications; coordinate with marine engineers, shipyards, and surveyors to ensure compliant repairs.
• Safety Audits and Risk Management: Conduct internal and external audits, identify operational and structural hazards, assess risks, and recommend corrective measures to strengthen vessel safety and regulatory performance.
• Deficiency Management: Track, document, and resolve regulatory deficiencies, inspection findings, outstanding recommendations, and corrective actions to maintain compliance and certification status.
• Regulatory Monitoring and Interpretation: Monitor changes to maritime regulations, statutory requirements, classification rules, and regulatory guidance, translating updates into practical procedures and compliance measures.
• Certification and Credentialing: Oversee vessel inspection and certification readiness, provide guidance on commercial vessel compliance classifications, and evaluate mariner sea-time, credential progression, and manning requirements in accordance with applicable guidance.
• Incident Investigation and Management Reporting: Participate in incident investigations and root-cause analyses, communicate compliance risks and performance trends to senior management, and recommend improvements to safety, operational effectiveness, and regulatory performance.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Relevant Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of direct experience in maritime regulatory compliance, vessel inspections, marine surveying, regulatory plan review, or USCG marine inspection activities.
• Regulatory Expertise: Demonstrated working knowledge of applicable maritime regulations, including 46 CFR Subchapters C, I, M, and T, USCG inspection guidance, and classification society requirements.
• Technical Documentation: Proven ability to prepare, interpret, and review technical submissions, engineering plans, repair proposals, inspection reports, and regulatory documentation.
• Vessel Inspection and Repair Knowledge: Experience evaluating vessel condition, structural or mechanical deficiencies, repair specifications, damage reports, and compliance requirements for commercial vessels.
• Marine Safety Knowledge: Strong understanding of maritime safety systems, firefighting and lifesaving equipment, structural fire protection, watertight integrity, confined-space safety, and industrial workplace hazards.
• Leadership and Team Development: Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, motivate, and develop employees while promoting accountability, collaboration, and a strong safety culture.
• Communication and Stakeholder Management: Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical and regulatory matters to employees, senior leadership, regulators, and external partners.
• Analytical and Organizational Skills: Strong problem-solving, risk assessment, planning, auditing, and organizational abilities, with the capacity to manage competing priorities and make sound operational decisions.
• Education and Professional Credentials: A former or retired USCG Marine Inspector with marine inspection or prevention experience is strongly preferred. Relevant maritime technical training, professional qualifications, or equivalent regulatory experience are advantageous.
• Travel, Access, and Physical Requirements: Must hold or be eligible to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), be able to travel approximately 20-30%, and safely access vessels, elevated work areas, ladders, and confined spaces as required. Must be able to use appropriate personal protective equipment and perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.