Master < 500Gt (Near Coastal)

South African Maritime Safety Authority; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A maritime safety organization is seeking a Master responsible for the safe operation of the vessel and compliance with safety policies. Ideal candidates must hold a valid SAMSA CoC, have at least 2 years of relevant experience, and be competent in ship handling. This role emphasizes teamwork and adherence to strict safety regulations. Applications via email only, no hand-delivery considered. Closing date: 29 August 2025.

Qualifications

• Be a South African citizen and hold a valid passport.
• At least 2 years experience as a Chief Navigational Officer.
• Able to follow company instructions and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with safety management policies aboard the vessel.
• Maintain communication with shipboard management.
• Plan and manage work/rest hours for all officers.

Skills

Ship handling experience

Fluent in written and spoken English

Team player

Education

Valid SAMSA Certificate of Competency (CoC) as Master

Valid SAMSA Medical Certificate

Job description

Overview

The Master shall :

• Ensure that Flag State and/or the Classification Society are informed when and where required of any incidents or accidents.
• Maintain appropriate departments ashore and on board sufficiently informed for co-ordination and control of activities for maximum safety, quality and environmental protection.
• In conjunction with the shipboard management team manage, delegate and control work activities with due regard to, but not limited to, the established distribution of responsibilities on-board.
• Keep the Chief Officer informed of all matters concerning vessel operation, enabling him as deputy to take command if necessary.
• Prepare standing and daily orders according to guidelines for navigators.
• Provide information and records of the relevant contents of the following to the shipboard management team: Company SMS, Flag State legislation and guidance, Port state legislation and guidance, Classification societies rules and regulations, Industry guidance.
• Ensure that conditions and activities comply with good seamanship and, if so required, ensure that corrective action is taken.
• Ensure that Port/Flag State and/or the Classification Society are informed when and where required of failure of any Statutory Equipment which affects safety and pollution prevention requirements.

The Masters responsibilities

• Implementation of health, safety and environmental protection policies aboard the vessel and motivation of all crewmembers to observe their requirements.
• Issuing orders and instructions to personnel in a clear and simple manner.
• Verifying that the requirements of the Safety Management System are observed.
• Reviewing the SMS on an ongoing basis in light of practical experience gained and carrying out on-board training drills and post drill reviews.
• Executing the responsibilities for the vessel's dry-docking as outlined in Supp Doc 017.
• Reporting deficiencies to the appropriate department ashore.
• Ensuring that the vessel is seaworthy and ready for the sea before it leaves port, including planning of voyages and navigation.
• Ensuring that charts, navigation manuals, etc. required are available on board and up to date.
• Ensuring that bunkers, water and food are sufficient for the intended voyage.
• Ensuring that vessel certificates are kept up to date and kept in a safe place accessible for inspection by authorities.
• Checking that all personnel have the qualifications required by STCW, flag legislation, customers and/or the Company and that the prescribed minimum manning level for the vessel are complied with.
• Ensure all embarked personnel receive appropriate medical care as may be required.
• To ensure that any loading and unloading of cargo and/or stores as well as its treatment during the voyage is performed in accordance with applicable rules, instructions and contracts.
• Ensure all required physical security and operational security procedures are enforced in accordance with international, flag state, company or customer requirements.
• Recognize non-compliance with a specific requirement and analyse the reason for the non-compliance. Ensure personnel are aware of the reason for the non-compliance and how same is dealt with initially and permanently eliminated for the future.
• Supervise all GMDSS communications ensuring that they conform to international standards.
• Work/rest hour planning and records for all officers and ratings to ensure that the rest hour requirements are being complied with.

The Master is ultimately responsible for the safe operation of the vessel and for preventing pollution from the vessel.

Requirements

The ideal candidate

• Be a South African citizen and hold a valid passport.
• Holds a valid SAMSA Certificate of Competency (CoC) as Master.
• At least 2 (two) years experience as a Chief Navigational Officer.
• Holds a valid SAMSA Medical Certificate (without restrictions or limitations).
• Has good ship handling experience.
• Is fluent in written and spoken English.
• Able to follow Company instructions and procedures.
• Able to deliver results and meet client expectations.
• A team player with a professional work ethic, capable of managing a team on-board and working closely with management.
• Will comply with strict company and industry SHEQ standards and working habits.
• Comply with a strict zero tolerance Drug & Alcohol Policy.

LEGISLATIVE COMPLIANCE

• Compliance with Merchant Shipping Act (MSA), MLC (Maritime Labour Act), and STCW (Standards for Certification, Training, Certification and Watchkeeping).
• Compliance with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act).
• Compliance with Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA) 18 of 1998.
• Clear criminal record with SAPS and willingness to undergo a background check paid for by SAMSA MSP.
• Adhere to company confidentiality requirements.
• Adhere to a strict zero tolerance Alcohol & Drug Policy.

Documentation for submission

• Updated Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of all Certification and Endorsements.
• Copies of all Qualifications.
• Copies of SAMSA-issued Certificate of Competency.
• Copies of Passport, Seaman's Record Book, SAMSA Medical.
• Appraisals & Recommendation Letters.
• Records of previous and/or similar work experience.
• Testimonials and performance appraisals.

Should you meet the requirements as set out above please email your application to The MSP Crewing Department. No hand-delivered applications will be considered.

CLOSING DATE: Friday 29 August 2025

As we are committed to Employment Equity in our employment practices it is our intention to appoint individuals with the aim of meeting our equity objectives. Preference will be given to members of designated groups to achieve the objectives of Employment Equity.

Note: SAMSA MSP reserves the right not to make an appointment to any advertised position. No late applications will be considered. If you have not been contacted within 1 month of the closing date, kindly deem your application unsuccessful.

Location

Cape Town CBD

Job Type

Contract

Salary

Market Related

Duration

EE Position

Location

Cape Town CBD