SHEQ Officer

Oceana Group Limited; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A maritime safety company in Cape Town is seeking a dedicated SHEQ Officer to ensure compliance with all maritime regulations and manage risk assessments. The successful candidate will conduct mandatory audits and facilitate safety inspections across our fleet. Candidates should possess a National Diploma in Safety Management, a NEBOSH certification, and have 3-5 years of relevant experience. This role offers a chance to make a significant impact on maritime safety standards and includes flexible travel opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant SHEQ experience within a marine/maritime/fishing environment.
• Proven experience in conducting SAMSA audits and risk assessments.
• Proven experience in IOD administration and liaison with the South African Department of Labour.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all marine statutory requirements.
• Conduct and manage the full scope of mandatory SAMSA audits.
• Conduct regular Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
• Document and investigate all incidents and injuries.

Skills

Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis certification

PST, PSSR, MFF, or MFA training

Knowledge of food safety and quality standards (HACCP)

High level of computer literacy (MS Office Suite)

Excellent report-writing and documentation skills

Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills

Strong analytical skills with attention to detail

Education

National Diploma in Safety Management, Nautical Science, or related field

SAMTRAC, NEBOSH certificate, or equivalent Safety Officer training

Job description

Blue Continent Products is seeking a dedicated and proactive SHEQ Officer to ensure the highest standards of Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality across our trawling fleet. This is a critical role for an individual who is passionate about Maritime Safety and Compliance. The successful candidate will be the primary link for our vessels at sea and our shore-based operations, driving SHEQ initiatives, managing risk, and ensuring full legal and company compliance. Exceptional report-writing skills are essential for this position.

Key Job Outputs

• Ensure compliance with all SAMSA, DFL, and other applicable marine statutory requirements.
• Manage and ensure the validity of all vessel certificates and documentation.
• Ensure that all DFFE permit conditions and local laws are met at all times.

SAMSA & Specialist Audits

• Plan, conduct, and manage the full scope of mandatory SAMSA audits, including but not limited to:
• Hull & Structural Integrity Audits
• Safe Manning Audits
• Health & Crew Welfare Audits
• Quality Audits (Documentation and Food Safety)
• Conduct scheduled Maritime Occupational Safety (MOS) audits on board vessels.
• Manage the audit findings process, ensuring corrective and preventative actions are implemented and closed out.
• IOPP

Risk Management & Assessment

• Conduct regular vessel-based and onshore Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
• Coordinate and facilitate external risk audits, including MARSH risk audits and other insurer-driven assessments.
• Implement and monitor risk control measures and advise management on risk mitigation strategies.
• Maintain the company's risk register for the fleet and relevant onshore facilities.

Incident Investigation & DOL/COID Administration

• Ensure all incidents and injuries are documented, investigated, and reported to relevant internal stakeholders and the relevant authorities as required.
• Perform root cause analysis and ensure effective recommendations are implemented to prevent recurrence.
• Administer all Injury on Duty (IOD) claims and liaise with the Department of Labour (DOL) as required.
• Manage the crew's COID claims.

Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare detailed and accurate reports for all audits, inspections, incident investigations, and risk assessments.
• Collate, analyse, and report SHEQ data and statistics for comprehensive monthly and quarterly management reports.
• Maintain precise and organized records of all SHEQ activities for management review and external audit purposes.

Operational SHEQ Execution & Crew Engagement

• Conduct regular SHE inspections on vessels and onshore support facilities.
• Ensure scheduled emergency drills are carried out and evaluated.
• Serve as the primary onshore contact for Vessel Safety Officers, providing support and obtaining scheduled checks and reports during trips.
• Drive continuous improvement and company SHE initiatives.
• Coordinate and review contractors' SHE files, ensuring legal compliance (COID, public liability insurance).

Knowledge, Skills And Attributes

• Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis certification.
• PST, PSSR, MFF, or MFA training.
• Knowledge of food safety and quality standards (HACCP) within a marine context.
• Valid driver's license and own reliable transport (non-negotiable).
• High level of computer literacy (MS Office Suite).
• In-depth knowledge of relevant National (Merchant Shipping Act, MOS regulations, OHS Act, COID) and International marine statutes and regulations.
• Excellent report-writing and documentation skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and professional reports for various audiences.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on, practical, and proactive approach to the job.
• Ability to work independently and manage the SHEQ function for a dispersed fleet.
• Highly flexible, motivated, and willing to travel to vessels in various ports as required.
• Strong analytical skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Willingness to work irregular hours - nightshift; weekend working when required to respond to marine incidents or attend to vessels in port.

Qualifications And Experience

• National Diploma in Safety Management, Nautical Science, or a related field/experience.
• SAMTRAC, NEBOSH certificate, or equivalent Safety Officer training.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant SHEQ experience within a marine/maritime/fishing environment.
• Proven experience in IOD administration and liaison with the South African Department of Labour.
• Proven experience in conducting SAMSA audits and risk assessments.
• Experience with ISM Code implementation.
• Previous experience liaising with marine insurers or risk engineering firms.
• Previous experience on trawlers.

Essential Behavioural Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and strong attention to detail.
• Works effectively under pressure and collaborates well with teams across vessels and shore operations.
• Shows initiative, adaptability, and clear communication in dynamic maritime environments.
• Leads by example, promotes safety awareness, and applies sound problem-solving and decision-making.
• Committed to continuous learning and staying current with industry regulations and best practices.

In support of the company's Employment Equity Plan, applicants from designated groups will be given preference for this position.

If you are not contacted within two weeks of closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.