Marine Compliance Officer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of heightened ecological awareness, the role of Marine Compliance Officers is gaining increasing significance.

As maritime laws and regulations evolve, the demand for professionals who can interpret, implement, and oversee these directives grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What does a Marine Compliance Officer truly do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager conceptualizing the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of marine compliance,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Marine Compliance Officer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Marine Compliance Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Marine Compliance Officers ensure that all operations and practices at sea abide by the rules and regulations set by local, national, and international maritime authorities.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Monitoring and ensuring compliance with marine regulations and safety standards.
• Performing regular inspections of marine vessels and equipment to ensure operational safety.
• Developing and implementing safety and compliance protocols for marine operations.
• Reporting on compliance issues and suggesting improvements to management.
• Coordinating and conducting emergency drills and safety meetings.
• Maintaining a thorough understanding of current and emerging maritime laws and regulations.
• Training staff on compliance policies, maritime laws, and safety procedures.
• Investigating incidents, accidents, and violations, and preparing reports detailing findings.
• Working with regulatory bodies to resolve any issues of non-compliance.
• Ensure the company’s marine operations are sustainable and environmentally compliant.

 

Marine Compliance Officer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and meticulous Marine Compliance Officer to join our team.

The role involves implementing and ensuring adherence to the company and international maritime regulations and standards.

Responsibilities include conducting regular inspections, managing emergency response situations, and developing compliance strategies.

Our ideal candidate is familiar with the latest maritime regulations and has a strong understanding of compliance procedures.

Ultimately, the Marine Compliance Officer will be responsible for ensuring all marine operations are in strict compliance with all regulatory requirements to guarantee safety and protect the environment.

 

Responsibilities

• Monitor and ensure compliance with national and international maritime regulations
• Carry out regular inspections of vessels and operations
• Implement and maintain the company’s safety and environmental policies
• Manage emergency response situations
• Provide guidance and training to marine staff on compliance matters
• Develop and implement compliance strategies
• Prepare and present reports on compliance and non-compliance incidents
• Coordinate with external auditors and regulators
• Stay updated with the latest maritime regulations and standards
• Assist in various marine operations as required

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Marine Compliance Officer or similar role
• Strong knowledge of national and international maritime regulations
• Experience in managing emergency response situations
• Excellent understanding of compliance procedures
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to train and guide staff
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• BSc degree in Marine Science, Environmental Science, or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Marine Compliance Officer
• Work Environment: Office setting with frequent visits to docks, ports, and onboard vessels. Some travel may be required for inspections or regulatory meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Marine Compliance Manager or Director of Compliance.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Marine Compliance Officer Do?

A Marine Compliance Officer is a crucial figure in the maritime industry, ensuring that all operations align with local, national, and international maritime laws and regulations.

They are responsible for conducting regular audits and inspections on ships and maritime facilities to ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and operational standards.

The Marine Compliance Officer creates and implements safety and operational procedures, and ensures that staff are adequately trained to comply with these procedures.

They are also responsible for the management of waste disposal, pollution control, and maintaining the overall safety of the marine environment.

In case of any non-compliance, the Marine Compliance Officer initiates corrective measures, which may include equipment upgrades, process changes, or staff training.

They also keep up-to-date with changes in maritime laws and regulations and update the company’s policies accordingly.

In case of any incidents or accidents, they are responsible for leading the investigation and preparing reports for both internal use and regulatory authorities.

The Marine Compliance Officer plays a vital role in minimizing risks and ensuring the smooth and lawful operation of maritime activities.

 

Marine Compliance Officer Qualifications and Skills

Marine Compliance Officers use a variety of skills and industry knowledge to enforce and ensure adherence to maritime laws and policies, including:

• Knowledge of maritime laws, regulations, and standards to effectively monitor and ensure compliance within the marine operations.
• Strong observational skills to inspect vessels, review documents, and assess operational procedures for any potential compliance issues.
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with staff, management, and external bodies, and to clearly articulate compliance requirements and procedures.
• Problem-solving skills to identify non-compliance issues and to develop appropriate corrective measures.
• Ability to work well under pressure and in emergency situations, which may require quick decision-making and prioritization.
• Detail-oriented nature to maintain accurate records of inspections, investigations, and other compliance-related activities.
• Leadership and interpersonal skills to promote a culture of compliance among crew members and other stakeholders.
• Physical fitness to undertake marine voyages, conduct inspections, and handle various environmental conditions.

 

Marine Compliance Officer Experience Requirements

Marine Compliance Officers typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in marine science, environmental science, or a related field, with at least 3-5 years of working experience in marine compliance, environmental compliance or a similar role within the marine industry.

The job often requires individuals to have experience with environmental regulations and standards, as well as marine operations.

This experience could be gained through previous roles such as Marine Inspector, Environmental Compliance Specialist, or Marine Operations Coordinator.

For those aspiring to senior roles, more than 5-7 years of experience may be required, often including experience in policy development and team management.

These officers will generally need a thorough understanding of the various marine environmental laws and regulations, and the ability to enforce these laws and regulations within their organization or vessel.

Experience with marine safety systems, maritime law, and audit processes is also beneficial.

Training or certifications in these areas can be advantageous and may be considered in lieu of some experience.

Ultimately, the experience required for a Marine Compliance Officer will vary depending on the specific responsibilities of the role and the size and type of vessel or organization.

 

Marine Compliance Officer Education and Training Requirements

Marine Compliance Officers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, naval architecture or another related field.

They need to have a deep understanding of maritime laws and regulations, as well as the various operational aspects of marine vessels and offshore installations.

In addition, they should possess knowledge of international maritime regulations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards, the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

To function effectively, Marine Compliance Officers require excellent communication skills and the ability to interpret and implement complex regulatory requirements.

Some roles may require Marine Compliance Officers to hold a master’s degree in maritime law or marine affairs.

Certain certifications, such as Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP), can also be beneficial for these roles and reflect a candidate’s dedication to the profession and commitment to continuous learning.

Experience in the maritime industry, particularly in roles related to safety and compliance, is generally preferred.

This may include work on vessels, at ports, or with maritime regulatory bodies.

Lastly, some positions may require the Marine Compliance Officer to hold a valid seafarer’s license, indicating their hands-on experience and knowledge of operational practices at sea.

 

Marine Compliance Officer Salary Expectations

A Marine Compliance Officer earns an average salary of $71,899 (USD) per year.

The actual income may fluctuate depending on factors such as individual experience, the employing company, and the geographical location.

 

Marine Compliance Officer Job Description FAQs

What is the role of a Marine Compliance Officer?

A Marine Compliance Officer ensures that all activities carried out by a marine organization adhere to international and national maritime regulations.

They monitor operations, conduct audits, and oversee safety training programs.

They also handle any compliance issues, which may involve analyzing incidents, implementing corrective actions, and liaising with regulatory bodies.

 

What qualifications does a Marine Compliance Officer need?

A Marine Compliance Officer usually requires a degree in maritime studies, marine engineering, or a related field.

Many also hold a Master’s Degree in Maritime Law.

In addition to formal education, experience in the maritime industry, particularly in safety or compliance roles, is highly valuable.

Knowledge of maritime laws, international conventions, and safety standards is crucial.

 

What qualities make a good Marine Compliance Officer?

A good Marine Compliance Officer has a comprehensive understanding of maritime laws and regulations.

They should possess excellent analytical skills to interpret complex legal documents and identify potential compliance issues.

Strong communication skills are essential, as they will need to liaise with various stakeholders, including crew members, management, and regulatory bodies.

Additionally, attention to detail and problem-solving skills are vital in this role.

 

What should you look for in a Marine Compliance Officer resume?

Look for a solid background in maritime operations, compliance, or safety roles.

Check for knowledge of international maritime laws, safety standards, and industry best practices.

In addition to these technical qualifications, look for evidence of strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Experience in conducting audits and implementing compliance programs is also a plus.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Marine Compliance Officer?

Hiring a Marine Compliance Officer can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

Not only does it require technical knowledge of maritime laws and safety standards, but it also requires a nuanced understanding of maritime operations.

Thus, finding a candidate with the right balance of technical knowledge and operational experience can be challenging.

However, a comprehensive and well-structured recruitment process can help find suitable candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on what it truly means to be a Marine Compliance Officer.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about enforcing regulations.

It’s about navigating the course towards a safer and cleaner marine environment, one policy at a time.

With our go-to Marine Compliance Officer job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to set sail.

But why dock just yet?

Submerge yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next port of call for creating tailor-made job listings or refining your resume to shipshape.

Bear in mind:

Every policy enforced is a beacon towards a more sustainable marine landscape.

Let’s chart this course. Together.

How to Become a Marine Compliance Officer (Complete Guide)

The Laborious Letdowns: The Most Hated Jobs in the Office

Are You Earning Enough? Discover the Jobs with Surprisingly Low Salaries!

Satisfyingly Super: The Most Enjoyable Jobs in the World

Low-Stress, High Satisfaction: Careers That Keep You Content