Maritime Compliance Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the vast expanse of the maritime industry, the importance of a Maritime Compliance Specialist cannot be overstated.

As global regulations evolve, the need for skilled professionals who can navigate, implement, and safeguard maritime compliance processes continues to rise.

So, what exactly does the role of a Maritime Compliance Specialist entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamics of maritime compliance,

You’ve navigated to the right place.

Today, we present to you a customizable Maritime Compliance Specialist job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Maritime Compliance Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Maritime Compliance Specialists ensure that all operations and procedures of maritime organizations comply with legal, safety, and environmental regulations.

They work to create and implement policies that align with maritime compliance laws.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Review and ensure compliance with local and international maritime regulations
• Conduct routine audits and inspections to identify potential compliance issues
• Create, implement, and manage internal compliance programs
• Provide training and guidance to staff on maritime compliance matters
• Prepare and submit compliance reports to regulatory bodies
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of laws and regulations related to maritime operations
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure company-wide compliance
• Manage incident investigations and ensure corrective actions are implemented
• Develop and implement emergency response plans and procedures
• Advise management on potential risks and suggest mitigation strategies

 

Maritime Compliance Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a skilled Maritime Compliance Specialist to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that all maritime operations are conducted according to established regulations and standards.

The Maritime Compliance Specialist responsibilities include assessing and updating safety procedures, conducting routine audits, training staff on compliance matters, and responding to incidents in a timely and effective manner.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in maritime compliance, with the ability to interpret and apply regulations to ensure compliance and safety in maritime operations.

 

Responsibilities

• Ensuring compliance with all maritime laws, regulations, and standards
• Developing and implementing safety protocols
• Conducting routine audits and inspections
• Training staff on compliance issues and safety protocols
• Responding to compliance issues and incidents promptly and effectively
• Maintaining records and preparing compliance reports
• Providing advice on compliance-related matters
• Staying abreast of changes in maritime laws and regulations

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Maritime Compliance Specialist or similar role
• Knowledge of maritime laws, regulations, and standards
• Ability to interpret and apply regulations
• Excellent communication and training skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Attention to detail and good organizational skills
• Bachelor’s degree in maritime studies, law or a related field

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Maritime Compliance Specialist
• Work Environment: Varies by assignment. May require travel, offshore work, and unscheduled duty.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Compliance Manager or Director of Maritime Operations.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $95,000 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 Maritime Compliance Specialist Do?

Maritime Compliance Specialists are professionals who ensure that maritime operations comply with local, regional, and international laws and regulations.

They work primarily for shipping companies, port authorities, and maritime regulatory bodies.

Their primary job is to review, interpret, and implement policies concerning maritime activities, such as ship navigation, cargo transportation, and fishing operations.

They work closely with ship crew members, dock workers, and maritime officers to ensure all procedures are compliant with the relevant regulations.

They are responsible for conducting regular audits and inspections of maritime operations, identifying any non-compliant activities, and suggesting corrective measures.

They also provide training to ship personnel on regulatory compliance.

Maritime Compliance Specialists also liaise with regulatory bodies, providing them with necessary documentation and reports related to compliance.

They may also be involved in crisis management, helping to develop and implement emergency response plans in compliance with maritime laws.

In cases of violations, they assist in investigations, help determine the causes, and work with the responsible parties to prevent recurrences.

They play an integral role in promoting a culture of safety and compliance within the maritime sector.

 

Maritime Compliance Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Maritime Compliance Specialist must demonstrate a mix of technical knowledge, industry expertise, and key soft skills, such as:

• Strong understanding of maritime regulations and compliance standards to ensure that all operations align with industry and legal requirements.
• Excellent analytical skills to assess and monitor the company’s compliance with maritime laws, regulations, and standards.
• Detailed knowledge of maritime operations, protocols, and safety procedures to effectively evaluate and improve company practices.
• Exceptional communication skills to relay complex compliance information to crew members, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies effectively.
• Problem-solving skills to identify potential compliance issues and develop preventative measures or corrective action plans.
• Interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with various teams and individuals, fostering a culture of compliance throughout the organization.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple compliance projects, track regulatory changes, and maintain necessary documentation.

 

Maritime Compliance Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Maritime Compliance Specialists are typically expected to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in the maritime industry.

This experience can be obtained through internships, maritime training programs or part-time roles in related fields such as marine operations, environmental management or ship safety.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience should have a solid understanding of marine regulations and compliance standards.

During this time, they often gain experience in maritime law, regulatory compliance, ship inspection and audit procedures.

Professionals with more than 5 years of experience in this role are usually well versed in international maritime conventions and protocols.

These individuals are often responsible for ensuring that all maritime operations adhere to the latest international and national regulations.

Those with over 10 years of experience in maritime compliance may have leadership experience and could be well-suited for managerial roles, overseeing compliance teams, developing compliance strategies, or working directly with regulatory authorities.

In addition to practical experience, many roles require a degree in maritime studies, law, environmental science, or a related field.

Relevant certifications, such as Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP), may also be desired.

 

Maritime Compliance Specialist Education and Training Requirements

A Maritime Compliance Specialist typically requires a bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies, Marine Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field.

They must have a thorough understanding of maritime laws and regulations, both nationally and internationally.

This requires an in-depth knowledge of the policies and procedures of agencies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), among others.

In addition to their degree, Maritime Compliance Specialists often need several years of experience in the maritime industry.

This experience helps them understand the practical applications of maritime laws and regulations.

Many professionals in this field also pursue advanced degrees in maritime law or marine environmental policy.

These programs offer comprehensive training in the legal and regulatory aspects of the maritime industry.

Maritime Compliance Specialists can also benefit from obtaining certifications from recognized bodies such as the National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) or the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

These certifications can enhance their credibility and demonstrate their expertise in the field.

In addition, these professionals need strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills to interpret complex laws and regulations, coordinate with various stakeholders, and ensure compliance in all maritime operations.

Ongoing education is also essential, as maritime regulations and standards can change frequently.

Maritime Compliance Specialists must stay current with these changes to ensure their organizations remain compliant.

 

Maritime Compliance Specialist Salary Expectations

A Maritime Compliance Specialist earns an average salary of $72,680 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can differ based on factors such as professional experience, educational qualifications, geographical location, and the company they work for.

 

Maritime Compliance Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Maritime Compliance Specialist need?

Maritime Compliance Specialists should have excellent knowledge of maritime regulations and laws.

They should possess strong analytical skills to assess and ensure compliance with these regulations.

Good communication and interpersonal skills are also essential for dealing with different stakeholders like ship crew, management, and regulatory bodies.

They should also be detail-oriented and have the ability to work under pressure.

 

Do Maritime Compliance Specialists need a degree?

Yes, a Maritime Compliance Specialist generally requires a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering, maritime studies, or a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree or relevant professional certifications.

A sound understanding of maritime laws and regulations is also crucial for this role.

 

What should you look for in a Maritime Compliance Specialist resume?

A Maritime Compliance Specialist’s resume should reflect their knowledge and experience in maritime regulations, safety standards, and environmental laws.

Look for experience in conducting audits, implementing compliance programs, and dealing with regulatory bodies.

Certifications like Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP) or Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) could also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Maritime Compliance Specialist?

A good Maritime Compliance Specialist is detail-oriented, has excellent problem-solving skills, and is capable of analyzing data effectively.

They must have a deep understanding of maritime laws and regulations and the ability to implement and maintain compliance programs effectively.

Good communication skills are also essential as they frequently interact with various stakeholders.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Maritime Compliance Specialist?

Hiring a Maritime Compliance Specialist can be challenging due to the specialized knowledge and experience required for the role.

The candidate must have a deep understanding of maritime laws, safety standards, and environmental regulations.

They should also have experience in conducting audits and implementing compliance programs.

Therefore, it’s crucial to have a thorough hiring process to ensure the candidate fits the role.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve navigated the depths of what it truly means to be a Maritime Compliance Specialist.

Surprised?

It’s not solely about understanding maritime laws and regulations.

It’s about charting the course for a safer and more efficient maritime industry, one compliance measure at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive Maritime Compliance Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to set sail.

But why drop anchor there?

Continue your journey with our job description generator. It’s your compass to creating precision-crafted listings or fine-tuning your resume to ship-shape.

Remember:

Every compliance rule navigated is a part of the bigger voyage.

Let’s steer this industry. Together.

How to Become a Maritime Compliance Specialist (Complete Guide)

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