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- Tasks: Lead marine operations and safety standards for DFDS vessels in the English Channel.
- Company: Join DFDS, a forward-thinking shipping organisation focused on safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Hands-on experience, targeted training, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and operational excellence across an international fleet.
- Qualifications: Certification as DPA and CSO, strong maritime knowledge, and crisis management experience.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a collaborative team and a commitment to continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Are you an experienced marine professional with a strong safety mindset and a passion for operational excellence? If so, you could join DFDS as part of our Marine Standards team, supporting vessels operating in the English Channel while contributing to safety management across the wider DFDS fleet. Be part of the movement - and play your part.
About the role
In this role, you will have overall responsibility for marine operations and safety standards across DFDS vessels operating in the English Channel. In parallel, you will play an active role in safety management initiatives across the global DFDS fleet. Acting as the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) and Company Security Officer (CSO), you will ensure full compliance with international regulations while driving continuous improvement in safety, security, and operational performance. You will be part of the global DFDS Marine Standards & Safety team, reporting directly to the Head of Marine Standards in Denmark.
You will be responsible for:
- Acting as Designated Person Ashore (DPA) in line with the ISM Code, ensuring effective safety management systems are implemented and maintained
- Acting as Company Security Officer (CSO), overseeing vessel and company security arrangements in accordance with the ISPS Code
- Monitoring and supporting safe marine operations across the English Channel fleet
- Ensuring compliance with international and flag state maritime regulations
- Supporting audits, inspections, and technical reviews, both regionally and across the DFDS fleet
- Leading or supporting incident, accident, and near‑miss investigations, including follow‑up actions
- Contributing to crisis management and emergency response activities when required
- Promoting a strong, proactive safety and reporting culture across vessels and shore teams
- Collaborating closely with ship management, technical teams, and senior stakeholders
You will join the global DFDS Marine Standards & Safety team, a highly experienced and collaborative group working in a professional, trust‑based environment with a strong focus on practical safety and compliance. You’ll work with DFDS safety management and reporting systems, ISM/ISPS tools, and Microsoft 365, supported by standard DFDS hardware to collaborate closely with vessels and shore teams across the fleet.
About you
If you enjoy operating in a dynamic maritime environment and bring a calm, structured, and safety‑first approach, this role could be a strong fit for you. You are confident engaging with both shipboard and shore‑based colleagues and are comfortable taking responsibility in complex situations. You will ideally have:
- Certification as a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) in accordance with MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.6
- Certification as a Company Security Officer (CSO) in accordance with MSC/Circ.1154
- Business‑level proficiency in English (written and spoken)
- Strong knowledge of international maritime rules and regulations
- Experience within Ro-Ro, Ro-Pax and/or High‑Speed Craft (HSC) operations (strong advantage)
- Proven experience in crisis management and accident investigation
- Experience conducting audits, inspections, and compliance reviews
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder‑management skills
- A genuine commitment to safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement
For operational reasons, candidates must live within a commutable distance of Dover (UK) or Calais / Dunkerque / Dieppe (France).
Working at DFDS
Join the movement and grow with us. At DFDS, safety and innovation guide everything we do. Join our Marine Standards team and use your expertise to drive operational excellence across our international fleet. Here, you’ll be more than an employee; you’ll be a valued partner in ensuring the safety and success of a forward‑thinking shipping organisation. We believe development comes from hands‑on experience. In this role, you’ll grow by leading safety initiatives, audits, and operational improvements, with targeted training available to support your professional growth and success.
Are we a match? Then what are you waiting for? Apply Now. If your skills, experience, and enthusiasm align with this role, we’d love to hear from you. Please send us your CV promptly, as we review applications and meet potential candidates on an ongoing basis. We look forward to hearing from you.
Designated Person Ashore (DPA) English Channel in Dover employer: DFDS UK & Ireland
Contact Detail:
DFDS UK & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Designated Person Ashore (DPA) English Channel in Dover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the maritime industry, especially those who work at DFDS or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of international maritime regulations and safety management systems. Show us you’re not just a candidate, but a passionate marine professional ready to make a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your crisis management experience! We want to see how you’ve handled tough situations in the past. Share specific examples during your interview to demonstrate your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the DFDS team. So, what are you waiting for? Get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Designated Person Ashore (DPA) English Channel in Dover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the DPA role. Highlight your marine operations experience, safety management expertise, and any relevant certifications to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for operational excellence and safety in the maritime industry. Let us know why you’re excited about joining DFDS and how you can contribute to our Marine Standards team.
Showcase Your Safety Mindset: Since safety is at the heart of what we do, make sure to emphasise your commitment to safety management and compliance with international regulations. Share examples of how you've promoted a safety culture in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates regarding your application status. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at DFDS UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on international maritime rules and regulations, especially those related to the ISM and ISPS Codes. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also committed to safety management.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed safety operations or led incident investigations. This will help demonstrate your hands-on experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities of a Designated Person Ashore.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can effectively communicate and collaborate with both shipboard and shore-based teams. Be ready to discuss your approach to stakeholder management and how you’ve fostered a proactive safety culture in previous positions.
✨Demonstrate Your Calm Under Pressure
Since crisis management is a key part of this role, prepare to share instances where you've remained calm and structured in complex situations. Highlighting your ability to handle emergencies will resonate well with the interviewers.
