Safety Officer for Aurora Expedition Cruises

We are currently seeking an experienced Safety Officer to join the expedition cruise vessel, Douglas Mawson. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in a similar capacity specifically within the expedition cruise sector, demonstrating the high level of technical skill and leadership required for remote polar operations.

Vessel: Douglas Mawson

Embarkation: July 2026

Rotation: 3 months on / 3 months off

Proven Experience: Significant tenure as Safety Officer on expedition cruise ships.

Certifications: All STCW-mandated maritime certifications must be valid and up-to-date.

Polar Expertise: Possession of Basic Polar Code Certificates is mandatory.

If you meet these qualifications and are ready to lead on one of the industry's premier expedition vessels, we look forward to receiving your application.

Position Summary: To ensure safety of the vessel for all guests and crew. Responsible for all matters concerning the safety of the vessel for all guests and crew in accordance with Company Policies, any National or International standards and any other prescribed regulations.

Reporting Structure: Directly reporting to the Staff Captain, but also to the Master in matters regarding safety. Subordinates – four Able Seaman, three Fire Patrol and one Daily Fireman.

Safety Duties:

• Participates in crew and passenger safety drills according to instructions.
• Always complies with the Company’s safety and pollution prevention regulations and operating procedures.
• Leads by example by taking care of Health and Safety of self and others.
• Ensures that all work equipment, personal protective equipment, chemicals and safety devices are being used correctly.
• Delivering training, guidance and supervision on how to use and maintain them.
• Participate in and monitor all training and exercises.

Education/Experience/Qualifications:

• Valid STCW95 certification.
• Valid CoC A-II/2.
• Appropriate certification as required by regulations.
• Extensive experience as a Safety officer onboard passenger ships is essential.
• Physically and medically fit.
• Moral integrity is required.
• Train the Trainer, Public Health, Sanitation and Environmental training courses.
• Coast Guard and Port State Control experience.

Language requirements: Fluent English (verbal, written and technical). English is the working and safety language on board. This also includes the ability to give and receive instructions in verbal and written forms and to effectively and efficiently engage with guests and crew members. Additional languages are considered beneficial.

Computer knowledge: Good working knowledge of AMOS, and Microsoft Office applications.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Required to stand, walk long distances, reach and sit. Repetitive motion of bending, going up and down stairs, climbing ladders. Lifting or pushing of up to 50lbs. The position requires overtime work and irregular schedules. Works in all areas of the vessel with noise, light traffic, distracting environments as well as an office environment.

Profile: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to lead, motivate and develop a culturally diverse workforce. Punctual. Proactive approach to problem solving. Ability to be flexible, well organized, self managed and motivated. Handle multiple demands, remain calm and effective under pressure and resolve issues quickly. Effective, full, clear and concise communications is essential. Safe, professional and personal practices. Fully conversant with VMS and MLC requirements. Well groomed and neat appearance. Ability to deliver a high standard of performance.

Status: Officer. Salary: Refer to contract. Rotation: Refer to contract. Accommodation: Single cabin with every second day cleaning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for being familiar with the operation and location of all life‑saving, fire‑fighting and pollution prevention equipment.
• Identifies Safety training needs and delivers training as required and as per Company procedures and instructions, the Muster List and the Shipboard Emergency Organization, establishing a good correlation with other departments when scheduling crew for training and exercises.
• Constant and consistent coaching/training of all crew in Safety related matters.
• Monitor, plan and conduct the following training and drills (to include but not limited to): Officer/Crew Familiarisation, Crowd Management (and Refresher), Crisis Management & Human Behaviour (and Refresher), Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities, Enclosed Space Entry, Hazards and Rescue, Watertight doors, Fire Fighting equipment, Fire Watch, Fire and Abandon Ship, Passenger, Medical, Pollution, Fire, Damage, Lifeboat, Man Overboard, Bomb Search, Enclosed Space Entry, Steering Gear.
• Conducts appraisal and training of all onboard regarding occupational health and safety procedures including the Company’s VMS, Code of Safe Working Practices and the Code of Conduct.
• Plans and executes regular Safety drills for guests and crew. Ensuring compliance with SOLAS and Company requirements.
• Practices good documentation and record keeping, to be maintained for all safety training and drills taking place.
• Carries out risk assessments and proposes improvements to procedures.
• Ensures sufficient stock of spare parts and consumables is on order and in the onboard system to cover planned and unplanned maintenance.
• Attends mooring stations as instructed by the Staff Captain. Supervising crew assigned to mooring stations and ensures that mooring operations are conducted in accordance with the advice in the Code of Safe Working Practice.
• Responsible to go ashore on the first tender at anchor calls to ascertain the condition of the passenger landing area.
• Assists in tendering and zodiac operations as required by the Staff Captain.
• Training, development and support of Junior Officers with regards to mooring, tender and zodiac operations.
• Responsible to carry out checks and monitor the status and position of all life‑jackets with due regard to their compliance with SOLAS regulations.
• Will ensure the proper maintenance and conditions of all safety equipment and systems onboard the vessel advising the Master of any defects or malfunctions (to include but not limited to the following): Firefighting and sprinkler systems, Water tight doors and fire screen doors, Life Boats and Tender Engines and propulsion system.
• Inspection and maintenance of all onboard safety equipment: Life‑saving appliances LSA and firefighting appliances (FFA), advising the Master of any defects or malfunctions accordingly.
• Keeps all life saving equipment in a good state of repair to ensure a complete state of readiness to meet any emergency requirements.
• Responsible for ensuring all crew are trained and familiar with their emergency duties and have the ability to carry them out.
• Provides information and consultancy during inspections.
• Has a full knowledge of every aspect of the safety features of the vessel.
• Being fully conversant with the Company’s VMS.
• Keeps the Master and Staff Captain promptly and fully informed of all problems and matters of significance.
• Plans and conducts monthly Health and Safety meetings as per Company requirements.
• Accurate completion of log books and other assigned documentation.
• Accurate completion of associated reports using forms SAF11/13/14/15 and Shipsure HazOcc manager.
• Maintains and updates the vessel’s muster list, coordination and organization of all aspects of the Shipboard Emergency Organization, including current documentation, distribution and display of relevant information.
• Incident, accident, near miss, unsafe acts and unsafe conditions investigation, analysis and evaluation in collaboration with the Staff Captain. Makes recommendations to prevent recurrence and monitors that any recommendations are acted upon.
• Accountable for ensuring that Company, National and International standards are maintained and meeting requirements. Reporting to the Master any instances where the ship is unable or fails to comply.
• Ensures that standards are maintained within the department and officers and ratings are working according to their respective job descriptions, evaluating performance and development of the team. Implementing corrective actions when standards are not upheld.
• Responsible for subordinates working/rest hours and overtime.
• Maintaining 100% compliance with Company requirements as well as ILO/MLC.
• Executes strict practices to ensure that the vessel is operated in accordance with the following regulations and Company policies, during all prevailing circumstances and conditions: International Safety Management Code, ISPS Code, SOLAS, ECDIS, Code of Safe Working Practices, MARPOL, Pollution prevention, COLREG 72, GMDSS, International Code of Signals, STCW, Oil Record Book, ILO/IMO/ITF/MLC 2006, Ballast Water Management, US CDC Vessel Sanitation Program, Stability and Trim, Merchant Shipping Legislation of the Bahamas.
• Prepares a comprehensive handover of duties according to and via form OP196A.
• Practices good people management, maintaining proper conduct within the Deck department and other departments around the ship.
• Observes and enforces uniform and grooming standards according to Company policies.
• Requires appropriate PPE and fit tested for the purpose of assisting with Infection Prevention and Control.
• Requires to wear assigned PPE correctly in line with company guidance.
• Requires to assist with controlled, secure movement of people requiring isolation.
• Requires to carry out any duties as required relating to Infection Prevention and Control as assigned by Senior Management.
• All other duties as assigned.