Offshore Vessel Master

Position Overview

The Offshore Vessel Master holds overall command of DP-equipped offshore support vessels, ensuring the safety of personnel, vessel, and environment while delivering operational excellence in support of subsea, construction, and drilling campaigns. This role carries ultimate legal and operational accountability and demands a rare combination of maritime command experience and DP operational expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Exercise full command of the vessel in compliance with flag state regulations, company SMS, and ISM Code requirements
• Plan and execute DP operations, ensuring all ASOG/WSOG parameters are established and adhered to before commencing critical activities
• Oversee vessel navigation, passage planning, and position-keeping during transit and on-station operations
• Manage crew welfare, discipline, and competency development in accordance with maritime labor conventions
• Liaise with client representatives, onshore marine teams, and project management to align vessel capabilities with operational requirements
• Ensure vessel compliance with class, flag, port state, and offshore regulatory requirements
• Direct emergency response procedures and conduct regular drills (abandon ship, fire, collision, DP failure scenarios)
• Approve all voyage and operational risk assessments including JSAs, TRAs, and HIRA documentation
• Manage vessel budget, consumables, spares inventory, and port logistics in coordination with onshore support
• Champion safety culture and near-miss reporting; participate in lessons-learned programs and safety stand-downs

Qualifications

Required

• Education: Master Mariner Certificate of Competency (STCW II/2 unlimited) from a recognized maritime academy
• Certifications: DP Unlimited (NI); BOSIET/FOET; GMDSS; Valid Offshore Medical; ISPS; Ship Security Officer
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in command of DP Class 2/3 offshore vessels; experience across OSV, DSV, CSV, or pipelay vessel types
• Technical Skills: Expert DP operations management; vessel handling in extreme weather; ISM/ISPS compliance; operational risk management

Preferred

• Experience on multi-role CSVs or deepwater DSVs
• IMCA or OCIMF inspection and audit experience
• Offshore wind WTIV or CLV command experience
• Dynamic risk assessment and real-time decision-making under pressure