Overview
The Virgin Islands Shipping & Maritime Authority (VISMA) is seeking a qualified and experienced maritime professional to join its Marine Survey & Inspection team.
Industry: Maritime Administration & Ship Registry
Job Title: Marine Officer
Department: Quality Standards & Services (QSS)
Employment Type: Full Time
The Role
The Marine Officer will conduct vessel inspections and surveys to ensure vessels operating in BVI waters or registered with the British Virgin Islands Flag comply with maritime legislation, applicable international maritime conventions, industry standards and VISMA statutory requirements.
The role is expected to undertake routine vessel inspections and surveys, identify deficiencies, assess compliance with maritime safety regulations, prepare technical reports and provide professional guidance to vessel owners and operators.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct inspections and routine surveys of domestic and commercial vessels.
- Inspect vessel safety, lifesaving, firefighting, navigation and pollution prevention equipment.
- Verify statutory certificates, vessel documentation and operational records.
- Conduct Port State Control inspections as assigned.
- Promote safe vessel operations and effective pollution prevention practices.
- Identify safety deficiencies, recommend corrective actions and conduct follow-up inspections.
- Prepare accurate inspection and survey reports.
- Support marine casualty and incident investigations.
- Provide guidance to vessel owners, operators, and Masters on routine regulatory requirements.
- Support maritime safety and navigational aid activities.
- Maintain compliance with applicable maritime conventions and standards, including SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, COLREGS, Load Lines, ISM and ISPS, as applicable.
- Ensure all surveys, inspections, and audits are conducted in accordance with ISO 9001 quality management standards and VISMA’s quality manual.
- Develop the technical competencies required for progression to the Ship Surveyor level
- Participate in technical training and professional development
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should possess one of the following:
- Certificate of Competency as Master, Chief Mate, Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch or equivalent maritime qualification recognised by VISMA; or
- Diploma or equivalent qualification in Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture or a related maritime discipline; or
- Recognised marine surveyor training or professional qualification, together with not less than five (5) years relevant marine surveying experience, including experience conducting vessel condition, safety, compliance or statutory-related inspections; experience gained with a Flag Administration, Recognised Organisation, Classification Society, or other reputable marine surveying organisation would be an advantage.
- Flag State or Port State Control experience.
Knowledge and Technical Skills
The successful candidate should have sound working knowledge of:
- Maritime legislation and regulations, understanding & application
- IMO Conventions, knowledge of national and international maritime legislation (SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, COLREGS, Load Lines, ISM, ISPS).
- Vessel safety equipment and emergency systems.
- Marine accident and casualty investigation principles.
Core Competencies
- Professional integrity and accountability
- Effective communication, teamwork and collaboration
- Commitment to continuous learning
Working Conditions
- This is a field-service position requiring regular vessel attendance and full mobility to safely undertake inspections aboard vessels afloat and in dry dock.
- Work may be undertaken in marine industrial and potentially hazardous environments, including ports, shipyards, boatyards, dry docks, machinery spaces and, where required and appropriately authorised, enclosed/confined spaces and areas requiring work at height.
- The role requires the physical capability to safely board and move around vessels using gangways, ladders and other vessel access arrangements and to work in accordance with applicable safety procedures and PPE requirements.
- Frequent travel outside the British Virgin Islands may be required, including to the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Europe/Schengen area. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain the visas and travel authorisations necessary to undertake such travel.
- Flexibility to work outside regular office hours, including weekends and public holidays,
may be required. - Role requires both office based administrative tasks and on site inspections.
Apply today, by sending your résumé and cover letter to careers@bvimaritime.vg
Deadline for applications: August 28, 2026