Director, Maritime Safety at Kenya Maritime Authority

Grade

KMAG 2

Directorate

 

Maritime Safety

Location / Work Station: KMA Head Office, Mombasa

Reporting Relationships

Reports to

Director General

Direct Reports

Asst. Dir., Registration, Inspection and Survey; Asst. Dir., Radio Communications and Maritime Search and Rescue Services; Asst. Dir., Marine Environment Protection; Asst. Dir., Security; Asst. Dir., Safety of Navigation and Maritime Investigation;

Indirect Reports

All other Maritime Safety Directorate staff Job Purpose

The Director, Maritime Safety is responsible for the implementation of the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act, KMA Act, relevant national legislation/policies/directives and International Conventions, in relation to maritime safety, security and protection of the marine environment.

Key Responsibilities/ Duties / Tasks

• Managerial / Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Overseeing the implementation of international requirements through development of a national framework to ensure maritime safety in Kenyan waters.
  • Overseeing all activities pertaining to ship surveys and inspection
  • Overseeing all activities pertaining to the protection of marine environment.
  • Overseeing all matters pertaining to maritime search and rescue services
  • Overseeing the registration of ships and survey of small vessels
  • Overseeing performance management in the directorate
  • Coordinating the preparation and submission of monthly, quarterly and annual reports for the directorate
  • Directing preparation and submission of reports required by international maritime organizations
  • Mentoring and coaching staff in the directorate
  • Assigning responsibilities within the directorate to update and revise any relevant policies adopted, as necessary.
• Operational Responsibilities / Tasks
  • To advise the Director General on maritime safety, security and marine environment issues
  • Responding to enquiries on various matters from ship-owners, seafarers, Government Agencies and individuals on maritime affairs;
  • Ensuring the departmental activities align to the Authority’s strategic plan
  • Implementing the Board’s and management committee’s resolutions in matters pertaining to maritime safety, security and environmental protection;
  • To liaise with recognized maritime organizations and ship owners/managers in order to ensure effective implementation of international standards and carry out such investigations, audits, or inspections as deemed necessary.
  • Prepare draft Board and management papers for approval
  • Participate in the recruitment of staff within the department
  • Participate in the development and review of the Authority’s strategic plan
  • Respond to enquiries on various matters from ship-owners, seafarers, Ministry of Transport, Government Agencies and individuals in maritime industry;
  • Visit and inspect ships that may have defects/problems; and
  • Participate in various committees in the Authority as a member

Job Dimensions:

• Financial Responsibility
  • Preparation and management of departmental budget
  • Ensuring revenue collection emanating from the departmental activities
• Responsibility for Physical Assets
  • Responsible for assets assigned by the Authority

Decision Making / Job Influence

• Makes technical, operational and financial decisions
• Responsible for detentions and exemptions of ships calling Kenyan ports
• Participates in international maritime convention development and negotiations
• Plan and assign duties to departmental managers
• Monitors managers' work performance
• Appraises/evaluates managers' performance

Working Conditions

• Office environment, but may visit port facilities, shipyards and board ships
• Highly demanding
• May need to work long hours
• Interacts a lot with stakeholders, both locally and internationally

Job Competencies (Knowledge, Experience and Attributes / Skills).

Academic qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following; Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, or equivalent from a recognized institution;
• Master Degree in any of the following; Maritime Affairs, Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture or equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution will be an added advantage;

Professional Qualifications / Membership to professional bodies

• Certificate of Competency Class II/2 OR III/2 in accordance with The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping,1978,as amended
• Membership of a professional body and in good standing
• Strategic leadership course

Previous relevant work experience required.

• At least ten (10) years’ work experience as a Chief Engineer or Master Mariner on board ship or in pilotage or in a maritime administration or ship construction or ship technical operation or ship survey, five (5) of which must be in a senior management position.

Functional Skills: Behavioral Competencies/Attributes:

• Diplomatic skills
• Good Communication Skills
• Computer proficiency
• Analytical skills
• Facilitation & Presentation Skills
• Leadership Skills
• Strong Interpersonal skills
• Time management skills