Head of Maritime Safety at Kenya Maritime Authority

Grade: KMAG 2

Corporation: Kenya Maritime Authority

Department: Maritime Safety

Location / Work Station: KMA Head Office, Mombasa

Reporting Relationships

Reports to: Director General

Direct Reports

• Registrar of ships, Registrar of seafarers,
• Chief Marine Surveyor, Chief receiver of wrecks, Manager, RMRCC

Indirect Reports

• All other Maritime Safety Department staff

Job Purpose: 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.
  • Liaising with maritime organizations/institutions such as IACS, IMO and ILO on matters of common interest;
  • Protection of marine environment.
  • Coordinate search and rescue services
  • Development and implementation of Maritime Safety standards
  • Registration of vessels and seafarers
  • Ensure standardised Maritime Education and Training in Kenya
  • Overseeing the Receipt of wrecks and matters related to marine casualties
  • Effective and efficient management of human resource in the directorate
  • Preparation and submission of monthly, quarterly and annual reports for the department
  • Preparation and submission of reports required by international maritime organisation including IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS)
  • Update and revise any relevant policies adopted, as necessary in the maritime department
• 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 Authority’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/ Mechanical 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

• Unlimited Certificate of Competency as a Chief Engineer issued in accordance with the 1978 STCW Convention; or
• Unlimited Certificate of Competency as a Master issued in accordance with the 1978 STCW Convention, as amended.

Previous relevant work experience required.

At least ten (10) years work experience in Ship construction or ship technical operation or ship survey, five (5) of which must be in a senior management position.

Functional Skills:

• Diplomatic skills
• Communication Skills
• Computer proficiency
• Analytical skills

Behavioral Competencies / Attributes:

• Leadership Skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Time management skills