SHEQ Officer (Shipyard)

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Job Purpose:

To ensure compliance with Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality standards in a shipyard/marine engineering environment. The SHEQ Officer will actively monitor, implement, and enforce SHEQ policies and procedures to support safe and sustainable shipyard operations, in line with South African legislation and maritime industry standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure full compliance with Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA) and other applicable South African legislation.
• Monitor implementation of ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and ISO 9001 standards.
• Conduct risk assessments, HAZOPs, and site inspections in high-risk marine environments (dry docks, welding areas, shipboard access).
• Lead incident/accident investigations and root cause analyses, ensuring corrective/preventative actions are implemented.
• Deliver SHEQ training, toolbox talks, and safety inductions to all levels of personnel.
• Maintain SHEQ documentation and audit records for both internal and external audits (including SAMSA requirements).
• Liaise with subcontractors and ensure their compliance with site safety rules.
• Assist in compiling Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and monitor environmental controls (e.g. waste disposal, noise, emissions).
• Monitor PPE compliance, permit-to-work systems, and confined space entry controls.
• Act as the primary contact during emergency responses and safety drills.

Qualifications & Experience:

• National Diploma or Degree in Safety Management, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of SHEQ experience in shipyard, marine, or heavy industrial sectors.
• Professional registration with SACPCMP (advantageous).
• In-depth knowledge of South African SHE legislation.
• Experience with ISO standards implementation and auditing.
• Working knowledge of shipyard operations, including welding, painting, confined spaces, lifting, and marine engineering risks.

Key Skills & Attributes:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills across diverse teams.
• Ability to work independently in high-pressure, hazardous environments.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail and process improvement focus.
• Proactive, safety-conscious, and assertive when needed.
• Skilled in MS Office and SHEQ software platforms.