Location: Shanghai, China (EU Passport Candidates Considered)
Department: Marine Operations
Reports to: Head of Technical / MD
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: Attractive local package
Position Overview
The Cruise Marine Superintendent is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of assigned cruise vessels. This role oversees all marine operational aspects, including navigation standards, safety management, vessel performance, regulatory compliance, and supporting shipboard management teams. Based in Shanghai, the position acts as a key liaison between the vessels, shore-based departments, local authorities, classification societies, and external stakeholders across the Asia region.
Key Responsibilities Operational Management
- Ensure day-to-day safe and efficient marine operations for assigned cruise vessels.
- Monitor vessel performance, fuel consumption, and navigational standards, providing guidance for operational improvements.
- Coordinate port operation matters within China and the Asia-Pacific region, including pilotage, berthing arrangements, and local regulatory requirements.
- Maintain compliance with international regulations (SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, ISPS), flag-state requirements, and Chinese maritime authorities.
- Conduct vessel visits, safety audits, onboard inspections, and navigational assessments.
- Support and enhance the company’s Safety Management System (SMS) and emergency response plans.
- Lead or participate in incident/accident investigations and root cause analysis.
- Work closely with Ship Masters, Deck Officers, and onboard leadership teams to provide operational guidance.
- Provide mentorship and support to ensure high standards of competence and leadership onboard.
- Support crew training needs, drills, and safety improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with Technical Superintendents on dry-docking planning, vessel modifications, and equipment upgrades.
- Monitor deck equipment, lifesaving appliances, and navigational systems to ensure functionality and compliance.
- Coordinate with shipyards, OEMs, and service providers within China when required.
- Act as the primary operational contact for authorities, port agents, classification societies, and vendors in the region.
- Provide regular operational reports and updates to senior management.
- Represent the company in industry forums, port meetings, and safety committees in China and APAC.
- Certificate of Competency as Master Mariner (preferred) or Chief Officer with extensive cruise or passenger vessel experience.
- Minimum 3–5 years shore-based experience as Marine Superintendent or similar role in the cruise/passenger shipping sector.
- Strong knowledge of international maritime legislation, flag-state requirements, and cruise industry safety standards.
- Familiarity with operations within Chinese ports and regulatory bodies is highly advantageous.
- Experience in conducting audits, inspections, and incident investigations.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
- Strong safety mindset and ability to drive safety culture improvements.
- Ability to work in a multicultural environment and navigate cross-cultural communication.
- High level of organisational and analytical capability.
- Fluent English essential; Mandarin proficiency considered a strong advantage.
- Role is based in Shanghai with regional travel as required (ship visits, port meetings, dry docks).
- May be required to participate in emergency response duties and out-of-hours operational support.