Who We Are

Mercy Ships is a global faith-based charity that uses hospital ships to bring life-changing surgeries and transformational medical training to people in some of the most challenging contexts along the African coast. For over 40 years, Mercy Ships has been delivering lasting hope and healing through safe surgical care, while working alongside partners and stakeholders to strengthen local healthcare systems in more than 55 countries. Since the inception of this dream by founders Don and Deyon Stephens in 1978, Mercy Ships has served more than 2.7 million direct beneficiaries without regard for race, gender, or religion.

The Opportunity

Are you a seasoned maritime professional with a strong command of safety systems and international regulations? Step into a role where your technical leadership protects lives and supports Mercy Ships’ mission of healing.  As QHSE Manager, you’ll oversee critical safety and compliance standards across our fleet, while contributing to something bigger than yourself.  This is more than a behind the scenes role, it is a chance to lead with excellence and serve with purpose from shore. 

Job Summary 

The QHSE Manager leads the Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment team to oversee the performance of the Company's Safety Management System (SMS) for Company ships and relevant office departments. This leader works to continuously improve the SMS and motivate crew members and staff toward the achievement of its objectives, as applicable to their respective responsibilities. 

How You’ll Contribute

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Quality, Health, Safety & Environment (QHSE)  

• Serve as the primary Designated Person Ashore (DPA) 
• Ensure that all company ships maintain a continuous communication link to the highest level of management within the organization to ensure safe operation and timely response to any emergencies or critical safety concerns. 
• Communicate and implement the company safety and environmental protection policy.  
• Ensure the Company is made timely aware of the resources and support required to address safety and environmental concerns identified by the ship crew and/or Company staff. 
• Monitor the safety and pollution prevention aspects of the operation of each ship. 

Risk Management & Incident Investigation 

• Lead and document thorough investigations of all incidents, near misses, and non-conformities, identifying root causes and implementing corrective and preventive actions. 
• Regularly review the risk assessment methodologies for all maritime operations and implement improvements where needed 

Safety Management System Auditing & Reporting 

• Oversee the internal auditing of the SMS and, if necessary, perform shipboard and shore-based audits. 
• Review reported non-conformities, hazardous occurrences, and accidents and prepare analyses of trends and risk factors; make recommendations to senior management to effectively reduce identified risks. 
• Liaise with ship Masters on routine performance of the Company SMS onboard their respective ships, especially in the maintenance in full force of all statutory certificates for the ship, equipment, and minimum safe manning crew members. 
• Ensure adequate training in SMS responsibilities and procedures is provided to key ship crew and office staff. 
• Prepare office records and staff for annual ISM audit with selected external auditors; coordinate schedule of audit with external auditors. 

Regulatory Compliance & Liaison:  

• Act as the primary point of contact for external regulatory bodies (e.g., Flag State, Port State Control, Classification Societies) regarding QHSE matters. 
• Ensure timely submission of all required QHSE reports and documentation to regulatory authorities. 
• Stay abreast of international maritime conventions (e.g., SOLAS, MARPOL, MLC) and national regulations, ensuring the SMS reflects the latest requirements. 
• Research trends in the maritime industry, especially emerging regulations and related requirements for new equipment and/or training; advise Director of Nautical Operations of new requirements in a timely manner. 

Emergency Preparedness & Response:  

• Develop, maintain, and test emergency response plans for various scenarios 
• Coordinate regular drills and exercises to ensure the effectiveness of emergency response procedures and the readiness of the Crisis Management Team (CMT). 
• Ensure all necessary emergency equipment is available, maintained, and readily accessible on company ships 

The Ideal Candidate Will Demonstrate:

Technical Expertise & Regulatory Knowledge: 

• In-depth knowledge and practical experience with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). 
• Proven ability to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS). 
• Experience with internal and external auditing of SMS 
• Thorough understanding of MARPOL and other international and national environmental regulations applicable to maritime operations. 
• Knowledge of environmental management systems (e.g., ISO 14001). 
• Familiarity with international occupational health and safety standards and best practices in the maritime industry. 
• Knowledge of risk assessment methodologies and hazard identification techniques. 
• Preferred Certificate of Competency in accordance with STCW A-II/2 or III/2. 

  Analytical & Project Management Skills: 

• Strong skills in conducting root cause analysis for incidents and non-conformities including defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions 
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, Company procedures, and flag state/classification society regulations. 
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  
• Ability to manage multiple QHSE projects and initiatives simultaneously. 
• Strong organizational skills for preparing records and coordinating audits. 
• Capacity to develop long-term QHSE strategies aligned with company objectives. 
  
  

  Communication & Interpersonal Skills 

• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and influence crew members and staff towards QHSE objectives. 
• Experience in leading and developing a team. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to write clear reports, procedures, and business correspondence. 
• Ability to effectively present information to various audiences, including senior management, ship masters, clients, customers, and external stakeholders. 
• Demonstrated ability to maintain continuous communication links to ensure safe operation and timely response to emergencies. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with integrity and demonstrate accountability. 
• Experience liaising with ship Masters on routine SMS performance and statutory certificates. 

  Other Qualifications 

• Ability to travel internationally: 25%
• Supportive of Mercy Ships mission and vision and committed to its core values. 
• Understand and apply servant leadership, work collaboratively with integrity and demonstrate accountability. 

Education And Experience

• The requirements listed below are representative of the education and / or experience required. 
• Minimum of two years of experience in a QHSE role within the maritime industry, preferably with experience on passenger vessel types. 
• Experience serving as a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) 
• Bachelor's degree (BSc) in Maritime Operations, Marine Engineering, Safety Management, Environmental Science, or a related field; or four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience 
• Preferred: Certificate of Competency in accordance with STCW A-II/2 or III/2. 
• Successful completion of Mercy Ships Entry Training will be required within the first year.  

This is a paid position. To explore our many Mercy Ships volunteer opportunities, please visit us at: https://www.mercyships.org/get-involved/volunteer/

**Compensation range listed is for U.S. hires only. Actual compensation may vary dependent upon location of hire.