Manager – Crew Operations

Job Description: Manager – Crew Operations

Position Title:
Manager – Crew Operations

Location:
Andheri East, Mumbai

Reports To:
General Manager, Fleet Personnel

Department:
Fleet Personnel

Role Overview

As part of Safesea Group's dynamic growth, the Manager – Crew Operations will play a pivotal role in managing crew operations for our expanding fleet of
tankers, dry bulk carriers, and container vessels
. The incumbent will ensure that vessels are always manned with competent, certified, and well-trained seafarers, while driving efficiency, compliance, and crew welfare in line with the Group's high operational standards.

Key Responsibilities

Crew Planning & Deployment

• Manage end-to-end crew operations for all group vessels across multiple fleet segments.
• Plan crew changes in alignment with vessel schedules, trading patterns, and port restrictions.
• Ensure timely relief planning and succession management, particularly for senior ranks.
• Anticipate and resolve logistical or operational challenges related to crew movements.

Compliance & Certifications

• Maintain crew matrices ensuring compliance with
  STCW, MLC, ISM Code, flag state
  , and
  charterer/OCIMF/Rightship
  requirements.
• Verify validity of seafarer documentation (CoCs, medicals, visas, flag endorsements, trainings).
• Liaise with authorities, classification societies, and manning agents to ensure smooth audits and inspections.

Crew Welfare & Performance

• Work closely with Masters, Superintendents, and HR to monitor crew performance and feedback.
• Implement welfare, retention, and engagement programs to reduce attrition and improve loyalty.
• Facilitate structured training, appraisal, and career progression for officers and ratings.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Act as the central link between
  Masters, Fleet Superintendents, Manning Agencies, and internal teams
  .
• Coordinate with the travel desk for visas, tickets, and mobilization/demobilization logistics.
• Represent crew matters with
  charterers, owners, and regulators
  as required.

Financials & Controls

• Monitor crewing budgets, travel expenditures, and agency costs, ensuring cost efficiency.
• Oversee payroll processing and timely disbursement of wages and allotments.
• Support audits and internal reviews with accurate crewing cost and compliance data.

Skills & Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of maritime regulations (
  STCW, MLC, ISM, ISPS, flag states
  ).
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills for working with multicultural crews and global stakeholders.
• Proficiency in HRMS/Crewing software (e.g., Mariapps, Danaos, Shipmate, COMPAS).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under tight deadlines.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master Mariner/Chief Engineer license
  OR Graduate in Maritime/Shipping Management.
• 10+ years' experience
  in crewing or crew operations, with
  minimum 3–5 years in a leadership/managerial role
  .
• Experience handling
  tanker, bulk, and container fleets
  is essential.
• Proven track record of crew planning, retention strategies, and compliance management.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time crew changes and low deviation from planned schedules.
• Zero deficiencies during inspections related to crewing compliance.
• Crew retention and improved satisfaction levels.
• Effective cost control within approved budgets.
• Positive audit and vetting outcomes for crewing operations.