Deputy Director

Overview

You will be part of a dynamic team of professionals within MPA’s Shipping Division, with the primary responsibility of overseeing the Seafarers Policy, Development & Welfare Department. This entails leading a multidisciplinary team that is responsible for all policy and operational matters relating to seafarers/crewing – including fulfilling Singapore’s obligations as a State party to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and other international shipping Conventions, championing the welfare of seafarers, developing a strong pipeline of seafarers in Singapore, and driving internal transformation to strengthen the MPA’s delivery of seafarer/crewing-related services.

• Oversee the development and implementation of policies and initiatives that ensure Singapore’s compliance with obligations under the MLC and other relevant international Conventions;
• Organise and facilitate shipboard visits and inspections by MPA officers to address crew or MLC-related complaints in the Port of Singapore;
• Formulate and enforce standards on safe manning and employment conditions onboard Singapore-registered ships, including addressing feedback or complaints on infringements, conducting investigations, and recommending actions to address contraventions and infringements;
• Implement measures to safeguard and improve the welfare and well-being of seafarers onboard Singapore-registered ships and foreign-registered ships calling the Port of Singapore;
• Monitor and conduct audits on seafarer recruitment and placement agencies to ensure compliance of practices in accordance with domestic legislative and MLC-related requirements;
• Represent Singapore at key forums internationally and regionally (e.g. International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization, inter-governmental meetings) to influence and shape discussions on seafaring-related policies and regulations;
• Design, administer and review schemes and programmes to attract and retain the pool of Singaporeans seafaring professionals, including promoting seafaring as a meaningful career pathway;
• Engage and work closely with industry partners and tripartite stakeholders – such as unions, non-governmental organisations, intergovernmental organisations, seafarers missions and shipping entities – to cultivate and promote maritime industrial relations in Singapore;
• Coordinate, arrange and organise shore-based welfare activities for seafarers, including physical welfare facilities (e.g. seafarers drop-in / recreational centres), events (e.g. festive celebrations, sports activities, Day of the Seafarer);
• Oversee the delivery of seafarer manning and documentation-related services to ensure compliance of Singapore-registered ships in accordance with domestic regulations (e.g. processing, issuance and endorsement of seafarers certification and documentations, minimum safe manning document of ships, electronic ship information, crew movement submissions, and declarations of Maritime Labour Compliance);
• Support MPA’s transformation efforts to digitalise and streamline crewing and manning-related transactions through the development and implementation of the Integrated Shipping System (ISS);
• Oversee responsibilities for key divisional-level administrative processes such as preparing of annual estimates of budget/revenue/expenditure and development of workplan;
• Supervise, train and support the development of a team of professionals and executives to deliver optimal performance of the department.

You should possess strong leadership capabilities with prior experience in managing teams and supporting organisational change, and proven ability to manage complex situations, deliver outcomes in a dynamic environment, and work well under pressure.

Prior experience in either in shipboard roles and seafarers management would be valuable. Candidates with a Certificate of Competency (Deck/Engine) or past experience with MLC-related matters and inspections will have an added advantage.

You should have strong analytical, communication and writing skills, with demonstrated ability to navigate complex situations. You should also have a strong passion for improving the lives of seafarers and advancing Singapore’s position as a global maritime hub.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.