Officer - Licensing & Permit Inspections

Job Overview

This role supports Abu Dhabi Maritime by conducting thorough inspections related to licensing, permits, vessels, companies, infrastructure, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration Dubai (OSHAD) compliance. The goal is to uphold maritime safety standards, ensure regulatory adherence, and promote secure marine activities throughout Abu Dhabi waters.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out compliance inspections covering vessels, companies, maritime infrastructure, and OSHAD standards for licensing approvals, renewals, permits, and verification as assigned by Abu Dhabi Maritime.
• Assess compliance with Maritime Regulations, Codes of Practice, licensing conditions, and OSHAD-SF requirements. This includes inspecting vessel safety equipment, structural integrity, machinery, and onboard setups; verifying company operational preparedness such as documentation, staffing, and procedures; evaluating infrastructure elements like marinas, jetties, slipways, dry berths, and pontoons; and reviewing Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems implementation, including risk assessments, safety signage, emergency readiness, personal protective equipment adherence, workforce competence, and incident reporting processes.
• Perform OSHAD-SF related audits and inspections for maritime entities based on delegated authority and approved frameworks.
• Conduct operational permit, No Objection Certificate (NOC), licensing, and OSHAD inspections following approved applications and directives.
• Execute follow-up and re-inspections to confirm resolution of identified observations, non-conformities, and safety issues.
• Identify and escalate breaches, non-compliances, or deficiencies related to maritime and OHS standards to the Inspection and Enforcement department per established protocols.
• Prepare detailed inspection reports supported with evidence like photographs, documentation, and digital notes within prescribed timelines using official digital systems.
• Collect and manage all inspection evidence meticulously for traceability, audit purposes, and regulatory compliance.
• Assist during peak periods, targeted compliance campaigns, enforcement operations, and OSHAD regulatory activities.
• Collaborate with Licensing, Inspection, Enforcement, and Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) teams to facilitate compliance and operational workflows.
• Maintain professional behavior, confidentiality, and effective communication consistent with Abu Dhabi Maritime standards.
• Ensure strict adherence to HSSE protocols during all inspection activities.

Strategic Contributions

• Support implementation of Maritime Safety Regulations and OSHAD-SF framework within the maritime sector.
• Provide practical feedback from field experience to enhance inspection processes, digital solutions, and enforcement effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Minimum educational qualification: High School Certificate with relevant experience in maritime operations, inspections, enforcement, safety, or regulatory compliance.
• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Maritime Operations, Nautical Studies, Marine Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety, Facilities Management, or related fields preferred.
• Basic maritime safety and inspection training or Occupational Health & Safety training mandatory.
• OSHAD or equivalent occupational safety certification advantageous.
• Valid UAE driving license is compulsory.

Language and Experience

• Proficient in English (spoken and written).
• Arabic language skills considered a plus.
• Preferred experience of 2 to 4 years in vessel inspections, maritime regulatory compliance, infrastructure assessments, or Occupational Health & Safety inspections.
• Familiarity with OSHAD-SF framework and OHSMS audits is beneficial.