Offshore Wind
Vessel Manager (Offshore) Our client’s project has chartered a Service Operations Vessel (SOV) which will support hot commissioning of the WTGs, which is a period programmed to be around 1 year. They are now looking to hire an Offshore Vessel Manager who will be based on the SOV and will have primary responsibility for reporting on service delivery and overall management of the key functions of the vessel.
The role with have two key accountabilities:
Planning and co-ordination of the vessel operations. For this element the role reporting will be to the SOV package manager and reporting to the lead OVM on the other SOV to plan and co-ordinate resources and logistics. The role includes management of project resources resident on the SOV supported also by the respective leads in each of the operational disciplines.
Permit Co-ordination – reviewing and issuing permits for the commissioning works. This will be managed via the Vissim system. This element will report to the Deputy Offshore Site Manager and be supported by the Construction Co-ordinators.
Onboarding / offboarding process - Prior to a port-call involving passenger rotation changes the OVM shall be responsible for internal notification to the wider project for personnel wishing to join the vessel on the next rotation. The OVM will be responsible for ensuring on-signers (and off-signers) have received the relevant briefing information as well as any safety or other related documentation required. This will be supported by ships personnel as well as other key parties including 3rd party contractors, to ensure an effective crew change
The role requires extensive experience of the management of offshore wind farm construction, including a thorough understanding and appreciation of CDM Regulations and the applicable duties of Client, Principal Contractor, Contractors etc. The SOV will be based offshore at all times but will return to port to replenish provisions and bunkers at regular intervals, initially every three weeks, which aligns with technician rotations.
The role rotation period is three weeks on, three weeks off, hence there will be two OVM’s, each having equivalent status.
Flexible working hours will be essential given the 24-hour offshore construction process though the vast majority of commissioning will be day shift only and night support will be provided by other members of the team.
Responsibilities
Vessel readiness and operational planning – working with the SOV Package team to monitor progress of vessel readiness for charter and operations, ensuring timely delivery of SOV Contractor processes and procedures.
Responsible for maximising effective use of SOV assets, setting timings for vessel meetings, transfer times, manifesting.
Initial establishment of operational facilities on board the SOV including office set-ups, IT systems, space allocations, signage and notices etc (this is a smaller part of the role at the very early stages during SOV mobilisation and start of offshore works).
Primary interface and offshore single point of contact with the SOV on behalf of the Project.
The OVM will be responsible implementing vessel priorities based on the agreed instructed requirements from the offshore site management team, and communicating these in a timely manner to the MCC and SOV bridge team. In liaison with the lead OVM, this will also include allocation of teams to SOV daughter craft, CTVs and helicopters to ensure the most effective use of resource.
Management of Sofia Project resources resident on board the SOV – setting and chairing daily meeting structure, managing offshore personnel issues, managing office/stores/workshop allocations, monitoring vessel performance standards. This is another key part of the role, therefore the OVM needs not only the competence to manage and influence a diverse group of people, but also the awareness of how issues onboard may affect the wider Project.
Reporting on SOV Key Performance Indicator (KPI) metrics – monitoring of vessel performance against KPI’s and reporting accordingly. Working with SOV team to identify and implement improvements in vessel operational procedures. This is an area that needs significant focus in the early stages of the Project to ensure the SOV is performing as contracted.
Daily reporting of vessel operations – preparation and issue of a DPR to the shore-based team outlining operations on a daily basis.
Safety reporting of vessel and asset operations/near misses/observations – implementation of safety improvements, safety briefings on project wide issues to vessel teams, feedback of actions to vessel teams.
Planning and management of Sofia actions for planned port calls – agreeing port call times and durations with SOV, communicating same to all stakeholders, ensuring that port call activities are planned and implemented to mitigate risk of vessel delay.
Coordination of commissioning work through the project PTW system and offshore access controls with the primary focus being Health and Safety.
Monitoring via inspection the offshore works to ensure works are being conducted in accordance with accepted RAMS and in compliance with relevant legislation and industry best practice
Supporting the Principal Contractor and Contractor construction management teams in the execution of their roles.
Promptly identify and notify on any issue that may arise or have the potential to arise during the course of the works and shall provide assistance in resolving any issues.
Certifications
All GWO offshore modules including Enhanced First Aid
HUET with CA-EBS (Note A valid and in-date Fit To Train certificate is required)
Hold an OGUK Medical including Chester Step Test (or equivalent fitness test)
Safety qualifications such as NEBOSH or IOSH Managing Safety
CDM related qualifications an advantage
Other Requirements
Strong coordination and leadership skills, highly motivated, confident and resourceful.
Excellent communication skills, able to communicate effectively within a diverse team.
The capability to work within a team, to lead a local team of resources, and to manage competing demands from the project.
High level of confidence working independently and autonomously.
Knowledge, experience or formal training in emergency response management
An understanding of the appointed rolls under CDM (2015)
Previous experience of:
Work preparation
Work sequence planning
Simultaneous Operations assessment
Health and safety oversight
Environmental management
Requires an excellent understanding of marine management and construction practices.
Proven track record managing construction and/or vessel operations on Offshore Wind Farms.
Fluent spoken and written English
Willingness to work offshore (transfer by ship and helicopter, working at sea)
