Vacancy

JOB TITLE: Registrar of Shipping
DEPARTMENT: Virgin Islands Shipping & Maritime Authority
REPORTS TO: Directly: Deputy Managing Director
SUPERVISES: Directly: Assistant Registrars, Indirectly: Executive Officer, Assigned Assistant Registrars

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE: To manage and oversee the operations of the BVI Ship Register, ensuring it maintains its reputation as a high-quality, reliable, and compliant registry. The Registrar is accountable for supervising staff, upholding customer service standards, ensuring the accuracy and currency of vessel data, and ensuring full regulatory compliance with both local and international maritime laws and conventions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Customer Service Standards
   • Establish, implement, and maintain high customer service standards within the Department to ensure client inquiries, requests, and submissions are handled professionally and efficiently.
   • Monitor the Department’s performance to ensure the delivery of client services meets the expectations of ship owners, agents, and other stakeholders, maintaining a high level of satisfaction.
   • Ensure ongoing training of staff to maintain consistent, high-quality customer service, and promptly address any client service issues.
2. Supervision of Staff
   • Supervise Assistant Registrars and assigned staff, ensuring the effective execution of their responsibilities, including vessel registration, compliance management, and customer service.
   • Provide guidance, training, and mentoring to staff, fostering professional growth and ensuring they comply with legal and regulatory standards.
   • Conduct regular performance assessments of staff to identify areas for improvement and provide feedback on their professional development.
   • Assign and delegate tasks based on the needs of the department and ensure all duties are completed accurately and efficiently.
3. Vessel Data Management and Maintenance of Registers
   • Oversee the management and accurate maintenance of vessel data files, ensuring all records are current, accurate, and in compliance with registration standards.
   • Ensure that the vessel registers are kept up-to-date, including the registration of new vessels, renewals, and ownership transfers.
   • Conduct regular audits of vessel data to ensure accuracy and identify any discrepancies, taking corrective actions as necessary.
   • Coordinate with IT staff to ensure the effective operation of the Fleet Management System and troubleshoot any issues related to data management.
4. Regulatory Compliance and File Maintenance
   • Ensure that all vessel data and registration files comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Anti-Terrorism Financing (ATF), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), III Code, and other international regulatory standards.
   • Implement procedures to ensure full compliance with international sanctions and maritime security measures, including those related to sanctioned entities and KYC measures.
   • Work closely with the Legal and Compliance Department to monitor and enforce compliance with all applicable maritime regulations.
5. Monitoring Industry Trends and Maintaining High Standards
   • Monitor global developments in ship registration and maritime regulations to keep the Registry competitive and compliant.
   • Engage with industry stakeholders to assess their needs and ensure the Registry’s services meet evolving industry standards.
   • Proactively adjust registration policies and services to meet new market demands and regulatory changes.
6. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
   • Liaise with clients, ship owners, and maritime agents to ensure their needs are met, and provide ongoing support in the registration process.
   • Ensure timely and accurate reporting to the UK Maritime Authorities, Red Ensign Group, and other relevant agencies regarding ship registrations and regulatory compliance.
   • Collaborate with government departments and international agencies on shared interests and compliance matters.
7. Documentation and Reporting
   • Prepare detailed reports, statistics, and documents for internal and external stakeholders, including updates on vessel registration and compliance matters.
   • Provide legal and procedural advice to the Managing Director, ensuring informed decision-making.
   • Prepare case files for legal proceedings related to vessel registration issues, compliance breaches, or disputes.
   • Disseminate notices, advisories, and guidelines to inform stakeholders about registration policies and any procedural changes.
8. Other Duties
   • Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the Managing Director or other senior officials, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Department.
   • Act as an advisor on ship registration and maritime regulatory matters, ensuring that the Department operates efficiently and in full compliance with applicable laws.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Administration, Law, Commerce, Business, or a related field.
• Diploma in Administration, Shipping, Ports, Laws, or Commerce preferred.
• 5 to 7 years of experience in a supervisory role within the shipping or maritime industry, with demonstrated leadership in compliance management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of international maritime conventions and regulatory frameworks.

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Expertise in AML, ATF, ISO standards, and compliance with international sanctions.
• Excellent supervisory, managerial, and leadership skills with the ability to mentor and lead a team.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on customer service.
• Proficient in managing vessel registration databases and compliance systems.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Office Environment: Standard office environment
• Fieldwork: Occasional fieldwork may be required, such as visiting vessels, attending client meetings, or participating in maritime industry events.
• Travel: Extensive travel may be required to meet clients, attend maritime conferences, compliance audits, or regulatory meetings locally and internationally.
• Physical Requirements: Mostly sedentary, though some physical activity may be required when attending vessels, participating in shows and conferences, or field- related activities.