Security Officer for Marella Cruises

Department: Deck

Employment Type: Contract

Location: Shipboard

Description

We are currently seeking a qualified Security Officer for the cruise vessel Marella Discovery.

Position Details

• Vessel: Marella Discovery 
• Embarkation Date: 23 June 2026
• Contract Duration: 3 months (+/- 1 month)

• Experience: Proven experience as Security Officer within the cruise industry is mandatory.
• Documentation: All STCW certificates must be valid and up to date.
• References: Candidates must provide strong professional references or recommendations.

If you meet these criteria and are available for a 23 June start, we look forward to reviewing your application.

Position Summary

1. Responsible for the administration and overall supervision of the security of the ship at sea, in port, and whilst the ship is under repair. Day to day security operations in accordance with the ships security plan, Company Policies, any National or International standards and any other prescribed regulations.

Reporting Structure

1. Reporting to the Captain and Staff Captain.
2. Subordinates – Security guards.

Safety Duties:

1. Participates in crew and passenger safety drills according to instructions.
2. Always complies with the Company’s safety and pollution prevention regulations and operating procedures.
3. Leads by example by taking care of Health and Safety of self and others.
4. Ensures that all work equipment, personal protective equipment, chemicals and safety devices are being used correctly.

Education/Experience/Qualifications:

1. Valid STCW95 certification.
2. Appropriate certification as required by regulations.
3. Extensive experience in subordinate positions and on board passenger ships in a similar role.
4. Physically and medically fit.
5. Moral integrity is required.
6. Coast Guard and Port State Control experience.

Language requirements:
Fluent English (verbal, written and technical). English is the working and safety language on board. This also includes the ability to give and receive instructions in verbal and written forms and to effectively and efficiently engage with guests and crew members. Additional languages are considered beneficial.
Computer knowledge:
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and Fidelio.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Required to stand, walk long distances, reaching and sitting. Repetitive motion of bending, going up and down stairs, climbing ladders. Lifting or pushing of up to 50lbs. The position requires overtime work and irregular schedules. Works in all areas of the vessel with light traffic and distracting environments.

Profile:

1. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to lead, motivate and develop a culturally diverse work force.
2. Should be alert to take any action required for any security related situation.
3. Punctual.
4. Proactive approach to problem solving.
5. Ability to be flexible, well organized, self managed and motivated. Handle multiple demands, remain calm and effective under pressure and resolve issues quickly.
6. Effective, full, clear and concise communications is essential.
7. Safe, professional and personal practices. Fully conversant with VMS and MLC requirements.
8. Well groomed and neat appearance.
9. Ability to deliver a high standard of performance.

Status - Officer.
Salary - Refer to contract.
Rotation - Refer to contract.

Key Responsibilities

1. Responsible to ensure that the Ships Security Plan is enforced and complied with, in particular:
   1. Security of access points to the ship and perimeter protection.
   2. Monitoring that good order is maintained among the ships company, intervening and advising the Master and Senior Officers where necessary.
   3. Monitoring the behavior of the guests, intervening and advising the Master and Senior Officers where necessary.
2. Responsible for ensuring the security of the vessel, including handling suspicious luggage, screening guests and crew members baggage, carrying out regular checks and enforcing safety regulations.
3. Responsible to be familiar with the operation and location of all lifesaving, fire-fighting and pollution prevention equipment.
4. Conducts training to induct new crew members in the security related regulations.
5. Investigates and follows up any accidents, incidents or non conformities under the guidance of the Staff Captain.
6. Responsible for gangway access. Ensuring that the gangway is deployed correctly and in a safe manner when the vessel is berthed and/or anchored. Following gangway procedures at all times.
7. Monitors the shore side security when the vessel is docked. Supervising all points of entry.
8. Performs regular security inspections of the ship on a regular basis to ensure that proper security measures are being maintained.
9. Responsible to go ashore on the first tender at anchor calls to ascertain the condition of the passenger landing area. Ensures that a focal point for guests returning to the vessel is established.
10. Must be present at the opening and closing of shell doors.
11. On embarkation of the pilot must be present to escort to the Bridge.
12. On the vessels departure must ensure that all ship side openings and gunport doors are secured for sea.
13. Responsible for updating and maintaining the departure board and ensuring that the departure time of the vessel, all onboard are correct and displayed in an area that can be viewed by all.
14. Must be aware of political, religious any other reasons for terrorism and recognize different types. Must keep up to date on terrorist activity worldwide and counter measures.
15. Coordinates security measures with local port authorities at various ports of call to ensure that up to date security related matters are handled with the supervision of the Staff Captain.
16. Email correspondence with local agents submitting the Pre-Arrival Security Notification, Declaration of Security and visitors request for crew and guests.
17. Enforces Company policies, rules and regulations e.g crew members curfew, dress code, proper behaviour.
18. Responsible for generating, authorising and issuing visitor passes. Ensuring that all visitors have left in good time.
19. Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the security equipment. Record keeping as standard.
20. Responsible for the ship’s key system, the control and issue of master and sub-master keys, ensuring that locks not on the master key system are kept to an absolute minimum and are only used for high sensitivity/security spaces.
21. Oversees the monthly check and inventories of the metal keys, magnetic cards, radios, digilocks.
22. Maintains accurate security records, gangway log sheets, equipment maintenance records, security patrol log sheets, training records and visitor records.
23. Ensures that security guards are fully trained and knowledgeable in the operation of their duties at the gangway, whilst on patrol and in a security emergency response operation at all 3 security levels.
24. Understands the capabilities and restrictions involved in the use of CCTV.
25. Implements the bomb search plan and trains ships company according to their duties. Instructs and uses the bomb equipment.
26. Keeps log of all watch operations and conditions.
27. Takes statements as required.
28. Prepares the voyage security reports for submission to the Staff Captain.
29. Responsible to stand as witness to drug and alcohol tests. Must be aware of the many different forms of drugs and their effects. Conducts searches for the same as necessary.
30. Has a full knowledge of every aspect of safety features of the vessel. Being fully conversant with the Company’s VMS. Displays knowledge of International Security ISPS Code.
31. Keeps the Master and Staff Captain promptly and fully informed of all problems and matters of significance.
32. Accountable for ensuring that Company, National and International standards are maintained and meeting requirements. Reporting to the Master any instances where the ship is unable or fails to comply.
33. Monitors his subordinates working/rest hours and overtime. Maintaining 100% compliance with Company requirements as well as ILO/MLC.
34. Executes strict practices to ensure that the Security team is operated in accordance with the following regulations and Company policies, during all prevailing circumstances and conditions:
    1. International Safety Management Code.
    2. ISPS Code.
    3. SOLAS.
    4. Code of Safe Working Practices.
    5. MARPOL.
    6. Pollution prevention.
    7. International Code of Signals.
    8. STCW.
    9. ILO/IMO/ITF/MLC 2006.
    10. Merchant Shipping Legislation of the Bahamas.
35. Practices good people management, maintaining proper conduct within the Deck department, other departments around the ship and guests.
36. Observes and enforces uniform and grooming standards according to Company policies.
37. Required to be issued with appropriate PPE and fit tested for the purpose of assisting with Infection Prevention and Control. Required to wear assigned PPE correctly in line with company guidance.
38. Required to assist with controlled, secure movement of people requiring isolation.
39. Required to carry out any duties as required relating to Infection Prevention and Control as assigned by Senior Management.
40. Required to follow and enforce procedures related to daily Gangway activities i.e. shore leave and visitors e.g. required electrostatic fogging, testing requirements, wearing of masks, hand sanitising, distancing on the gangway and in tenders.
41. Required to follow and enforce procedures related to Gangway activities for embarking and disembarking guests and crew including quarantine requirements.
42. Required to be vigilant in the monitoring of adherence to infection prevention requirements around the vessel including reporting any breach of company policy.
43. All other duties as assigned.