Safety Manager at South Carolina Ports Authority

The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, and Greer. Our 700+ employees handle cargo, operate and maintain cargo handling equipment, manage port facilities and operations, and support the port system in a fast-paced 24/7 environment.

Job Summary

Under general direction, oversee and enforce safety policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance in the maritime industry. Responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring safety programs to ensure a safe and secure working environment for all personnel, vessels, and operations.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with international, national, and local maritime safety regulations (e.g., SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM Code, OSHA, IMO, USCG).
• Develop and maintain safety management systems (SMS) following ISM and ISPS codes.
• Conduct safety audits, risk assessments, and accident investigations to improve workplace and operational safety.
• Develop and conduct safety training programs for crew members and shore-based personnel.
• Lead emergency response drills and exercises, ensuring all personnel are prepared for various scenarios. 
• Investigate maritime incidents, near-misses, and safety concerns; develop corrective and preventive action plans.
• Coordinate emergency response planning and execution, including liaising with local and international maritime authorities.

Additional Job Responsibilities

• Promote a strong safety culture through education, leadership, and engagement.
• Maintain safety records and reports, ensuring proper documentation of all incidents.
• Recommend improvements to safety policies, procedures, and equipment based on data analysis and industry best practices.
• Work closely with vessel captains, engineers, and operations teams to ensure safe practices are followed.
• Oversee the inspection and maintenance of safety equipment, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Create various reports
• Other duties as assigned- This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. He or she will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Safety Coordinator

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies, Occupational Health & Safety, Marine Engineering, or related field with 4+ years of experience in maritime or industrial safety, health, and environmental management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong knowledge of ISM Code, MARPOL, SOLAS, OSHA, and other safety regulations.
• Experience conducting audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations.
• A valid South Carolina driver’s license is required to operate a Port Authority-owned licensed motor vehicle. 

Skills and Abilities

• The ability to work in a dynamic, high-risk environment with strict deadlines.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in safety management software and reporting tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. 
• Must be able to work effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Must be able to multitask.
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills (including writing and speaking).
• Must be an excellent team player.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in safety management (e.g., CSP, SMS, NEBOSH, IOSH, STCW, ISM Lead Auditor) is preferred.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to sit for long periods and occasionally stand.
• Position may require walking on level, uneven, and slippery surfaces, reaching, climbing, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, or crouching in the performance of daily duties.
• Willingness to travel, including offshore and onboard vessels as needed.
• Ability to work in all Ability to work in all weather conditions as necessary, including wet, hot, and cold with extreme sun exposure.
• Able to respond to after-hours or emergency call-outs as necessary.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Vision is required to analyze and process various forms and documents utilized within the framework of performing assigned tasks.
• Hearing is required to adequately communicate with employees, vendors, etc.
• Ability to verbally communicate clearly with employees, vendors, etc.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and view a computer monitor screen.
• Must be able to speak in front of and/or perform training for a group of employees.

Summary

SC Ports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.