public health officer

Public Health Officer

Reports to:  Hotel Director

Oversees and supports: Public Health Admin

Job Description :

The Public Health Officer is overall responsible for Public Health compliance onboard to ensure the health of the vessel, crew and guests. This crucial position focuses on maintaining high standards of sanitation in all areas of the ship, with the main focus on disease surveillance, prevention and control of infectious illnesses, and outbreak management, as well as hotel areas, including housekeeping, food and beverage, concessionaires and other related spaces. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

General

·       Oversee the overall implementation of shipboard public health procedures in compliance with SHIPSAN Manual, company procedures and any applicable local public health regulations.

·       Maintain high standards of sanitation in all areas of the ship, with main focus on Hotel areas, including but not limited to housekeeping, public areas, galleys, restaurants, bars, provision stores, spa, children's facilities and other related spaces.

·       As part of the Vessel Incident Response Team (VIRT), collaborate with shipboard and shoreside management, medical staff and authorities during public health-related emergencies or outbreaks to ensure appropriate control measures are taken.

·       Work closely with the Hotel Director, Staff Captain, Senior Doctor, Chief Engineer, Public Health Admin and other responsible Department Heads to ensure that all public health & hygiene related policies and procedures are implemented, and related documentation are accurately maintained.

·       Effectively communicate with both shipboard and shoreside management to facilitate the correct interpretation and application of public health policies and procedures.

·       Escalate issues of non-compliance and public health gaps to shipboard and shoreside management.

·       Conduct routine internal inspections and review records/reports to monitor performance and verify compliance with public health and hygiene requirements.

·       Review all internal and external Public Health-related inspection reports to identify trends and avoid repeat deficiencies, and evaluate corrective actions plan to identify effectiveness.

·       Participate in the monthly Health, Safety and Environmental and Energy Committee (HSE) Meeting.

·       Ensure all Department Heads are well versed in their responsibilities and respective roles, as related to Public Health regulations.

·       Serve as shipboard point of contact/liaison for Public Health inspectors, Port Health Authorities, external laboratories and consultants, and accompany them during inspections.

·       Continuously stay up to date on the latest version/revision of relevant sanitation manuals and Public Health guidelines to ensure that best practices are implemented accordingly.

·       Support in the implementation of Public Health-related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and forms.

·       Perform other Public Health-related duties as assigned by Hotel Director.

Requirements :

·       Minimum of 4 years of experience as a Public Health & Hygiene or Environmental Health Supervisor within the hospitality or maritime industry.

·       Possess and be able to demonstrate with confidence and thorough understanding standards for Ship's Sanitation.

·       Experience with SHIPSAN, VSP or other public health regulations.

·       Strong understanding of food safety principles, HACCP and sanitation regulations.

·       Fluent verbal and written level of English. Additional languages are considered a benefit.

·       Be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of multi-cultural sensitivity and have effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with various departments.

·       Encourage and demonstrate excellent teamwork and continuous training, coaching and counselling of all departments on board in all aspects of Public Health.

·       Very good organizational and computer skills (including Microsoft Excel and Power Point) and show attention to detail.

·       Must have confidence to use personal initiative and the ability to work independently.

·       Be able to  successfully perform under pressure and have the capability to solve problems.

·       Be service minded with an outgoing and friendly personality. 

Documentation Requirements:

·       Valid Passport;

·       Valid Seaman's Book;

·       STCW Certification;

·       Documentation related to the position  

Length of Contract :

4 Months on / 2 Month off