Senior Yacht Operations & Compliance Manager
An opportunity to secure a senior yacht operations and compliance role.
We are looking for an accomplished yacht management professional with a strong background across yacht operations, maritime compliance, DPA/CSO responsibilities, ISM/ISPS and Flag & Class liaison.
This is not simply a compliance role.
We are looking for someone who understands the complete operational picture of a superyacht fleet — someone who can move comfortably between regulatory detail, vessel operations, Captain relationships, audits, onboardings, emergency response and senior-level problem solving.
The successful candidate will be trusted to help ensure the fleet operates safely, efficiently and to consistently exceptional standards.
The Role
Working across a prestigious private fleet, you will play a key role in yacht operations and compliance, acting as a senior point of contact for Captains, onboard teams and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities are expected to include:
- Senior yacht operations management across a multi-vessel fleet
- DPA / CSO responsibilities
- ISM and ISPS compliance
- Internal audits and preparation for Flag, Class and external audits
- Liaison with Flag State, Classification Societies and regulatory authorities
- Oversight of statutory and operational vessel certification
- Supporting vessel onboarding and transition into fleet management
- Reviewing and developing Safety Management Systems and associated procedures
- Monitoring compliance with MLC and Hours of Rest requirements
- Supporting incident management and emergency response
- Working closely with Captains and senior crew on operational and compliance matters
- Identifying areas for procedural and operational improvement
- Supporting refit, operational and technical teams where regulatory input is required
- Ensuring fleet documentation and compliance standards remain consistently best-in-class
The Person
We are looking for an established professional from the superyacht management, maritime compliance or Flag/Class environment.
You may currently be working as a:
- Senior Yacht Manager
- Yacht Operations Manager
- DPA / CSO
- Fleet Compliance Manager
- Senior Compliance Manager
- Lead Yacht Operations Manager
- Yacht Management Client Manager
- Flag State Surveyor / Inspector
- Maritime Compliance Consultant
You will ideally bring significant experience of:
- Large private and/or commercial yachts
- ISM and ISPS Codes
- Internal yacht audits
- Flag State and Class requirements
- DPA/CSO functions
- Maritime regulatory compliance
- Vessel onboarding
- Safety Management Systems
- MLC and crew compliance
- Emergency response procedures
- Managing relationships with Captains, crew and senior stakeholders
A maritime law, marine operations or related academic background would be advantageous, but practical yacht-management experience and sound judgement are equally important.
What Will Set You Apart
We are particularly interested in people who combine technical knowledge with excellent judgement and communication skills. NO DRAMA OR EGO!!!
You will be someone who can walk onto a yacht and immediately command professional credibility, while also being approachable, solutions-focused and commercially aware.
You understand that good compliance is not about ticking boxes.
It is about creating a culture where vessels are safe, Captains feel supported, issues are identified early and operational standards continually improve.
You will be calm under pressure, exceptionally organised and comfortable making decisions in situations where the stakes can be high.
Why Consider It?
You will work across multiple vessels, contribute to fleet-wide best practice and operate alongside highly experienced maritime professionals.
For someone who has built a career within yacht operations and maritime compliance and is ready for a role with genuine responsibility and influence, this is an exceptional opportunity.
