An oil company’s offshore operations are managed by a marine supervisor. Working at an offshore drilling platform or an oil depot where a large number of ships with crude oil and supplies come and go is an example of this. To work in this field, most employers demand that employees have received training and certification. Compensation varies by employer and location, and may include free transportation to the beach for vacations and rest periods in some cases.
Coordination of human and environmental safety is one aspect of the job. Marine supervisors ensure that all facilities meet safety requirements, train employees, and inspect incoming ships and equipment. They are concerned not only about oil workers’ health, but also about the risk of spills and other environmental issues. Routine maintenance is an important part of the safety program because it ensures that the equipment is working properly and safely.
The marine supervisor is also in charge of logistics, which may include coordinating shipments, ordering supplies, and working with multiple ship captains. This team member has the authority to decide when and where ships should dock to pick up oil, deliver supplies, and swap personnel. Some facilities also have aviation capabilities, so the marine supervisor may also be in charge of helicopters and small planes. Traffic management is essential for avoiding accidents and ensuring a smooth flow of goods and services.
The marine supervisor may meet with members of the management and logistics teams to discuss objectives. These individuals can discuss limitations and solutions, such as staffing shortages that make a facility’s 24-hour operation unsafe. The marine supervisor can coordinate these fixes if problems can be solved with more personnel or equipment. In more complex situations, such as when a facility needs to be renovated for continued safety, this member of the staff may be involved in long-term planning to address the problem while ensuring safety and profit.
A marine supervisor’s ability to work with people from various backgrounds is crucial. Being multilingual can be beneficial, as employees may come from all over the world. A single language, such as English, may be used as a standard of communication for convenience, but some workers may struggle with it. The marine supervisor must also have a thorough understanding of shipping and procedures so that he or she can communicate clearly and effectively with captains concerned about safety and timely loading.