Deputy Defence Shipping Registrar

The Defence Safety Authority (DSA) is responsible for the Defence regulation of Health and Safety & Environmental Protection (HS&EP). The DSA provides evidence-based assurance to the Secretary of State for Defence that their policy on HS&EP in Defence is being promoted and implemented in the conduct of Defence activities.

This is achieved through proportional and appropriate evidence-based assessment of the activity that supports the Defence’s operational imperatives. Within the DSA, DMR is tasked to provide regulation, assurance and enforcement across the Defence Maritime Domain. This comprises all activity conducted by MOD Shipping (includes but is not limited to warships, submarines, landing craft and boats across Defence), in the Defence Ports and at Defence Harbour Facilities and in Defence Diving, both Military and Commercially contracted diving, in support of Defence activities. As new technologies and vessel types, such as autonomous vessels or the involvement of AI emerge, DMR are constantly looking at the maritime scope to ensure that HS&EP are assured going forward.

DMR consists of four sections: Regulation and Compliance, Executive and Enabling, Shipping Inspectorate and Maritime Services Inspectorate.

The post falls within the Regulation and Compliance (R&C) Section, leading on the Registry element, and deputising for the Defence Shipping Registrar in all registration-related activities. R&C set the maritime domain regulatory framework, through defining the domain, setting the DMR Regulations, and monitoring compliance with them. 

Attendance at either of the DMR offices would be expected for 40% of the time in accordance with the hybrid working model. DMR offices are in Bristol (MOD Abbey Wood North) and HM Naval Base Portsmouth. Wherever you were based there would be a requirement to travel to Bristol regularly. You are encouraged to discuss your anticipated working arrangements for this role with us during the recruitment process.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. 

We are currently seeking a highly skilled and experienced individual to join our dynamic team within the Defence Maritime Regulator. This position requires a naval architect or marine engineer with a strong background in the maritime industry. If you have a passion for ships and vessels, possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and are eager to contribute to the regulation and oversight of maritime activities, this opportunity is for you.

In return, we can offer the opportunity to lead on the management of Defence shipping registration. This will involve significant liaison within Defence with the Naval Authority & Technology Group (NATG), Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) and Navy Command. The post will also liaise beyond Defence, specifically with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

The successful candidate will set the framework for the Defence Maritime Domain scope. They will develop the Maritime Register, within which the Defence Shipping Register sits, and lead on the tracking and management of compliance with the DMR Regulations for all Defence Maritime Activities. This will support the DMR domain risk processes and assurance programme, thereby influencing the activities of the DMR Inspectorate.

As the DMR lead into acquisition this role is a key link into the procurement of Defence maritime equipment: from warships and submarines through traditional acquisition routes; through fast moving technological procurements via novel routes; and through involvement in the definition and categorisation of innovative technologies now and in the future, including autonomy and AI. These latter, fast moving, areas are vital strategic drivers in Defence and the Deputy Registrar will be key to DMR supporting the speedy delivery of this operational capability.

The successful candidate will have line management responsibility for the Registry Support Officer.

DMR is committed to supporting the development of its personnel, and will put together a package of training to enable the successful candidate to gain the skills needed to deliver this role.

The DSA is strongly dedicated to promoting equal employment opportunity irrespective of your race, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, civil status, sex, or gender identity. Applications are strongly encouraged from candidates of all backgrounds, and we are actively working to establish a diverse workforce across the entire organisation. We are delighted to announce that we are an Equal Opportunities Employer and that we recruit purely based upon the merit of each and every individual applicant. We pride ourselves on our commitment to ensure recruitment of the very best individuals and acquire a diverse and inclusive viewpoint to our decision making. We can assure you that we search for all types of talent and are striving to make sure that all social groups are successfully represented. We work diligently to eradicate any bias and safeguard every protected status and characteristic as lawfully required under the 2010 Equality Act. Our dedication to promoting diversity is clearly reflected across our organisation and within our vision to foster an inclusive workforce. Defence harnesses the power of difference to deliver capability that safeguards our nation’s security and stability.

• Assist, and deputise for, the Defence Shipping Registrar in overseeing and managing the registration and documentation process for ships and vessels
• Supporting the maritime acquisition community through early engagement with maritime acquisition projects to ensure legislative and regulatory compliance is planned into the project.
• Provide advice on the development of maritime acquisition community’s Compliance and Certification Strategies.
• Owner of the Maritime Activities Register (MAR) with responsibility to ensure it is populated and accurate
• Develop and promote the MAR as a tool for handling compliance with DMR Regulations
• Responsible for the management of maritime domain compliance with DMR Regulations
• Being responsible for the DMR Operating Procedures relevant to their responsibilities; to include the production, review, amendment and validation of them.
• Provision of advice and guidance within DMR and to the Regulated Community within the scope of their Terms of Reference

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Seeing the Big Picture

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Government Science and Engineering (GSE) Career Framework: GSE Technical Skills: Building and Applying Knowledge: Complying with Requirements/Standards

• Flexi-time scheme
• 25 days annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years service
• Ability to roll over up to 10 days leave per year
• In addition to 8 Public Holidays per year you will receive an extra day for HM The King’s birthday
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave
• Employee assistance programme to support your well-being
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

  The post does not offer relocation expenses.

  External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

  Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

  Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

  Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

  The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

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Job contact :

• Name : Penny Sykes
• Email : penny.sykes629@mod.gov.uk
• Telephone : 07714689484

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk