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Ship's Master/Draft Surveyor/Ship's Officer/Load Master - Job Opportunity at Intertek - Western Australia

Perth, Australia
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 19, 2025
On-site
AUD 105,000 - 140,000 per year

Benefits

Competitive base salary with superannuation providing strong retirement security in Australia's mandatory pension system
Comprehensive housing provision eliminating accommodation costs in remote mining regions where housing is typically scarce and expensive
Full utility coverage including electricity, water, and communication services reducing living expenses by approximately AUD 8,000-12,000 annually
Motor vehicle allowance or company-specified vehicle providing reliable transportation essential for remote area operations and eliminating personal vehicle maintenance costs
Access to Intertek's global career development network spanning over 100 countries with opportunities for international assignments

Key Responsibilities

Execute critical quality assurance operations ensuring multi-million dollar cargo shipments meet international standards, directly impacting client revenue and regulatory compliance across global supply chains
Lead complex vessel coordination operations managing berthing schedules and shifting requirements that optimize port efficiency and minimize costly demurrage charges for international shipping clients
Provide expert technical consultation on vessel stability and stress analysis, preventing potential catastrophic incidents that could result in environmental disasters and significant financial liability
Conduct comprehensive marine inspections and draft surveys determining cargo quantities worth millions of dollars, with accuracy directly affecting commercial settlements between buyers and sellers
Implement and maintain precision measurement systems ensuring equipment calibration meets international standards, supporting the integrity of quality assurance processes across multiple client operations
Develop and execute job safety analysis protocols protecting personnel in high-risk maritime environments while maintaining operational continuity in Australia's critical mining export infrastructure
Manage real-time vessel scheduling coordination affecting port operations and supply chain logistics for major mining companies, optimizing efficiency across the Pilbara's iron ore export corridor
Generate detailed technical reports and commercial documentation that serve as legal evidence in international trade disputes and regulatory compliance audits

Requirements

Education

AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or overseas equivalent) or at least three years of relevant experience including 2 years experience in similar position

Experience

At least three years of relevant experience including 2 years experience in similar position

Required Skills

In-depth knowledge of ship's operation and "vessel in port" requirements Detailed knowledge about Australian maritime safety regulations Excellent communications skills Demonstrated ability to work within a team environment Excellent organisational skills and self motivation Ability to work independently with minimal or no supervision Sensitivity to deal with confidential information Ability to perform manual handling, stand for long periods and regularly lift or carry up to 20 kgs of samples, gear or equipment safely Must be able to work outdoors during adverse weather conditions (rain, heat, cold) Must be able to calculate and report quantities transferred from stowage tanks A solid understanding of MS Office suite – particularly excel and word – as well as company nominated calculation programs

Certifications

Maritime Security Identification Card Current Australian Driving License Pre-employment medical clearance Evidence of right to work in Australia
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Australia's mining export sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by Asian demand for iron ore and critical minerals, creating sustained demand for qualified marine surveyors and vessel inspection specialists who can ensure quality and quantity accuracy in multi-billion dollar commodity trades. The global push toward ESG compliance and environmental responsibility is driving increased scrutiny of maritime operations, requiring more sophisticated inspection and monitoring capabilities that experienced marine professionals can provide, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas like the Pilbara coast. Digital transformation in maritime logistics is creating demand for professionals who can bridge traditional surveying expertise with modern data management and reporting systems, as shipping companies seek to optimize operations through real-time monitoring and predictive analytics. The shortage of qualified maritime professionals globally, particularly those willing to work in remote locations, is creating a seller's market for experienced ship officers and marine surveyors, driving up compensation packages and career advancement opportunities.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of AUD 105,000-140,000 plus comprehensive benefits package represents strong compensation for the Australian maritime sector, particularly when considering the substantial value of housing and utilities provision in remote Pilbara locations where accommodation costs can exceed AUD 40,000 annually. The total package value likely exceeds AUD 180,000 when including all benefits, positioning this opportunity above market median for similar roles.

Role Significance

Typically operates as part of a small regional team of 3-5 marine surveyors covering the extensive Western Australian coastline, with coordination responsibilities extending to port authorities, shipping agents, vessel crews, and international clients across multiple time zones.
This is a senior operational role requiring autonomous decision-making authority over multi-million dollar cargo operations, with direct responsibility for ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations and quality standards. The position carries significant liability and requires seasoned judgment in complex technical situations affecting global supply chains.

Key Projects

Leading comprehensive vessel inspections for major iron ore shipments destined for Asian steel mills, ensuring cargo quality meets contractual specifications Managing complex draft surveys for Capesize bulk carriers loading at Port Hedland and Dampier, determining cargo quantities that form the basis for commercial settlements worth hundreds of millions of dollars Coordinating emergency vessel inspections and repairs in remote locations, ensuring minimal disruption to critical supply chain operations Implementing new inspection technologies and procedures to enhance accuracy and efficiency of maritime quality assurance processes

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in maritime operations combined with practical experience in high-pressure commercial environments where accuracy and timing are critical to multi-million dollar transactions Strong physical resilience and adaptability to work effectively in Australia's challenging remote coastal environments, including extreme weather conditions and extended periods away from urban amenities Exceptional attention to detail and analytical skills necessary to identify potential issues that could result in significant financial losses or safety incidents in complex maritime operations Cultural sensitivity and communication skills to work effectively with diverse international crews and clients while maintaining professional relationships across different business cultures and languages

Market Demand

High demand driven by Australia's position as the world's largest iron ore exporter and the critical shortage of qualified maritime professionals willing to work in remote locations, with the Pilbara region representing one of the world's most important mining export corridors.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Maritime safety regulation knowledge is absolutely essential as non-compliance can result in vessel detention, environmental incidents, and significant financial penalties, with Australian Maritime Safety Authority regulations being among the world's most stringent and regularly updated Vessel stability and loading expertise is critical for preventing catastrophic incidents that could result in vessel loss, environmental disaster, and massive liability claims, requiring deep understanding of naval architecture principles and load distribution calculations Quality assurance methodology and reporting accuracy are fundamental as survey results directly determine commercial settlements worth millions of dollars, with any errors potentially resulting in significant financial disputes and damage to professional reputation

Beneficial Skills

Advanced data analysis and digital reporting capabilities are increasingly valuable as the industry moves toward real-time monitoring and predictive analytics, with companies seeking professionals who can leverage technology to enhance traditional surveying methods Cross-cultural communication skills are highly beneficial given the international nature of shipping operations, with ability to work effectively with crews and clients from diverse cultural backgrounds providing significant competitive advantage Environmental compliance expertise is becoming increasingly important as ESG requirements intensify and regulatory scrutiny of maritime operations increases, particularly in environmentally sensitive coastal regions like Western Australia

Unique Aspects

This role offers rare exposure to the full spectrum of maritime operations in one of the world's most important mining export regions, providing unparalleled experience in large-scale bulk commodity logistics that few other positions can match
The position combines traditional maritime expertise with cutting-edge quality assurance technology, offering opportunities to work with advanced inspection equipment and data management systems used in billion-dollar trade operations
Working across multiple ports in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions provides exposure to diverse operational challenges and vessel types, from ultra-large ore carriers to specialized offshore support vessels
The role includes direct interaction with senior decision-makers from major global mining companies and international trading houses, providing exceptional networking opportunities within the commodities industry

Career Growth

Career advancement typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing professionals, with opportunities accelerated by Intertek's global presence and the critical shortage of experienced maritime professionals in the Asia-Pacific region.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Marine Surveyor or Regional Manager overseeing multiple locations and larger teams within Intertek's global network Port Captain or Marine Superintendent roles with major shipping companies or port authorities, leveraging deep operational experience Independent marine consulting specialist serving mining companies, traders, and shipping firms across the Asia-Pacific region Technical specialist roles with maritime regulatory bodies or classification societies, contributing to industry standards and safety protocols

Company Overview

Intertek - Western Australia

Intertek is a multinational assurance, inspection, product testing and certification company headquartered in London, serving as one of the world's largest quality assurance providers with operations spanning over 100 countries. The company plays a critical role in global trade by providing independent verification services that enable confidence in commercial transactions across diverse industries including mining, agriculture, oil and gas, and manufacturing.

As a FTSE 100 company with annual revenues exceeding £3 billion, Intertek holds a dominant position in the global quality assurance market, competing directly with SGS and Bureau Veritas while maintaining particular strength in the Asia-Pacific mining and commodities sector where this role is positioned.
Intertek's Western Australia operations represent a strategic hub for the company's Asia-Pacific commodities business, serving the world's largest iron ore export region and providing critical quality assurance services to major mining companies including BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue Metals Group along with international trading houses and steel mills.
The company promotes a performance-driven culture emphasizing precision, safety, and client service excellence, with strong emphasis on professional development and career mobility across its global network. The remote location nature of this role requires self-motivated professionals who can maintain high standards while working independently in challenging environments.
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