Security Officer for Royal Caribbean Cruises

Position Summary

1. The Security Officer provides a highly visible security presence during gangway operations and throughout the vessel to deter and respond to incidents involving the Guest Conduct Policy and shipboard safety. This role supervises gangway security staff, delivers security-related training to security personnel and crew, and collaborates with the Security team to maintain the safety and security of guests, crew, and the ship.

Reporting Structure

1. Reporting to the Captain and Staff Captain.
2. Subordinates – Security guards.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Supervise gangway security staff to implement the Ship Security Plan and apply guidance from the SQM Security Manual and the Security Officer.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of the Safety and Quality Management Program, Emergency Plan, Station Bill, Master’s Rules and Regulations, Company Policy, Security Manual, and Ship Security Plan.
• Conduct shipboard security training as directed by the Chief/ Deputy Security Officer.
• Ensure proper operation and routine maintenance of all security equipment as directed.
• Support the Deputy Security Officer in maintaining good order and conduct when not conducting gangway operations.
• Perform frequent security inspections of the vessel and surroundings.
• Be on call to assist Security Supervisors as needed, in coordination with the Chief Security Officer.
• Ensure effective hand-over and cooperation between the Security Officer and Deputy Security Officer regarding incidents, follow-ups, and gangway operations.
• Observe and preserve the security and safety of the vessel, guests, and crew through proactive monitoring and responsive action.
• Attend meetings, training activities, courses, and all other work-related duties as required.

Education/Experience/Qualifications:

• Valid STCW certification.
• Appropriate certification as required by regulations.
• Physically and medically fit.
•     Minimum of security leadership experience in one or more of the following areas: Armed Forces, Maritime Security, Aviation Security, Private Security Contracting, Law Enforcement, or Hotel/Hospitality security.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, strong organizational skills, and effective written and verbal communication in English.
• Experience in crowd management and conflict resolution using non-aggressive, non-lethal approaches; ability to document evidence clearly.
• Ability to diplomatically and, if necessary, physically manage guests in tense situations; capable of applying defensive tactics and hand-to-hand skills when required.
• Sufficient physical fitness to perform restraint techniques if needed; well-groomed appearance and professional demeanor that deter incidents.
• Knowledge of security equipment, processes, and strategies; ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Strong managerial and organizational skills; proficient with computers and relevant software.
• Preference given to those with formal security certifications or training.

Language requirements:

1. English: ability to speak clearly, read, and write to understand procedures and communicate with guests, supervisors, and co-workers.
2. Ability to speak additional languages (e.g., Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German) is preferred.

Computer knowledge:
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and Fidelio.

Working Conditions:

• Shipboard position requiring working in a dynamic, secure, and customer-facing environment.
• Shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays as dictated by voyage schedules.
• Regular interaction with guests and crew in a high-visibility security role.

Profile:

1. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to lead, motivate and develop a culturally diverse work force.
2. Should be alert to take any action required for any security related situation.
3. Punctual.
4. Proactive approach to problem solving.
5. Ability to be flexible, well organized, self managed and motivated. Handle multiple demands, remain calm and effective under pressure and resolve issues quickly.
6. Effective, full, clear and concise communications is essential.
7. Safe, professional and personal practices. Fully conversant with VMS and MLC requirements.
8. Well groomed and neat appearance.
9. Ability to deliver a high standard of performance.

Status - Officer.
Salary - Refer to contract.
Rotation - Refer to contract.

Key Responsibilities

1. Responsible to ensure that the Ships Security Plan is enforced and complied with, in particular:
   1. Security of access points to the ship and perimeter protection.
   2. Monitoring that good order is maintained among the ships company, intervening and advising the Master and Senior Officers where necessary.
   3. Monitoring the behavior of the guests, intervening and advising the Master and Senior Officers where necessary.
2. Responsible for ensuring the security of the vessel, including handling suspicious luggage, screening guests and crew members baggage, carrying out regular checks and enforcing safety regulations.
3. Responsible to be familiar with the operation and location of all lifesaving, fire-fighting and pollution prevention equipment.
4. Conducts training to induct new crew members in the security related regulations.
5. Investigates and follows up any accidents, incidents or non conformities under the guidance of the Staff Captain.
6. Responsible for gangway access. Ensuring that the gangway is deployed correctly and in a safe manner when the vessel is berthed and/or anchored. Following gangway procedures at all times.
7. Monitors the shore side security when the vessel is docked. Supervising all points of entry.
8. Performs regular security inspections of the ship on a regular basis to ensure that proper security measures are being maintained.
9. Responsible to go ashore on the first tender at anchor calls to ascertain the condition of the passenger landing area. Ensures that a focal point for guests returning to the vessel is established.
10. Must be present at the opening and closing of shell doors.
11. On embarkation of the pilot must be present to escort to the Bridge.
12. On the vessels departure must ensure that all ship side openings and gunport doors are secured for sea.
13. Responsible for updating and maintaining the departure board and ensuring that the departure time of the vessel, all onboard are correct and displayed in an area that can be viewed by all.
14. Must be aware of political, religious any other reasons for terrorism and recognize different types. Must keep up to date on terrorist activity worldwide and counter measures.
15. Coordinates security measures with local port authorities at various ports of call to ensure that up to date security related matters are handled with the supervision of the Staff Captain.
16. Email correspondence with local agents submitting the Pre-Arrival Security Notification, Declaration of Security and visitors request for crew and guests.
17. Enforces Company policies, rules and regulations e.g crew members curfew, dress code, proper behaviour.
18. Responsible for generating, authorising and issuing visitor passes. Ensuring that all visitors have left in good time.
19. Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the security equipment. Record keeping as standard.
20. Responsible for the ship’s key system, the control and issue of master and sub-master keys, ensuring that locks not on the master key system are kept to an absolute minimum and are only used for high sensitivity/security spaces.
21. Oversees the monthly check and inventories of the metal keys, magnetic cards, radios, digilocks.
22. Maintains accurate security records, gangway log sheets, equipment maintenance records, security patrol log sheets, training records and visitor records.
23. Ensures that security guards are fully trained and knowledgeable in the operation of their duties at the gangway, whilst on patrol and in a security emergency response operation at all 3 security levels.
24. Understands the capabilities and restrictions involved in the use of CCTV.
25. Implements the bomb search plan and trains ships company according to their duties. Instructs and uses the bomb equipment.
26. Keeps log of all watch operations and conditions.
27. Takes statements as required.
28. Prepares the voyage security reports for submission to the Staff Captain.
29. Responsible to stand as witness to drug and alcohol tests. Must be aware of the many different forms of drugs and their effects. Conducts searches for the same as necessary.
30. Has a full knowledge of every aspect of safety features of the vessel. Being fully conversant with the Company’s VMS. Displays knowledge of International Security ISPS Code.
31. Keeps the Master and Staff Captain promptly and fully informed of all problems and matters of significance.
32. Accountable for ensuring that Company, National and International standards are maintained and meeting requirements. Reporting to the Master any instances where the ship is unable or fails to comply.
33. Monitors his subordinates working/rest hours and overtime. Maintaining 100% compliance with Company requirements as well as ILO/MLC.
34. Executes strict practices to ensure that the Security team is operated in accordance with the following regulations and Company policies, during all prevailing circumstances and conditions:
    1. International Safety Management Code.
    2. ISPS Code.
    3. SOLAS.
    4. Code of Safe Working Practices.
    5. MARPOL.
    6. Pollution prevention.
    7. International Code of Signals.
    8. STCW.
    9. ILO/IMO/ITF/MLC 2006.
    10. Merchant Shipping Legislation of the Bahamas.
35. Practices good people management, maintaining proper conduct within the Deck department, other departments around the ship and guests.
36. Observes and enforces uniform and grooming standards according to Company policies.
37. Required to be issued with appropriate PPE and fit tested for the purpose of assisting with Infection Prevention and Control. Required to wear assigned PPE correctly in line with company guidance.
38. Required to assist with controlled, secure movement of people requiring isolation.
39. Required to carry out any duties as required relating to Infection Prevention and Control as assigned by Senior Management.
40. Required to follow and enforce procedures related to daily Gangway activities i.e. shore leave and visitors e.g. required electrostatic fogging, testing requirements, wearing of masks, hand sanitising, distancing on the gangway and in tenders.
41. Required to follow and enforce procedures related to Gangway activities for embarking and disembarking guests and crew including quarantine requirements.
42. Required to be vigilant in the monitoring of adherence to infection prevention requirements around the vessel including reporting any breach of company policy.
43. All other duties as assigned.

About Royal Caribbean Group

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that controls and operates three global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises. They are also a 50 percent joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises and a 49 percent shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur Cruceros. Together these brands operate a combined total of over 70 ships, with many more on order.  They operate diverse itineraries around the world, calling at approximately 540 destinations across all seven continents. We are always hiring for all of the amazing brands.