Dive and Boat Safety Manager

Job Purpose 

The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a world-renowned private university located in Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a 36 km2 suburban campus directly on the Red Sea, a residential city of >8,000 residents, a university campus with 200,000 m2 of modern research laboratories and a research park with local and global research centers. At the heart of KAUST's mission, the dive and boat safety programs serve as essential pillars supporting research, education, and exploration within the marine environment. Leveraging its strategic coastal location, KAUST presents unparalleled opportunities for scientific inquiry and breakthroughs in marine science and oceanography. Within KAUST, marine and dive programs comprise various components, including a Marine Science Education and Research Program, Reef Restoration Initiative, and a consultancy arm dedicated to providing expert services on marine and dive projects to The Kingdom. 

The dive safety program includes ~200 divers who frequently engage in research dives all year around, primarily within the Red Sea, with some studies extending throughout the world. Collaboration with international partners is integral to these scientific endeavors. A large reef restoration initiative covering a 100-hectare area to the north of KAUST in NEOM is also led and run by KAUST. Additionally, the consultancy arm of KAUST supports projects critical to the development of The Kingdom. The boat safety program includes a fleet of small boats and an ocean vessel to support its Marine Science initiatives that are owned and maintained by KAUST. Additionally, numerous live-aboards and other boats are leased where needed. While the main focus of boat operations is on the Red Sea, some work spans globally. 

The KAUST Boat and Dive Safety Manager will lead a team of safety specialists responsible for implementing and overseeing dive safety and boating safety protocols. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of all marine-related activities, including scientific research dives, recreational diving, and boating operations. The incumbent will collaborate closely with researchers, faculty, students, and staff to promote a culture of safety and compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

Major Accountabilities 

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive dive and boat safety programs in accordance with international standards, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements. 
• Lead and mentor a team of safety specialists responsible for implementing dive and boat safety programs, including risk assessments, safety inspections, and providing safety training. 
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all matters related to dive and boat safety, including incident investigations, emergency response planning, and regulatory compliance. 
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, visitors, and contractors to ensure that operations align with project objectives while maintaining a high level of safety. 
• Establish and maintain partnerships with relevant external organizations, regulatory agencies, and professional associations to stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in dive safety. 
• Oversee the maintenance and calibration of dive equipment, boats, and safety gear to ensure their proper functioning and compliance with safety standards. 
• Conduct regular audits and evaluations of dive and boat operations and safety procedures to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as necessary. 

• Provide guidance and support to dive and boat community on dive planning, equipment selection, and emergency procedures to mitigate risks associated with activities. Coordinate the certification process for divers, boat operators, and supervisors, including compliance with the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) standards for divers. 

• Develop and deliver educational materials, workshops, and training courses on dive and boat safety and related topics to promote awareness and understanding of safety protocols among the KAUST community.

Person Requirements  

Competencies 

• Strong knowledge of marine safety, dive safety, and boating safety regulations, standards, and best practices. 
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate safety concepts and influence behavior. 
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks. 
• Effective project management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Attention to detail and a commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance. 
• Proficiency in conducting risk assessments and incident investigations, and implementing corrective actions. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, staff, students, and external partners. 
• Familiarity with dive and boating equipment and operations, including maintenance and inspection procedures. 
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to develop and maintain comprehensive safety documentation. 
• Commitment to professional development and continuous improvement in the field of dive and boating safety. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., marine science, environmental science, occupational health and safety) required; advanced degree preferred. 
• Certification as an AAUS Dive Safety Officer or willingness to obtain certification within one year of employment. 

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in dive safety, preferably in an academic or scientific organization, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role. 
• Experience in boat safety preferred. 
• Strong knowledge of dive safety regulations, standards, and best practices, with demonstrated experience in developing and implementing safety programs. 
• Experience in incident investigation, emergency response planning, and risk management. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications. 
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is required.