At I&J, part of AVI, we combine close to 115 years of excellence with a forward-thinking approach to the fishing industry. As a leader in premium seafood, including Cape Hake and farmed Cape Abalone, we are committed to sustainability, innovation, and empowering local communities. Our latest innovation, Air-Fri’kn Amazing, brings bold flavours and crispy perfection to your air fryer, showcasing our passion for quality and customer-centric excellence.

Why Join I&J?

• Industry Leader: Work with a renowned brand known for premium Cape Hake and farmed Abalone.
• Sustainability Focused: Contribute to responsible fishing practices with MSC accreditation.
• Community Impact: Be part of a company that empowers and invests in local communities.

Step Into a Role That Makes an Impact! We’re seeking a Crewing Manager to drive success at I&J Trawling Division in Waterfront, Cape Town. This role is designed to oversee the vessels and to undertake direct responsibility for both wet and freezer vessels in the I&J operation with over 500 crew. To also ensure correct certificates of competency, adequate skills and knowledge for the specific job, operational manning levels and specific client requirements as per legislation.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to: Fleet Service Manager
• Direct Reports: 2

Key Areas of Impact:

Sea Staff Head Count

• Establish and submit head count requirements through a solid manpower plan, identifying risks timeously to management.
• Verification of seafarer certification and qualifications upon employment.
• Screening and initial evaluation of candidates for experience and skills assessment.
• Liaising with the relevant Skipper, Managers or Chief Engineer for interview and approval of candidates as Officers.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with crewing partners within the business.
• Establishment and management of seafarer staff to ensure vessels are manned as per operational requirements.
• Ensure the crewing management system (FIS) is kept updated and in line with SAP head count.

Crew Planning and Scheduling

• Maintaining the planning state for all managed vessels using the company crew management system (FIS)
• Liaising with Engineering Superintendents, Shore Skippers and Processing Manager with regards to schedule crew changes.
• Ensure crew leave cycles are properly managed and that crew are relieved on time and then providing sufficient feedback to vessel and crew.
• Coordinate the Freezer Vessel sailing system with Skippers coordinating trip off schedules as per approved system in advance.
• Maximize crew availability by constantly reviewing crew movements and maintaining contact with off-duty crew.
• Manage and coordinate watch keepers for vessels along quayside whilst the on vessel crew are on shore leave.
• Verify and approve all sailing crew lists as well as acting forms.
• Management of crew and officer certification validity and expiry of Certificates of Competency (CoC’s) and ancillary courses.
• Verify and approve all training requests as to manage the coordination of relievers and deployment utilisation.
• Manage vessel core crew changes in collaboration with the Shore Skipper and Marine Technical Manager, specifically for Vessel Management Team.
• Ensure the validity of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) Medical Certificates, Seaman’s books and ancillary courses.
• Implement a dry dock plan for crew not required during dry dock projects.
• Manage the number of crew per vessel per voyage as per the agreed I&J standard in manning requirements and vessel compliment.
• Liaise with the Skippers regarding medical requests for crew returning to port and verify compliance in terms of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

Talent, Training & Succession Planning

• Manage and review the Talent Training Matrix and succession plan for Sea Staff which includes, Engineering, Deck and Production departments.
• Determine gaps in the training against the company’s Training Matrix.
• Liaise with the Group Training Manager and Production Trainers to address training needs of the sea staff to ensure compliance with the Training Matrix.
• Ensure compliance per SAMSA regulations for officers and the vessel management team.
• Establishing specific training requirements and identifying gaps in the current crew qualifications to close training gaps for full compliance.
• Coordinate input and feedback from Marine Technical Manager, Skippers and Shore Skipper for recommendations of potential Seagoing Officers and assessment feedback.
• Manage the Engineering and Deck Cadet program in collaboration with the Senior Superintendent and Shore Skipper.
• Provide training to the Crewing Officer on legislative and SAMSA requirements to ensure a trained and capacitated Crewing Department.

HR & Payroll Administration

• Drafts all seagoing communication and post notices to update all seagoing personnel on business announcements and other important information.
• Manage the initiation and approval of all SAP recruitment, change or termination workflows as per deadline.
• Liaise with the Clinic, Risk Officer and Safety Officer for all seagoing recruitment to ensure onboarding compliance.
• Manage the onboarding process and submission of all new seagoing engagements as per the I&J requirements, including policy training and document completion as per AVI requirements and deadline.
• Ensuring pre-joining routines for any new joining crews are properly managed and sufficient time is allocated for assessment or evaluation, company inductions and company safety systems familiarizations.
• Ensure compliance of safety gear policy, all staff are issued with the required free PPE upon engagement.
• Approve the PPE gear submission for payroll processing.
• Verify and approve all crew lists, acting allowances and Discharge and Engagement (D&E) forms for payroll submission.
• Approve all sick certificates, vessel work by, engineering officer requests and leave forms for submission to payroll weekly.
• Coordinate and verify all tracking of deployment prediction and planning for payroll submission.
• Manage deployment queries with the Skipper and crew.
• Approve or decline requests for leave encashments with Head of Trawling for submission of processing to payroll.
• Verify and approve all freezer vessel advance requests.
• Verify and approve the manual requests in collaboration with the Finance Manager and Head of Trawling.
• Coordinate with the Clinic Coordinator for all seagoing staff’s annual SAMSA Medical assessments.
• Manage the employee files ensuring current and valid CoC’s, ancillary courses and information are filed and kept updated.

Industrial Relations and Reporting

• Engage with the HR Officer and Risk Officer in regards to all Industrial Relation cases at the seagoing department.
• Prepare and initiate disciplinary cases against all crew ensuring compliance to I&J disciplinary code and policies.
• Liaise with the Clinic, HR Officer and Employee Benefits Administrator for all temp disability and disability seagoing referrals.
• Liaise and discuss possible incapacity cases with HR Officer or Senior HR Manager.
• Attend and resolve all grievances received, escalate all serious cases to the Senior HR Manager and IR Specialist.
• Submit weekly reports on sea going staff, disabilities, disciplinary cases and dismissals.
• Submit monthly reports relating to seagoing changes, example engagement, promotions and terminations.
• Establish and maintain good relationships with all seagoing staff, operations and management.

Regulatory Compliance and General Duties

• Keeping abreast of all statutory manning regulations and any relevant changes.
• Verification of seafarer certification and qualifications.
• Remain abreast of changes to Maritime legislation affecting safe manning of vessels.
• All SAMSA medicals are valid and updated on file.
• Ensure all crew are in possession of a valid Seaman’s book.

What It Takes to Succeed:

Experience that set you up for success:                       

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within a Crewing department.
• Minimum 4 years’ experience within a vessel fishing environment as Crewing Officer.
• Extensive experience dealing with relevant Maritime legislation including STCW and SAMSA Medical Guidelines.
• Sea Going exposure and experience is critical as well as the understanding of SAMSA courses and requirements.
• Well-established network of industry contacts including manning agencies, industry network, administration staff and seafarers.
• Microsoft Office suite working experience, including Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.

Qualifications & Certifications that will contribute to your success:

• Grade 12 / Matric
• National Diploma in Human Resources Management or similar
• Project Management or Operations Diploma would be advantageous

Additional Requirements that will enhance your impact for success:

• Further Courses in Industrial Relation, certifications or professional affiliations

Take the Next Step with I&J

Join us to shape the future of South African seafood while making a meaningful impact on communities and the environment and be part of a team committed to excellence and making a positive impact.