A Marine Safety Officer in UAE earns between AED 120,000 and AED 240,000 per year. The role manages health, safety, and environmental compliance for vessel operations under SOLAS, MARPOL, and UAE Federal Transport Authority Maritime regulations.
Marine Safety Officer in UAE — Key Facts
The Marine Safety Officer role in UAE operates under employment contracts governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) regulates all mainland employment. ADGM, DIFC, and free zone employees are subject to their respective authority employment regulations. Salaries stated are benchmarked to the UAE market as of April 2025.
All employment contracts in the UAE must comply with Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Marine Safety Officer roles in mainland UAE require Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) approved contracts. End-of-service gratuity is calculated at 21 days per year of service for the first 5 years and 30 days per year thereafter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Marine Safety Officer earn in UAE?
A Marine Safety Officer in UAE earns AED 120,000–240,000 per year. Roles in Abu Dhabi government-linked organisations and large multinational corporations pay at the upper end. Free zone and private sector roles pay at the lower to mid range.
What experience does a Marine Safety Officer need in UAE?
UAE employers require 5–10 years of relevant experience for Marine Safety Officer positions. Candidates with professional qualifications (IWFM, NEBOSH, RICS, or equivalent) and UAE or GCC market experience are preferred.
How does RFS recruit Marine Safety Officers?
RFS sources Marine Safety Officer candidates from its UAE facilities management network. A shortlist of 3 to 5 pre-screened candidates is delivered within 48 to 72 hours. The retained search fee is 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation.
What a Marine Safety Officer does in UAE
A Marine Safety Officer in UAE manages the safety, health, and environmental compliance programme for a shipping company, port operator, or offshore contractor, ensuring all marine operations comply with SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM Code, and UAE maritime regulations in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.
Key responsibilities
- Manage the SMS (Safety Management System) in compliance with ISM Code for UAE vessel operations
- Lead vessel and shore-based safety audits and ISM Code internal audits
- Manage MARPOL pollution prevention programme including oil record books, garbage plans, and sewage systems
- Coordinate port state control (PSC) inspection preparation and manage deficiency close-out
- Lead incident investigation and near-miss reporting programme in compliance with ISM Code
- Manage safety drills, emergency response exercises, and crew safety training
- Ensure all vessels maintain current SOLAS, MARPOL, and Load Line convention certificates
- Liaise with UAE maritime authority (FCA) and flag states on vessel safety and certification
- Implement IMO Maritime Cyber Risk Management guidelines for UAE fleet
- Produce monthly safety performance reports including lost time incidents, PSC deficiencies, and drill records
Qualifications required
- CoC Officer of the Watch (OOW) or higher STCW qualification
- ISM Code Internal Auditor certification
- 3 to 8 years marine safety management experience in UAE or GCC
- STCW Advanced Fire Fighting and STCW Medical First Aid current certifications
- Deep knowledge of SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM Code, and UAE Federal Maritime Law
- Arabic language skills preferred for UAE maritime authority and crew management
- PSC deficiency management and detention avoidance experience
- OPITO offshore safety awareness for offshore vessel operations preferred
Marine Safety Officer salary by employer type in UAE
| Employer type | Annual salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| ADNOC Fleet or ADNOC Logistics QHSE team | 240,000–440,000 |
| UAE shipping company or port operator HSE | 200,000–380,000 |
| Offshore marine contractor or diving company UAE | 220,000–400,000 |
| Classification society or maritime authority UAE | 260,000–480,000 |
Contract terms for this role in UAE
Marine Safety Officer roles carry a 30 to 60 day notice period in UAE. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 applies to your end-of-service gratuity at 21 days basic salary per year for the first five years.
Hire a Marine Safety Officer in UAE or Saudi Arabia
RFS delivers a shortlist of pre-screened Marine Safety Officer candidates in 48 to 72 hours. Retained search fee: 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation. 6-month replacement guarantee.
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