Plan Approval Expert - Marine

As a Plan Approval Expert - Marine at BSM, you will be accountable for preparing, reviewing and submitting stability, structural and related technical documentation for statutory and class plan approval. You will act as the technical interface with flag state authorities, classification societies, shipyards, yards’ designers and internal stakeholders to ensure timely approvals, regulatory compliance and effective risk management across design, conversion, repair and newbuilding projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, review and endorse naval architecture and marine engineering drawings, calculations and technical reports for plan approval, including stability booklets, intact and damage stability analyses, loading instruments, scantling calculations and structural arrangement/strength drawings.
• Compile, coordinate and submit complete approval packages to flag administrations and classification societies, ensuring adherence to applicable conventions, class rules and statutory guidance.
• Lead technical exchanges with class and flag surveyors, promptly address review comments and implement agreed actions to achieve approval milestones.
• Review and assess shipyard and external designer deliverables, raise technical queries and ensure changes are captured and controlled within submission documentation.
• Perform intact and damaged stability assessments, including deterministic and probabilistic damage cases where required, and evaluate hydrostatic and weight/centre of gravity implications of modifications.
• Provide technical support to project teams during conversions, repairs, dry-docking and newbuilding activities, including review of structural modification calculations and weight/trim reports.
• Maintain accurate records of plan submissions, correspondence and approvals in company document control systems and ensure traceability of revisions.
• Ensure conformity with international conventions (e.g. SOLAS, MARPOL, Load Line), classification society rules and flag state requirements, and keep up to date with regulatory and class rule changes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by developing standard templates, checklists and guidance material to streamline plan approval processes and reduce rework.
• Support internal audits and competency development by mentoring junior staff and sharing best practice across technical teams.
  
  

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Typically a minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in plan approval, classification, shipyard technical offices or similar roles with demonstrable stability and structural assessment experience.
• Proven track record of successful plan submissions and productive interactions with classification societies and flag administrations.
• Familiarity with statutory requirements (SOLAS, Load Line, MARPOL) and class rules relevant to the fleet types supported.
  
  

Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge of stability, hydrostatics and ship structure, with excellent analytical and numerical skills.
• Proficiency with naval architecture and analysis software (for example NAPA, GHS, AutoDraft, Rhino, FEM tools) and numerical tools such as Excel, MATLAB or equivalents.
• High attention to detail with strong document drafting, revision control and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to manage multiple plan approvals concurrently and to meet tight regulatory deadlines.
• Effective communicator, able to present complex technical matters clearly to class, flag and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborative team player with a proactive, solution-focused approach and a commitment to safety, quality and compliance.
• Fluent in English; additional language skills are advantageous.
  
  

Why You Should Join Us!

We offer a supportive and inclusive environment, competitive compensation and meaningful opportunities. By joining us you will benefit from:

• Career development and training opportunities
• Exposure to a diverse fleet and technically challenging projects
• Collaborative culture that values expertise and innovation
• Comprehensive benefits and a competitive remuneration package
• Flexible working arrangements where applicable
  
  

BSM is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or age.

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