Client Vessel Representative

Client Vessel Representative (CVR) Role Overview The Client Vessel Representative (CVR) serves as the client’s primary point of contact onboard a contractor’s vessel, providing assurance and oversight of operations. The CVR ensures that work is executed safely, in compliance with approved procedures, and in alignment with contractual and regulatory requirements. The CVR should aim to spend approximately 75% of their shift engaged with ongoing work on site. When there is a conflict between onsite and office-based activities, onsite engagement takes priority.

Key Responsibilities Safety Leadership

• Act as the site safety leader, embedding the client’s safety principles and human performance standards within the vessel’s safety culture.
• Foster a culture of care and transparency, encouraging open reporting of safety concerns.
• Verify safe execution of work through oversight of control of work, risk management, and toolbox talks.
• Collaborate with contractor and client HSE teams to monitor and improve safety performance.
• Ensure safety learnings are reviewed and implemented onboard.

Operational Oversight

• Serve as the most senior client representative onboard and focal point for all client-related vessel activities.
• Monitor safe execution of the work program and procedural discipline—does not direct work, but provides assurance.
• Facilitate issue and acceptance of ISSOW/WCC (Integrated Safe System of Work / Work Control Certificates).
• Oversee contractor self-verification processes and confirm critical risk barriers are in place.
• Validate Go/No-Go mobilisation readiness prior to operations.
• Ensure contractor understanding and compliance with scope requirements.
• Prepare or review daily progress reports and end-of-trip closeout reports; approve contractor reports.
• Capture and share lessons learned for continuous improvement.
• Represent the client in incident investigations and participate in contractor meetings and behavioral safety programs.

Compliance & Governance

• Confirm environmental permits and consents align with approved procedures.
• Verify implementation of Management of Change (MoC) processes, including environmental considerations.
• Ensure compliance with Guidance on Certification (GOC) for handover of completion certification at stage gates.
• Maintain familiarity with contract terms and relevant international standards for construction and operational integrity.

Qualifications & Experience Essential:

• 7+ years’ experience in offshore operations, marine construction, subsea, drilling/completions, or major projects.
• Strong background in HSE leadership and operational assurance.
• Knowledge of control of work, risk management, and incident investigation.
• Experience in contractor engagement and oversight without directing work.
• Familiarity with ISSOW/WCC, MoC, and GOC processes.

Preferred:

• Competency in barrier management and verification of critical controls.
• Knowledge of international standards (IMO, ISO, API).
• Previous experience as Client Representative / Vessel Representative.
• NEBOSH/IOSH or equivalent HSE qualification; incident investigation training (TapRooT, ICAM) a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Safety leadership and culture-building.
• Strong situational awareness and decision-making under pressure.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Analytical mindset with focus on verification and assurance.
• Report writing and governance discipline.
• Ability to spend extended time onsite (target 75% engagement).

Work Environment

• Offshore/marine vessel environment; variable weather and sea states.
• Rotational schedule with extended periods onboard.
• Compliance with medical, fitness-to-work, and maritime certifications required.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.