Joe Francis
Chennai,Tamil Nadu
Summary
Accomplished QHSE professional and Master Mariner with over 15 years of experience in maritime safety, quality assurance, and environmental management. Proven track record in developing and implementing robust safety strategies, ensuring compliance with international regulations (ISM, ISPS, MARPOL, ISO), and fostering a culture of safety across global fleets. Adept at risk assessment, incident investigation, and crisis management. Strong leadership in training, audits, and operational excellence for Chemical, Oil, and Product Tankers.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
DPA & QHSE Manager
Synergy Marine Group
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
09.2022 - Current
- As DPA, Served as the primary liaison between shore management and vessels, ensuring 100% compliance with ISM Code, ISPS, ISO 9001/14001/45001.
- Led QHSE strategy for a global fleet of 100+ vessels (Oil/Chemical/Gas), reducing incidents through proactive risk mitigation and crew competency programs.
- Spearheaded TMSA 3 compliance, achieving "Level 3" in safety and environmental performance during audits
- Ensured fleet-wide adherence to IMO, OCIMF, and MARPOL regulations
- Conducted risk assessments and root-cause analyses for incidents, implementing corrective actions that cut repeat incidents by 20%.
- Conducted gap analysis for SIRE 2.0 implementation, identifying and closing procedural gaps in vessel inspection protocols, ensuring fleet alignment with new human factor-focused requirements.
- Co-ordinated for development of targeted training programs for crew and officers to address SIRE 2.0’s enhanced risk-based questioning and evidence-based reporting standards.
- Advised senior management on emerging regulatory risks (e.g., Ballast Water, GHG emissions, sulfur caps) and operationalized compliance plans
- Directed DOC, ISM, and ISPS audits, preparing Management Review reports for executive leadership with data-driven recommendations.
- Partnered with crewing, marine & technical teams to embed QHSE principles into operations, reducing downtime and improving safety culture.
- Formulated detailed recommendations based on audit findings to support annual planning and definition of goals.
- Directed post-accident investigations and prepared reports to identify possible accident causes and hazards.
- Mentored junior staff members in their professional development, cultivating a well-prepared and knowledgeable team of QHSE professionals.
- Liaised with port authorities, class societies, and clients to align procedures with local and international standards
- Oversee TMSA 3, DOC, DBMS Audits
- 11 years 6 months
Manager - QHSE
Synergy Marine Group
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
09.2021 - 09.2022
- Established the QHSSE department for a Synergy-Genco JV, aligning operations with industry benchmarks.
- Spearheaded ISO 9001/14001/45001 certifications and OHSAS 18001 transition.
- Established key performance indicators for monitoring QHSE progress, driving accountability and measurable results.
- Championed quality improvement initiatives that led to increased customer satisfaction ratings while reducing non-conformance costs.
- Developed compliance training initiatives and materials, educating staff on regulations.
- Prepared and presented comprehensive reports to upper management and audit team, covering issues and recommendations.
- 1 year 1 month
QHSE Manager
Synergy Marine Group
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
11.2019 - 08.2021
- Revamped QHSE policies, reducing non-conformities by 25% through targeted training and audits.
- Streamlined incident reporting processes, leading to faster response times and improved root cause analysis.
- Coordinated responses to regulatory inquiries or inspections from relevant authorities ensuring timely resolution of any identified issues.
- Led ISO 9001/14001/45001 implementation and managed fleet-wide safety performance.
- Spearheaded the successful achievement of ISO 50001 certification.
- Developed QHSE Connect Module for insights into fleet performance.
- 1 year 10 months
Senior Marine Superintendent - QHSE
Synergy Marine Group
Chennai Area, India
04.2017 - 11.2019
- Led implementation and audits of TMSA 3 requirements across daily operations, ensuring alignment with KPIs and industry best practices. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver TMSA 3 training.
- Conducted gap analyses for VIQ7 & MEG4 standards, integrating findings into SMS to enhance compliance.
- Streamlined processes by translating audit insights into actionable improvements, reducing non-conformities.
- Developed comprehensive risk assessments for marine operations, reducing incidents and nearmisses.
- Maintained an up-to-date knowledge of maritime regulations, ensuring adherence to relevant laws and guidelines across all operations.
- 2 years 8 months
Marine Superintendent - Competency Management & Training
Synergy Marine Group
Chennai Area, India
07.2015 - 04.2017
- Develop, implement, and monitor competence management systems for seafarers (officers & crew) in compliance with STCW, IMO, and company standards.
- Maintain training matrices and track certification expiry dates (e.g., COC, BST, Advanced Firefighting).
- Reviewing & Managing E-learning
- Oversee onboard training assessments and mentorship programs for cadets/junior officers.
- Development and review of Training standards in line with requirements
- Conduct competency assessments (theoretical/practical) and recommend promotions/disciplinary actions.
- Advise senior management on emerging maritime training trends (e.g., decarbonization, digitalization).
- Assisting in recruiting Deck Cadets
- 1 year 10 months
Marine Superintendent - Tanker Operations
Synergy Marine Group
Chennai Area, India
01.2014 - 07.2015
- Ensured 100% compliance with ISM Code, ISPS, ISO standards, and OCIMF SIRE requirements across a fleet of 40 vessels (Oil & Chemical tankers), achieving zero major non-conformities in audits.
- Led internal/external audits and pre-vetting inspections
- Managed end-to-end cargo operations (planning, loading, discharge, tank cleaning) for chemical/product tankers, ensuring zero spills/contamination and optimizing turnaround times.
- Acted as the primary liaison between vessels, Charterers, Owners, P&I Clubs, and Qatari port authorities, resolving disputes and ensuring smooth operations.
- Conducted incident investigations and implemented corrective actions.
- Optimized preparations for SIRE vetting processes: planned inspections, executed corrective actions, and submitted reports to Oil Majors
- Monitored crew performance and assisted in personnel selection
- 1 year 7 months
Master Mariner
Anglo Eastern Ship Management
Singapore
10.2008 - 10.2013
- 5 years 1 month
Guest Lecturer
Hindustan Institute of Maritime Training
06.2010 - 08.2010
- 3 months
Chief Mate
d'Amico Tankers Ireland
08.2006 - 06.2008
- 1 year 11 months
Chief Mate
Executive Ship Management
05.2005 - 12.2005
- 8 months
Second Officer
Fleet Management Limited
02.2000 - 04.2005
- 5 years 3 months
Cadet
The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd.
01.1996 - 01.1998
- 2 years
Education
MLM - Labour Management
MKU
01.2007
undefined
Don Bosco
01.1994
Bachelor of Science - Nautical Science
Mumbai University
Mumbai02-2013
Skills
- Management
- Reliability
- Standards Compliance
- Auditing expertise
- Hazard identification
- Incident investigation
- Quality management systems
- Emergency response planning
- Safety culture promotion
- Safety audits
- Crisis management
- Adaptability and flexibility
Languages
English (Full Professional)
Hindi (Professional Working)
Malayalam (Elementary)
Core Competencies
- Maritime Operations: Chemical and Oil Tanker Operations, SIRE & CDI Pre-Vetting, ISM/ISPS/ISO Compliance.
- Safety & Risk Management: Risk Analysis, Incident Investigation & Reporting, Safe Behavior Monitoring.
- Audits & Assessments: TMSA 3 Gap Analysis, TMSA Audit Preparations, QHSE Policy Implementation.
- Training & Development: Competency Management, Skill Gap Analysis, Personnel Training.
Travel
Insights from travel inform my approach to crew welfare in multicultural environments
Timeline
DPA & QHSE Manager
Synergy Marine Group
09.2022 - Current
Manager - QHSE
Synergy Marine Group
09.2021 - 09.2022
QHSE Manager
Synergy Marine Group
11.2019 - 08.2021
Senior Marine Superintendent - QHSE
Synergy Marine Group
04.2017 - 11.2019
Marine Superintendent - Competency Management & Training
Synergy Marine Group
07.2015 - 04.2017
Marine Superintendent - Tanker Operations
Synergy Marine Group
01.2014 - 07.2015
Guest Lecturer
Hindustan Institute of Maritime Training
06.2010 - 08.2010
Master Mariner
Anglo Eastern Ship Management
10.2008 - 10.2013
Chief Mate
d'Amico Tankers Ireland
08.2006 - 06.2008
Chief Mate
Executive Ship Management
05.2005 - 12.2005
Second Officer
Fleet Management Limited
02.2000 - 04.2005
Cadet
The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd.
01.1996 - 01.1998
undefined
Don Bosco
MLM - Labour Management
MKU
Bachelor of Science - Nautical Science
Mumbai University