Job Description

Marine Equipment – Fire Protection Equipment – Contracted Assessor
Organisation: UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service)
Location: Remote (UK-based) with UK and potential international travel
Contract Type: Contractor / Independent – outside IR35

About the Role

UKAS is the National Accreditation Body for the United Kingdom. We are currently seeking a Technical Assessor with a background in marine fire protection equipment to support the accreditation of organisations operating in the marine sector. As a key member of our external assessment team, you will play a pivotal role in the UKAS assessment process, providing essential technical expertise to ensure rigorous and robust evaluations in line with ISO/IEC 17065 and the Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations (MSMER).

This is a flexible, remote role with travel required for on-site assessments.

 Essential Knowledge and Expertise:

• Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulation 2016 (as amended)
• International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS 1974)
• High-Speed Craft Codes (1994/2000)
• International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code) and Fire Test Procedures (FTP Code)
• IMO guidelines, resolutions, and MARED Approved Recommendations
• Familiarity with the UK’s post-Brexit legislative framework, including GEN 5 and EA2/17 system +1 criteria
• Understanding of quality assurance procedures for QA modules and conformity assessment processes, including experience with Module D audits for marine equipment manufacturers
• Strong knowledge of marine fire protection product manufacturing, testing, and certification practices

Technical Expertise:

• Proven experience in the design, manufacture, or certification of active fire protection systems and components
• Knowledge of device classification and electromagnetic compatibility requirements for shipboard installations
• Proficiency in fire suppression system design and certification, including:
  • Sprinkler systems (water)
  • Inert gas, aerosol, and dry chemical powder systems
  • High/low expansion foam systems
• Familiarity with system applications across shipboard environments: accommodation, machinery spaces (Cat A), cargo spaces, pump rooms, decks, galleys, helidecks, and cabin balconies
• Understanding of relevant standards such as ISO 15371, EN 15182 (Parts 1–3), EN 671-1, EN 13565-1, EN 694, and others
• Familiarity with fire detection and alarm control and indicating equipment (CIE), including system integration and certification requirements under SOLAS and the FSS Code

Specific Equipment and Systems Knowledge:

• Nozzles, sprinkler heads, fire hoses, water mist systems, deep fat fryer nozzles
• Semi-rigid hoses for fixed systems, reel types, lay-flat hose systems
• Fixed deck foam systems for tankers, mobile water monitors (weather decks)

Qualifications:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline – not essential

Typical Backgrounds

This role suits professionals with substantial experience in the design, manufacture, testing, certification, or regulation of marine fire protection equipment. Candidates may have worked as marine fire protection engineers, approval engineers at classification societies, marine surveyors, fire test engineers, or technical managers in marine equipment manufacturing. Experience with SOLAS-compliant systems, MED/MSMER certification, and fire safety standards is essential, along with a strong understanding of the regulatory frameworks governing marine safety equipment.

Training and Development

Training will be provided to support your transition into the Assessor role. This includes:

• Online Induction plus observation visits
• Report writing to UKAS standards
• Relevant Standards Awareness course

Becoming a Technical Assessor for UKAS offers a unique and rewarding opportunity for industry professionals to expand their expertise and enhance their careers alongside their current roles.

Conflict of Interest

All applicants will be required to complete a conflict-of-interest declaration as part of the selection process. This ensures impartiality and maintains the integrity of UKAS assessments.

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