Messan Edem SEDJRO
Lomé,Togo
Summary
Accomplished Marine Advisor with 15+ years of multifaceted maritime experience spanning command as Captain/Master Mariner, Port Pilot, and senior roles in Dynamic Positioning, offshore Oil & Gas operations (subsea/ROV operations, exploration & production logistics), technical surveying and maritime legal advisory, supported by advanced academic qualifications (LLM Maritime Law) and ongoing PhD research in the Law of the Sea.
Demonstrated expertise in port authority HSE leadership.
Renowned for coordinating complex marine and offshore projects, conducting comprehensive risk assessments, and fostering effective stakeholder engagement. Adept at delivering solutions that ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence, consistently safeguarding assets and advancing project objectives in challenging environments.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Principal Marine Surveyor & Consultant
UMECS Marine Surveys
Lomé
03.2012 - Current
- Conducted 200+ Hull & Machinery surveys, including accidents investigations and warranty assessments, ensuring accurate technical evaluations, safeguarding millions in maritime assets.
- Executed 300+ cargo surveys across oil products and other commodities, resolving complex quantity and quality disputes, avoiding costly litigation.
- Produced high-impact technical reports praised by clients for clarity, precision, and actionable recommendations.
- Verified vessels seaworthiness through rigorous inspections and operational testing, ensuring safe voyages.
- Led damage assessments enabling swift, cost-effective repairs and minimizing downtime.
- Acted as neutral expert in high-value maritime claims, fostering fair and timely dispute resolution.
- Conducted risk assessments that reduced incident rates and improved onboard safety culture.
- Strengthened compliance with SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, and Class standards through targeted audits.
- Recognized for raising service delivery standards and enhancing client trust across the maritime sector.
Senior Harbour Pilot & Head of HSE Department
Lome Port Authority (Togo)
Lomé, Togo
07.2012 - 10.2021
- Piloted 1,200+ vessels, including Ultra Large Container Vessels (366+ m), tankers, bulk carriers, and Navy ships, ensuring safe berthing/unberthing in challenging weather conditions.
- Planned and allocated 2,000+ annual berth assignments, optimizing quay utilization and reducing vessel turnaround times by up to 15%.
- Led daily coordination meetings with shipping agents, tug operators, pilots, and port service teams, streamlining communication and minimizing operational delays.
- Directed towing, mooring, and maritime traffic control with zero collision incidents during tenure.
- Managed high-pressure and emergency situations with calm, decisive action, achieving a 100% incident-free crisis management record.
- Conducted quarterly emergency drills and crew training, improving emergency response times by 30%.
- As Head of HSE, achieved best-ever port safety KPIs, including two consecutive years without a lost-time injury (LTI).
- Maintained up-to-date expertise in SOLAS, ISPS, ISM, MARPOL, port safety regulations and industry best practices, integrating them into daily operations and HSE protocols.
Master / Captain
Jifmar Offshore Services
Marseille, France
- Conducted offshore operations with oil rigs, drilling units, FPSOs, etc, ensuring safe navigation in diverse and challenging weather conditions.
- Applied Metocean data to optimize voyage planning and operational efficiency.
- Led and motivated multi-national crews, fostering a respectful, safety-first work culture.
- Implemented rigorous risk assessment measures, achieving an incident-free operational record.
- Ensured full compliance with SOLAS, MARPOL, ISPS, ISM, and company operational guidelines.
- Coordinated cargo loading/unloading to meet tight project deadlines without delays.
- Liaised with port authorities to guarantee smooth berthing, docking, and clearance procedures.
- Directed emergency responses and conducted regular safety drills, improving crew readiness by 30%.
- Performed routine inspections and preventive maintenance, minimizing technical downtime.
- Utilized advanced navigation and tracking systems for precise course plotting and hazard avoidance.
- Oversaw ship maintenance, appearance, and equipment readiness, maintaining Class and Flag compliance.
- Developed training and safety plans to mitigate operational risks and enhance crew competencies.
- Managed vessel documentation, insurance, and port regulation adherence to protect assets.
- Monitored environmental compliance, addressing pollution prevention and spill control with shore teams.
- Executed complex towing and manoeuvring operations in congested port environments with zero incidents.
Senior Dynamic Positioning Operator (SDPO)
Bourbon Offshore
Marseille, France
05.2009 - 06.2012
- Operated Dynamic Positioning systems for Multi-Purpose Platform Supply Vessels (MPSVs) and ROV support vessels in offshore oil & gas fields.
- Directed ROV-assisted subsea operations for inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) in deepwater environments, ensuring precision and operational safety.
- Conducted comprehensive passage planning and navigation tasks, optimizing routes and fuel efficiency.
- Oversaw onboard safety procedures and maintenance activities, maintaining vessel readiness and reliability.
- Ensured strict compliance with ISM, ISPS, SOLAS, MARPOL, and other applicable maritime regulations.
- Coordinated with offshore project teams to support complex subsea operations, minimizing downtime and maximizing mission success.
Navigation and Safety Officer
PETROMARINE / SEA TANKERS
Bordeaux, France
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Performed all navigational duties including passage planning, chart corrections, and navigation equipment maintenance, ensuring safe voyages.
- Managed oil cargo transfer operations (loading/offloading) at ports and offshore terminals, including Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfers, with zero spillage incidents.
- Planned and executed safety drills and emergency evacuations, improving crew readiness and response times.
- Maintained and inspected safety and firefighting equipment in line with the Planned Maintenance System.
- Led thorough accident investigations, implementing corrective measures that reduced safety incidents by over 20%.
- Ensured full compliance with SOLAS, MARPOL, ISPS, and local port safety regulations.
- Conducted risk assessments, toolbox talks, and safety briefings, fostering a proactive safety culture.
- Enforced proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), significantly reducing risk exposure.
- Maintained accurate records of safety incidents and compliance audits, providing valuable data for operational improvements.
Education
PhD Candidate - Maritime Law / The Law of the sea
University of Nantes, Faculty of Law and Political Science
Nantes / France 10.2015 -
Master's Degree - LLM Maritime Law - The Law of the Sea
University of Nantes
Nantes / France 09.2014 - 07.2015
Diploma in Marine Surveying - Marine Surveying
International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS)
Portchester / United Kingdom 01.2012 - 12.2014
Master of Science - Nautical Science - Maritime Navigation
Higher Institute of Maritime Studies
Casablanca / Morocco 09.2010 - 07.2011
Bachelor of Science - Nautical Science - Maritime Navigation
Higher Institute of Maritime Studies
Casablanca / Morocco 10.2002 - 07.2006
Skills
Marine & Offshore Operations
- Master Mariner (STCW II/2) & Senior Dynamic Positioning Operator with extensive offshore oil & gas vessel operations experience
- In-depth knowledge of subsea/ROV IMR operations, offshore safety management, and oil & gas logistics
- Senior Marine/Harbour Pilot with proven expertise in port operations, vessel navigation, and berth management
- Skilled in applying Metocean data to optimize marine operations and infrastructure planning
Technical Surveying & Legal Consultancy
- Principal Marine Surveyor with extensive experience in vessel inspections, condition surveys, and oil/chemical cargo surveys
- Maritime legal advisor (LLM, ongoing PhD) with expertise in IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL compliance and regulatory matters
- Expert in marine risk assessments (HAZID, HAZOP, P&ID) and safety reviews
- Proven ability to prepare clear, structured, and authoritative technical reports, expert opinions, and legal documentation
- Former Port Authority HSE Manager, achieving record safety KPIs through robust policy enforcement
Project Management & Coordination
- Successfully coordinated multidisciplinary marine and offshore projects from planning to execution
- Strong liaison skills with clients, contractors, regulators, and key marine stakeholders
- Skilled in project timeline management, compliance assurance, and operational decision support
Leadership & Communication
- Accomplished leader in multicultural, high-pressure maritime environments
- Strong communicator with a proven record in team leadership, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a focus on safety, compliance, and efficiency
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
French
Proficient (C2)
Spanish
Intermediate
Italian
Elementary
Japanese
Beginner
Chinese (Cantonese)
Beginner
Arabic
Beginner
Certification
- Master Mariner (STCW Class II/2 Unlimited) License (since 2011)
- Dynamic Positioning Full/Unlimited License (since 2010)
- Certificate in "Fundamentals of Subsea Engineering"
- Certificate in "Oil & Gas Exploration and Production Logistics"
- Bridge Team Management Certificate
- GMDSS GOC
- ECDIS
- Advanced Fire Fighting certificate
- Medical Care 1
- Medical Care 2
- Rescue Craft
- Basic Safety Training Certificate
Timeline
PhD Candidate - Maritime Law / The Law of the sea
University of Nantes, Faculty of Law and Political Science
10.2015 -
Master's Degree - LLM Maritime Law - The Law of the Sea
University of Nantes
09.2014 - 07.2015
Senior Harbour Pilot & Head of HSE Department
Lome Port Authority (Togo)
07.2012 - 10.2021
Principal Marine Surveyor & Consultant
UMECS Marine Surveys
03.2012 - Current
Diploma in Marine Surveying - Marine Surveying
International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS)
01.2012 - 12.2014
Master of Science - Nautical Science - Maritime Navigation
Higher Institute of Maritime Studies
09.2010 - 07.2011
Senior Dynamic Positioning Operator (SDPO)
Bourbon Offshore
05.2009 - 06.2012
Navigation and Safety Officer
PETROMARINE / SEA TANKERS
01.2007 - 01.2009
Bachelor of Science - Nautical Science - Maritime Navigation
Higher Institute of Maritime Studies
10.2002 - 07.2006
Master / Captain
Jifmar Offshore Services
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