Job Description
Duties include (but are not limited to):
1. Navigation and Watchkeeping
Stand bridge watch as Officer of the Watch (OOW), ensuring the safe navigation of the vessel in accordance with COLREGs and company procedures.
Monitor radar, ECDIS, GPS, and other navigational equipment; maintain situational awareness.
Ensure proper bridge watch handovers and log all events in the bridge logbook.
Assist the Master and Chief Officer in voyage planning and passage preparation, including:
Route planning and corrections
Navigational risk assessments
Tidal and weather considerations
2. Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Act as deputy or assistant to the Safety Officer (if not the same person).
Assist with conducting safety drills, including lifeboat, fire, and abandon ship drills.
Ensure all safety and firefighting equipment assigned to the 1st Officer’s area of responsibility is regularly inspected, tested, and maintained.
Familiarize crew with their emergency duties and muster list assignments.
3. Deck Department Supervision
Supervise and coordinate daily operations on the open deck areas, including:
Mooring and unmooring
Anchoring operations
Tendering operations (launching/recovering tenders and lifeboats)
Deck maintenance and painting
Oversee deck crew (Boatswain, Able Seamen, Ordinary Seamen) in their duties.
Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards on deck.
4. Maintenance Responsibilities
Assist the Chief Officer with the implementation of the Planned Maintenance System (PMS) for deck equipment, safety systems, and lifesaving appliances.
Take charge of inspections and maintenance tasks assigned in PMS (e.g., liferafts, lifeboats, mooring winches, gangways).
Report any deficiencies or non-compliance in safety or deck equipment to the Chief Officer.
5. Environmental Compliance
Ensure adherence to MARPOL regulations and company environmental policies.
Monitor deck operations to prevent oil or waste spills during bunkering, tendering, or maintenance.
6. Administration and Documentation
Maintain accurate logs and reports related to:
Navigation and bridge operations
Safety and maintenance checks
Deck crew hours, drills, and training records
Assist in updating navigational charts and publications (both paper and electronic).
Additional Duties (Depending on Company & Ship Type)
Act as lifeboat commander or muster station leader during emergencies.
Supervise gangway operations and security watch when in port.
Assist in coordinating crew training or safety induction programs.
Involved in dry-dock preparations, inspections, or shipyard projects when necessary.
Required Qualifications
STCW Certificate of Chief Mate Competency (CoC)
Valid GMDSS, ECDIS, ARPA, Radar, and Bridge Resource Management (BRM) certificates.
Advanced Firefighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats, Medical First Aid.
Passenger ship experience is highly preferred.
Key Skills
Strong navigation and ship-handling knowledge
Leadership and crew management
Clear communication and teamwork
High standards for safety and environmental awareness
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This is an exciting role for those interested in working on a cruise ship.
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