03 - Chief Officer's Standing Orders

These standing orders set out the expectations and responsibilities of the deck team. Every deck crew member is expected to read them on joining the yacht and to comply with them throughout their employment. They apply in addition to the Master's Standing Orders and the ISM Safety Management System.

1. Introduction

As a deck team member you play a vital role in the yacht's safety, cleanliness and day-to-day operation. Your core responsibilities are:

• Delivering the standard of service expected on a superyacht
• Respecting the on-board hierarchy — Master, officers and heads of department
• Providing a first-class experience for the Owner, family and charter guests
• Maintaining deck surfaces, equipment and tenders
• Assisting with mooring, anchoring and tender operations
• Adhering to all safety procedures and continually developing your competencies
• Preserving a working environment that reflects the shared values of the crew

1.1. Values

Integrity is the foundation of trust on board. A crew member who is honest, reliable and fair will be valued by guests, owners and colleagues alike. In practice this means:

• Being truthful, even when it is difficult
• Keeping promises and owning your mistakes
• Not gossiping or spreading rumours
• Respecting the work of every other department
• Remaining loyal to the Owner, guests and fellow crew

Integrity is doing the right thing all the time, not only when you are being watched.

Additional values that define a professional deck team:

• Professionalism — respectful conduct, correct uniform and grooming, and a positive attitude.
• Teamwork — working towards common goals and supporting colleagues without being asked.
• Attention to detail — meticulous, safety-driven work that the crew can take pride in.
• Flexibility — adapting calmly to the unpredictable nature of yachting.

Alcohol and drugs. The on-board policy is strict — refer to the notice in the crew mess. No deck operation may be undertaken under the influence of any substance that can impair vigilance or judgement.

1.2. Teamwork

Effective teamwork relies on open communication, mutual respect and willingness to cooperate.

• Communicate clearly and promptly — report changes, observations or hazards to your officer and colleagues without delay.
• Help each other out — assist colleagues when needed, without hesitation.

Punctuality is essential. Be at your station or meeting on time and ready to work, and inform your officer well in advance of any foreseen delay or absence.

1.3. Watches

Deck crew actively stand the following watches:

• Anchor watches — monitoring the vessel's position and responding to any hazard.
• Navigational watches — supporting the OOW and following bridge instructions.
• Gangway watches — controlling access and protecting guests and crew.
• Safety watches — enhancing on-board security during nights and weekends.

Failing essential watchkeeping duties — falling asleep, arriving late, or leaving a watch without being properly relieved — is a serious safety and security breach. Every watch ends with a full handover to the reliever so that situation, conditions and hazards are clearly passed on.

2. Safety

2.1. Safety awareness

Safety is paramount. Every deck crew member is expected to:

• Adopt a safety-first mindset in every task
• Follow safety procedures diligently, regardless of role or experience
• Report any hazard immediately to the Master, the Chief Officer or the DPA

2.2. Risk assessments

Risk assessments are the principal tool for identifying and controlling hazards. All deck crew are expected to understand the difference between a hazard (a source of harm) and a risk (the likelihood of harm occurring), to take part in risk-assessment activities, and to apply the agreed mitigation measures in their work.

2.3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The yacht provides suitable PPE for every task identified as potentially hazardous. Crew are expected to:

• Know the PPE required for each task and where to find it
• Wear it correctly and consistently for the full duration of the task
• Inspect it regularly and replace any item showing damage or wear

3. Procedures

3.1. Deck procedures

A number of on-board activities must be carried out in accordance with established procedures to deliver:

• Consistent quality of service
• Safety through regular checks and verification of equipment
• Security for guests, vessel and crew

Deck crew must follow these procedures strictly and seek clarification from their officer whenever in doubt. Where no procedure exists for a task, propose a risk assessment so that clear guidelines and safety measures can be established.

3.2. Checklists

Checklists ensure the thorough and consistent execution of deck tasks. Deck crew are expected to follow the relevant checklist for activities such as:

• Tender and rescue-tender operations — securing tenders, lashing water toys, verifying documentation, and daily inspections.
• Anchoring and mooring — checking anchor chain and mooring lines, testing the anchor alarm, and preparing the vessel.
• Maintenance of deck equipment — mooring gear, cranes and life rafts.
• Cleaning and maintenance of deck surfaces — paint, teak and stainless.
• Safety inspections — fire extinguishers, safety equipment and emergency arrangements.

3.3. Training

Regular training keeps the deck team competent. The yacht provides training in:

• Safety protocols, emergency drills, hazard identification and incident reporting
• Anchor handling, mooring techniques and emergency procedures (anchor drag, grounding)
• Operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of deck equipment — winches, cranes, life rafts, firefighting systems
• Visual deck inspections for hazards, damage and maintenance needs

3.4. Specialised training

Certain activities require formal specialised training before a crew member can perform them:

• Firefighting
• Tender operation
• Launching and recovery of the rescue tender
• Abandon ship
• Person-in-water recovery
• Working aloft
• Towing operations

Until the necessary training has been completed and recorded, crew are expected to observe trained colleagues only.

3.5. Cranes and hydraulic equipment

Cranes, hull shell doors and hydraulic equipment are high-risk systems: misuse can injure crew or damage equipment in ways that disrupt an entire season. Only senior crew — officers and engineers — are authorised to operate them, and authorisation is granted item by item within the vessel's procedures. If in any doubt, stop and ask permission before using any such equipment.

4. Tenders, PWC and cars

4.1. Rescue tender

The rescue tender is a small boat equipped with life-saving appliances and used to rescue or transfer people to and from the yacht. Deck crew must be familiar with:

• Safe launching and recovery using the vessel's crane or davit
• Handling the tender in calm and rough conditions
• Operating the on-board safety equipment — life jackets, flares and horns

4.2. Tender operations

Pre-ops. Daily inspections cover the engine, fuel and coolant, battery, hull, safety equipment, communications and navigation lights. Follow the written checklist strictly before launch.

Craning. Inspect the crane, slings and hooks for wear before every lift. Craning is carried out only under the supervision of a deck officer. Keep the tender balanced with forward and aft painters, lift smoothly without abrupt movements, and maintain clear communication between crane operator and deck crew throughout.

Crewing and driving. The tender is operated only by an authorised, trained and qualified driver, who is responsible for the safe handling of the boat at all times. A solo driver must wear a life jacket; the kill-cord is non-negotiable. Guest trips or extended operations may require additional crew. Drivers must comply fully with the COLREGs and local regulations.

Storage and lashing. After each use, lash the tender on its chocks ready for heavy weather, inspect for damage, open the hull drain, clear the seawater strainer and flush the engine with fresh water.

4.3. Beaching operations

Preparation. Beaching can be hazardous if poorly prepared. The tender must be fully operational and the driver competent.

Local restrictions. Beaching may be prohibited locally — consult the agent for guidance, respect swimmer buoys and use designated tender channels.

Sea state. Always check the weather forecast and sea state before any beach operation with guests. Conditions that allow a safe landing may change within hours.

4.4. Personal Watercraft (PWC)

A PWC is a small, high-speed motorised craft used for recreation. Deck crew required to operate a PWC must follow the PWC Training Manual and check local regulations for:

• Authorised and prohibited areas
• Licence requirements
• Mandatory safety equipment and PPE

4.5. Cars

The yacht may operate one or more cars for the transport of guests, crew or equipment. Drivers are responsible for:

• Full respect of local laws — particularly alcohol, speed limits and restricted areas
• Parking and securing — in authorised areas only, protected against theft and damage
• Fuelling — kept topped up for intended use
• Cleanliness — detailed inside and out before any guest use and before being handed back

5. Manoeuvres

5.1. Safety

Anchoring, mooring and docking are critical operations that demand careful planning, execution and communication. Deck crew must wear the provided PPE at all times during manoeuvres — in particular deck shoes, life jacket, gloves and helmet.

5.2. Responsibilities and chain of command

The Chief Officer oversees all deck operations, including manoeuvres. During a manoeuvre an Officer of the Watch (OOW) is designated for each station — foredeck and main deck aft — and is responsible for safety and communication at that station. Deck crew must obey the OOW's orders immediately, clearly and without noise.

Remember:

• Guests, visiting yachts and the public are watching how the crew handles the yacht.
• Manoeuvring conduct must be impeccable — professional, coordinated and attentive.
• Clear communication, calm manners and focus are essential to every safe manoeuvre.

6. Deck surfaces — maintenance

The visual quality of a yacht is judged first by the condition of its paint, windows, stainless and teak. The deck team's pride is in maintaining these surfaces to the highest standard, every day of the year. Preventive care is always cheaper and easier than repair.

6.1. Paint

Regular care protects the paint from corrosion and preserves the yacht's appearance. Deck crew are responsible for:

• Cleaning painted surfaces only with the dedicated paint product; the Bosun maintains the stock and issues the correct tools.
• Never using any other product — stronger cleaners often corrode the paint.
• Protecting painted surfaces from wear with covered fenders, mats and similar measures.

Rules

• Rinse the yacht as soon as it arrives in port and never let salt dry on painted surfaces, particularly after long passages.
• Use plenty of fresh water and dedicated soft (blue) brushes — never reuse paint brushes on decks or bilges.
• Never let soap dry on paint; rinse immediately with a soft brush.
• Work in small areas, from top to bottom and from upwind to downwind.
• Squeegee each rinsed surface immediately to prevent calcite deposits.
• Work the shaded areas first and plan the sequence according to the sun's rotation.
• For small touch-ups, a wet chamois with 30% diluted vinegar may be used.

6.2. Teak

The cost and rarity of deck teak make its maintenance one of the most important skills a deck crew member can master. The cleaning procedure must be followed strictly:

1. Read the product instructions.
2. Work in a team so that surfaces do not dry out mid-task.
3. Wet the teak thoroughly with plenty of fresh water.
4. Apply the dedicated teak soap with a scrub pad, working at 90° to the grain on small areas at a time.
5. Rinse soap off painted surfaces immediately — never let it dry.
6. Rinse the teak promptly and generously with fresh water.
7. Squeegee to remove all soap.
8. Apply the acidic solution, diluted as per instructions, with a dedicated soft brush.
9. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.

6.3. Windows

Windows are cleaned every morning and immediately after any sea passage into port. Deck crew are responsible for:

• Removing dirt, grime and salt spray
• Using water and paint soap during the yacht wash-down
• Using water and vinegar for detailing
• Squeegeeing immediately after rinsing, with the dedicated window squeegee — never the paint squeegee, as paint damages the rubber
• Smiling while cleaning — guests are watching from the inside

6.4. Stainless

Stainless steel is durable and corrosion-resistant but will dull and tarnish without regular care. Deck crew are responsible for:

• Removing loose dirt, debris and salt with a soft brush or sponge
• Diluting a mild cleaning solution as per the manufacturer's instructions
• Applying the solution with a soft rag or sponge
• Rinsing thoroughly with clean fresh water
• Buffing to a shine with a soft, dry microfibre cloth

6.5. Varnishes

Varnishing protects wood and preserves its appearance. Deck crew are responsible for:

• Preparing the surface with a mild soap-and-water clean
• Light sanding to smooth imperfections before varnishing
• Applying marine-grade varnish in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
• Letting each coat dry completely before the next
• Building up 10–12 coats for a durable, weather-resistant finish
• Sanding lightly between coats for a smooth, even finish
• Protecting varnished areas with fenders, mats and similar measures
• Reapplying as needed to maintain appearance and protection

This is a highly skilled task: the Bosun provides the required training, tools and products, and every coat must be applied with the same product.

6.6. Rust

Rust is a major concern for metal surfaces. Deck crew should:

• Inspect regularly for reddish-brown discoloration or flaking paint
• Treat any existing rust promptly with a rust remover and sealant
• Protect railings, ladders and metal fixtures with anti-rust paint or coatings
• Drain water from deck surfaces after use to prevent moisture build-up
• Remove salt and corrosive residues (including teak acid) by regular cleaning and drying

Stainless steel deteriorates if neglected. Regular application of stainless polish compound preserves the surface; established rust requires an electric rotating polishing pad and paste to restore the shine.

7. Security

7.1. Security awareness

Security is paramount on board, protecting guests, crew and sensitive information. Deck crew must maintain a high level of awareness to prevent unauthorised access, theft and other security breaches. They are expected to:

• Recognise potential security threats and vulnerabilities
• Report any suspicious activity or individual to the Master, the Chief Officer or other designated personnel immediately
• Follow all established security procedures
• Safeguard confidential information and decline curious enquiries
• Secure access to sensitive areas and equipment

During the season, the deck team stands a permanent security watch at the gangway and raises the access at the end of the watch. The gangway must never be left unattended — the watchkeeper remains on station until properly relieved. If an incident develops, the watchkeeper raises the alarm by broadcasting the safety word on the radio.

7.2. Confidentiality

Confidentiality protects guest identity, guest presence and vessel operations. Deck crew will inevitably come across sensitive information; they must:

• Avoid discussing sensitive matters in public or unsupervised areas
• Never disclose navigation data or voyage plans to any outside party
• Never share yacht-related content on social networks
• Report any suspected breach of confidentiality to the Master or the Chief Officer

8. Revision History

The Master is responsible for ensuring that the latest version of the manual is available on board.