02 - Chief Officer

The Chief Officer has the following duties and responsibilities:

• To learn, understand and apply the Yacht Procedures, ISM, Captain’s Standing Orders.
• Designated OOW, suitably qualified according to International and Flag State requirements
• To deputise for the Master in his absence or if the Master is unable to perform their duties through accident or illness, or any other cause
• To manage the Deck department and the organisation thereof, ensuring proper deck watch and maintenance is carried out including the condition of the yacht’s fabric and general cleanliness. The Chief Officer is responsible to the Master for the cleanliness, maintenance and repair of the yacht’s hull, deck, superstructure, tenders and equipment except for those items designated as the Chief Engineer’s responsibility. Specific duties concerning care, maintenance and upkeep of safety equipment and tenders will be delegated to the 2nd Officer or Bosun
• In conjunction with the Chief Engineer, oversee the preparation of the vessel for going to sea and berthing, ensuring crew members are familiar with their duties at this time. When guests on board, he oversees and participates in deck operations
• To implement the company’s Safety Management System procedures in all activities that fall under their responsibility
• To keep all charts, publications and other documentation current and up to date
• To plan and keep accurate records of all passages, all passage plans submitted to the Master for approval
• At sea or at anchor to keep a Bridge watch as instructed by the Master. Such watch to be kept in accordance with the orders of the Master and appropriate laws and guidance
• To ensure safe systems of work are always adopted by all personnel onboard
• To ensure that the yacht is always in a seaworthy, safe and efficient condition
• Ensure all crew are familiar with the use and operation of the yachts Life Saving Appliances. Every crew member is to receive a safety induction within 24 hours of joining the yacht, and complete a familiarisation form. This duty may be delegated to the 2nd Officer/Bosun.
• In conjunction with the Master and Chief Engineer, organise regular safety training drills. These will include, but will not be limited to firefighting, abandon ship, sea survival, first aid, man overboard, security scenarios and general safe working practices. Insuring that the above activities are documented.
• Update Muster lists and ensure all crew are familiar with their specific duties in an emergency.
• To ensure the Shipboard Safety Officer reports all maintenance findings regularly.
• To ensure adequate security at any point of access to the yacht, keep accurate records of persons on board at all times and ensure that all persons on board have the permission of the Master. Ensure any gangway or platform not in use are raised and hatches closed.
• To plan and oversee maintenance of hull, decks, superstructure, accommodation spaces and deck machinery according to the yachts cruising schedule.
• To order required spares and stock in good time.
• In charge of all guest tender operations.
• To impart necessary guidance to any trainees assigned to their care.
• To keep records of the Deck crews’ working hours as per STCW and Flag State Regulations.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Master.

Additionally, the Chief Officer will be acquainted with:

• The ISM Safety Management System
• The ISPS Security Plan (if applicable)
• The requirements of MARPOL
• The Master’s Standing Orders
• All relevant regulations (especially the COLREGS), advice and guidance issued by the Flag State and relevant Port States
• The MCA Large Yacht Code;

And the Chief Officer will have a thorough working knowledge of:

• The operation of all the radio telecommunications and Bridge equipment
• The operation of all Life Saving Appliances, Fire Fighting and Security equipment
• The operation of all the deck gear including anchors, winches, mooring gear, side openings, gangways and platforms.

The above job description has been read, understood, agreed upon and signed accordingly by: