Chief Officer

QUALIFICATIONS:

Officer of the watch (unlimited)

GENERALLY:

This is a permanent position assisting the Captain in managing the ship throughout the year, in all aspects of the ships operation, including, but not restricted to: All sailing activities and passenger safety and comfort, Safety management, Maintenance, Crewing etc. This is not a live in position so you will need to located within commuting distance of Bideford and Ilfracombe, North Devon.

SAILING SCHEDULES:

The summer (BST) scheduled sailing season normally comprises the following schedule to include weekends and bank holidays, (dependent on when BST starts and ends):

• Two sailings in March
• Three sailings per week during April, May and June
• Up to four sailings per week during July and August
• Three sailings per week during September and October
• Private charters and River cruises to meet customer demand

The winter sailing schedule is subject to demand from the Island and normally comprises of one sailing per month from Nov – March.
The First Officers position is based on a five day week.

WINTER HELICOPTER SERVICE:

The company’s winter helicopter service runs twice weekly from November – March and can also be utilised on days where bad weather restricts summer sailings. Ships crew are trained to act as Helicopter ground crew. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In charge of the co-ordination of cargo deliveries to and from the ship in co-operation with island staff, the stowing and lashing of cargo, the safe transport of cargo and its safe delivery onto the island jetty.
• The loading of cargo within the ship’s stability parameters, as detailed in the Stability Book.
• Cargo record keeping in the ship’s log, daily cargo manifest reports to the island on sailing days as soon as possible after loading.
• The safety and training of crew assisting with cargo loading with special reference to the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen.
• The training and certification of selected crew in operation the crane and the adherence to safe working practices as detailed in the Code of safe working practices for Merchant seamen.
• The day to day implementation of the Safety Management System (e.g. the filling in of daily pre sailing check lists, risk assessments, non conformities, record keeping, crew training)
• The running of the general daily jobs of the crew and the support of the Information Officer in the allocation of duties to the bar, buffet and shop staff.
• Record keeping of all Officers and crew days worked, and to plan the optimum number of crew in accordance with efficiency and statutory obligations.
• The regular correction and record keeping (SMS) of all publications and charts on board.
• The maintenance of the deck log.
• The operation of the ship’s radio telephone and DCS equipment in accordance with his GMDSS radio certificate, and in times of distress working.
• The training of new crew members in basic safety and duties to passengers in the event of an emergency.
• The keeping of a navigational Watch as officer in charge.
• Relief Captain when carrying 12 passengers or less.
• Pilot exemption holder for Bideford and Ilfracombe.