Chief Officer Job Description

On smaller yachts the Chief Officer has a more hands-on role, whereas on the larger yachts their responsibilities are more administrative ensuring the yacht meets all the legal maritime and safety requirements.

The Chief Officer must have a thorough understanding of the bridge, navigation systems and knowledge of all safety procedures onboard as well as the ability to teach and train the deck crew.

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Key Responsibilities

• Assisting the Captain with administrative and safety duties
• Ensuring that the yacht is in all respects compliant with the relevant laws and maritime regulations (ISM, SOLAS, MARPOL)
• Ensuring that the yacht is prepared for annual flag surveys, annual class surveys and port/flag state controls
• Management of deck crew and maintaining crew discipline
• Arranging regular safety drills
• Weekly and monthly safety checks and maintenance
• Conducting safety familiarisations and safety training for the crew on a regular basis
• Setting watch-keeping schedules
• Watch-keeping duties
• Navigation and passage planning
• Keeping all charts and publications up to date
• Overseeing docking procedures
• Maintenance and management of all toys and tenders
• Deck Department budgeting and inventory
• Overseeing shipyard periods

 
Required Skills

• Ability to stand in for captain in his absence
• Ability to delegate, effective communicator, organized, diplomatic and versatile
• Excellent boat handling, watch keeping and navigational skills
• Excellent ISM and ISPS knowledge and practices
• Extensive maintenance knowledge and skills; cleaning, rust/corrosion, painting, varnishing, rope splicing, fiberglass, carpentry, outboard motors and maintenance product knowledge
• Basic engineering knowledge
• Advanced knowledge of all water sports
• Computer skills

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