Chief Officer

About This Role

This leadership role within our professional maritime operations team is for a Chief Officer aboard our fleet of vessels. The position is responsible for the safe and efficient management of deck operations, cargo and cargo safety, stability and ballasting, safety management system execution, crew supervision, and supporting the Master in overall vessel operations. The Chief Officer reports to the Master, coordinates with technical and shore-based teams, and ensures compliance with international conventions and company policies.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Deck Department and assist the Master in the safe and efficient operation of the vessel
• Assume the role of the Master if the Master becomes incapacitated
• Assume the role of shipboard Safety Officer if there is no standalone Safety Officer
• Manage deck department maintenance, stability and ballast operations, maintenance of all lifting appliances, and the handling and stowage of dangerous cargo including the hazardous materials/COSHH database and management system
• Review new working locations with client representatives for gangway connections and lift plans according to IMCA guidelines
• Ensure IMCA guidelines are followed for Dynamic Positioning Operation, where applicable
• Plan and organize the deck crew and anchor handling equipment during anchor handling operations
• Plan working hours for the deck crew and monitor compliance with rest hour requirements
• Supervise, train, and evaluate deck personnel, including maintaining and administering discipline
• Be responsible for the safety and integrity of the vessel during watch (Navigation/Deck), ensuring relevant procedures for the loading and unloading of attending vessels and helicopters are followed by appointed personnel
• Ensure all work on deck is carried out in a safe and efficient manner, including responsibility for all entry work in accordance with the Permit to Work System
• Report as required by the Integrated Management System
• Act as Stability Section Leader; ballasting and de-ballasting to and from transit draught are normally carried out by the Chief Officer
• Be responsible for all aspects of the ship’s fire, safety, security, and emergency equipment (LSA / FFA), including regular maintenance and training of ship personnel in their use and deployment
• Be responsible for refusing unsafe work and for carrying out all work in accordance with established safety standards and work practices
• Be responsible for the inventory, requisition, and upkeep of all deck stores according to the vessel’s budget
• Through consultation with the Chief Engineer, ensure that all enclosed / confined spaces, restricted areas (as per SSP), tank air vents, and filling pipes throughout the vessel are clearly marked and identified
• Be responsible to the Master for the overall cleanliness and good condition of the vessel’s accommodation
• Maintain logbooks, sounding books, cargo space records, lifting equipment (including cargo gear) records, and towing equipment records accurately
• Ensure the Garbage Management Plan is fully complied with, and the garbage record book is fully maintained complete with waste disposal receipts
• Ensure all pollution prevention measures are in place and spill response equipment is maintained
• Ensure proper training and conducting of drills and exercises are carried out and officially documented as per SOLAS, ISM Code, and ISPS Code requirements and in reference to the Company’s Drill and Training Matrix
• Sound tanks, cofferdams, and bilges throughout the vessel at least once per day and upkeep the Sounding Records
• Maintain and monitor the watertight/weathertight integrity of the vessel
• Keep at least 1 navigational watch of 4 hours per week at Master’s discretion if there are more than 2 qualified junior watch-keeping officers on board and the vessel is on sea voyages of 7 or more days
• Act as second in command in all fire-fighting matters and may be required to act as Team Leader of an emergency team
• Be in charge of all work carried out by the Deck department under the Permit to Work System during watch and may be required to act as permit coordinator
• Carry out duties in emergency situations as laid down in the vessel's Emergency Response Manual and/or stated on the Muster List
• Carry out any lawful command as requested by Master
• Cooperate closely with all other officers, with the Engineering Officers, the SDPO´s, the Charterer's Representative, and the Camp Boss
• Allocate daily work to the deck crew
• Prepare appraisal reports for deck crew and trainee officers (Cadets)
• Advise Master on the performance of deck officers including appraisal reports
• Be responsible for training of deck cadets and act as the shipboard training officer onboard (STO)
• Prepare requisitions for deck stores, spares, and paints and reconfirm requisitions raised by other deck officers prior to submission to the Master
• Receive and sign for deck stores, spares, and paints and ensure the quality and quantity of items delivered conform to the order
• Wear, inspect, and care for required personal protective equipment
• Perform any additional duties as assigned by the Master

Requirements

• Certificate of Competency as per STCW reg II
• STCW endorsements
• Valid Medical certificate
• DP Unlimited License (where applicable)
• DP experience as per IMCA M 117
• Ship Security Officer certificate as per STCW Regulation VI/5
• Minimum 12 months of experience in rank and similar type of vessel

Nice to have:

• Experience with offshore support vessels, AHTS, tanker, or energy-sector operations, including specialty cargo systems and dynamic cargo operations
• Training in advanced cargo handling, stability management, tankerman procedures, and leadership or supervisory courses that enhance onboard team performance
• Familiarity with electronic cargo planning tools, stability software, and bridge systems to support integrated operational decision-making
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop and retain competent deck personnel and maintain safe, efficient operations

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage, life insurance, paid leave, retirement/savings plans, and repatriation benefits per company policy
• Opportunities for professional development, leadership training, onboard instruction, and career progression to Master or shore-based management roles

Important Details

• Schedule: Seagoing leadership position with rotational deployments; assignments may include extended periods onboard with defined on/off rotation schedules
• Work environment: Offshore, port, and confined-space environments; ability to operate safely around moving machinery, at heights, and during adverse weather conditions when required
• Other conditions: Must comply with medical fitness standards, vaccinations, and company pre-employment screening and certification verification processes

Application Process

• Submit a detailed CV/resume highlighting relevant chief officer or senior deck officer sea service, certifications, endorsements, and recent sea service records
• Include copies of key certifications, medical certificates, and contact information for professional references
• Qualified applicants will be contacted for screening interviews, competency assessments, and practical evaluations