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
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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
