Chief Officer

About This Role

The Chief Officer serves as the Master's Second-in-Command and deputy, understudying all aspects of the Master's managerial, professional, and commercial duties to prepare for eventual command. This role is responsible to the Master for the overall care and carriage of cargo, particularly during cargo operations, and for the comprehensive planning of all cargo procedures.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Ship Security Officer (SSO) for shipboard security as required by the ISPS Code
• Ensure safe working practices for all personnel (together with the Chief Engineer)
• Manage cargo custody, handling, and documentation
• Prepare cargo systems for the carriage of cargo and refit requirements
• Manage ballast custody and handling as the Designated Ballast Management Officer
• Maintain stability, safe draughts, and trim
• Prepare safe and suitable loading/discharging plans using the loading computer to ensure that cargo/ballast operations do not exceed safe stresses and that the vessel complies with damage stability criteria
• Maintain and test deck portable fire-fighting equipment and lifesaving appliances
• Implement anti-pollution measures
• Oversee deck maintenance under the Chief Engineer Officer
• Oversee the medical locker and is responsible to the Master for first aid and medical treatment
• Have overall responsibility to the Master for the vessel's seaworthiness and security with regard to proceeding to sea
• Maintain the Deck Information Book and all related records
• Ensure that all deck officers are fully conversant with safe operational practices and are aware of the correct methods and practices of ballasting, use of cargo pumps, valves etc., especially the Second Officer who shall be able to take over the Chief Officer's duties at any time
• Conduct Cargo Watch at Loading and Discharge ports
• Maintain regular checks on fixed and portable gas detection apparatus
• Ensure all cargo/ballast/inerting valves are operational and turned on a regular basis
• Responsible for the inspection of void spaces
• Train Deck and Marine Cadets and monitor their progress
• Carry out any lawful command and delegated duty as issued by the Master
• Ensure that other deck officers assist and understudy as an essential part of their training and development
• Act as the designated Ballast Water Management Officer
• Responsible for the proper performance of duty, including job allocation, of the other navigating officers and cadets, other than in navigational matters for which they are directly responsible to the Master
• Supervise the C.P.O./Bosun and ratings when assigned to deck tasks, and all ratings when engaged in tank cleaning, cargo or ballast handling