The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Second Officer (Shipboard)

Recruiter:
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Category:
Deck Jobs
Position:
2nd Officer
Published:
September 16, 2026

Second Officer (Shipboard)

Department: Nautical

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Reporting To: Safety Officer

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Second Officer (Assistant Officer of the Watch) is the Bridge Watch Officer assigned to one of three (3) shift patterns as assistant watchkeeper. While on watch the Second Officer carries the authority of the Master as their representative and is responsible for the safe operation of the entire yacht, including navigation, stability, weather monitoring, mooring arrangements, gangway control, tendering, watersports, technical and safety system operation, propulsion, discharges and ship-to-shore transfers. In carrying out their duties the Second Officer ensures strict compliance with Environmental, Safety, Public Health, and Security standards. While on watch, the Second Officer maintains close communication and interaction with the Engine Watch and security personnel and is responsible for initiating emergency response actions when necessary. Promotes that all Gold Standards and Brand Culture are embraced by the team at all times, particularly when assisting guests and Ladies and Gentlemen.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the Lady or Gentleman for this job. Functions, duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. All duties and responsibilities are to be performed in accordance with the Company's Safety, Quality, and Environmental standards.



ESSENTIAL DUTIES

  • At any time be ready to assume responsibilities of OOW. Able to keep a safe bridge watch while at sea and in port. Ensures the highest professional standards of navigation, safety, security, public health, and environmental compliance are adhered to at all times and appropriate efforts are made to ensure the comfort of our guests and Ladies and Gentlemen.
  • As assistant watchkeeper, responsible for supporting the OOW and ensuring nautical operations are conducted to the highest standards of Environmental, Safety, Public Health and Security compliance. Organizes work tasks for personnel under their watch and is responsible for ensuring safe working practices are maintained.
  • Maintain close communication and co-operation with the Engine watch to obtain and a safe, comfortable and economical sailing. In emergency situations, the Second Officer is responsible for initiating first response actions and maintaining the integrity of the navigational watch.
  • Assist the First Officer (LSA & FFE) with planned maintenance, inspections, and certification of lifesaving appliances and firefighting equipment, ensuring full compliance with Class, Flag, and Company requirements.
  • Support the First Officer in maintaining operational readiness of emergency equipment, tanks, void spaces, and safety systems.
  • Assist the Navigation Officer/First Officer with voyage planning, passage plan preparation, updating charts and publications, and maintaining the overall organization and readiness of the bridge.
  • Provide support during drills and emergency preparedness exercises, ensuring smooth coordination between watch officers and the shipboard team.
  • Undertake additional duties as assigned by the Safety Officer, Staff Captain, or Master to ensure seamless operations across the yacht.
  • Assist the Safety Officer to ensure tendering and watersports are carried out in strict accordance with company, national and international standards.
  • During off-watch hours the Second Officer will conduct voyage planning and assist the Safety Officer / Staff Captain with lifesaving and safety maintenance, training, and tank inspections.
  • Assist the First Officer (LSA & FFE) with planned maintenance, inspections, and certification of lifesaving appliances and firefighting equipment, ensuring full compliance with Class, Flag, and Company requirements.
  • Support the First Officer in maintaining operational readiness of emergency equipment, tanks, void spaces, and safety systems.
  • Assist the Navigation Officer/First Officer with voyage planning, passage plan preparation, updating charts and publications, and maintaining the overall organization and readiness of the bridge.
  • Model and hold others accountable for promoting the Gold Standards, respect, and fair treatment.
  • Ensure the daily execution of Line-up in accordance with Company standards and Brand Guidelines.
  • Set the department's expectations for desired behavior, knowledge, and skill levels.
  • Coach others by providing constructive feedback; help others identify developmental needs and monitor progress; promote an environment where everyone is valued and included.
  • Demonstrate alignment with corporate strategies and initiatives while ensuring alignment throughout the yacht organization.




QUALIFICATIONS

  • Valid Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and flag certification for the duration of the contract and appropriate to the position.
  • Valid Officer of the Watch license (STCW Regulation II/1).
  • Two years' experience as a Deck Watchkeeping Officer on a cruise vessel or yacht.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the Lady or Gentleman is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The Lady or Gentleman must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. All Yacht Ladies and Gentlemen must be physically able to participate in emergency lifesaving procedures and drills. Full use and range of arms and legs, as well as full visual, verbal, and hearing abilities, are required to receive and give instructions in the event of an emergency, including the lowering of lifeboats. Ability to lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.

COMMUNICATION
All Yacht Ladies and Gentlemen must be able to communicate in the English language in order to understand and interpret written procedures. This includes the ability to give and receive instructions in written and verbal forms and to effectively present information and respond to questions from guests, supervisors, and co-workers.


STCW Certificates

You will need valid STCW certificates to apply for this position. Find an STCW course near you.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

careers.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com

At more than 80 award-winning properties worldwide, The Ritz-Carlton Ladies and Gentlemen create experiences so exceptional that long after a guest stays with us, the experience stays with them. As the premier worldwide provider of luxury experiences, we set the standard for rare and special luxury service throughout the world.

The Ritz-Carlton has taken the legendary service to sea with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and seeks experienced luxury cruise hospitality professionals to become one of our Ladies and Gentlemen.

Designed to combine the luxury lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton® and the casual freedom of a yachting vacation, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will offer voyages on the first of three custom-built yachts in 2020. Calling on unique and distinguished destinations alike, most voyages range from seven to ten nights, offering many overnight calls and uniquely curated experiences ashore. Each yacht will feature 149 suites, each with its own private terrace, and accommodate up to 298 guests in a relaxed, casually elegant atmosphere. As with The Ritz-Carlton® on land, each yacht will feature personalized service, elevated dining and luxury amenities.


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