Chief Officer (Navigation) – Cruise Ship

We are currently seeking an experienced Chief Officer (Navigation) to join a large passenger cruise vessel.

The Chief Officer (Navigation) is a senior member of the Deck Department, responsible for supporting the Master in the safe navigation and operation of the vessel. The role has particular responsibility for voyage planning, bridge operations, navigational equipment and maintaining the highest standards of Bridge Resource Management.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Master in the safe navigation and operation of the vessel.
• Oversee the preparation, verification and execution of passage plans.
• Ensure all voyages are planned and conducted in accordance with company procedures, international regulations and industry best practice.
• Maintain effective Bridge Resource Management standards and support the safe operation of the bridge team.
• Supervise and support Deck Officers undertaking navigational watchkeeping duties and ensure bridge watchkeeping standards are consistently maintained.
• Monitor the performance and correct use of navigational equipment and ensure charts, publications and electronic navigation systems remain fully updated.
• Maintain the operational readiness of ECDIS, radar, ARPA, AIS, GPS and other bridge navigational systems.
• Participate in arrival, departure, pilotage and manoeuvring operations.
• Support the Master during navigation in restricted waters, high-traffic areas and other complex operating environments.
• Assist with bridge team training, drills and competency development.
• Conduct navigational audits, inspections and checks as required.
• Ensure compliance with SOLAS, STCW, COLREGs, ISM and company navigation procedures.
• Maintain all required navigational records, documentation and checklists.
• Support emergency response duties in accordance with the vessel’s Muster List and Safety Management System.
• Work closely with the Master and other senior officers to maintain safe and efficient vessel operations.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience as Chief Officer, Chief Mate or in a comparable senior navigation position aboard cruise ships.
• Significant previous cruise ship experience.
• Valid Chief Mate / Chief Officer Unlimited Certificate of Competency, STCW II/2.
• Valid STCW certification appropriate to rank.
• Advanced knowledge of international navigation regulations and procedures.
• Strong practical experience with ECDIS and modern integrated bridge systems.
• Strong knowledge of passage planning and bridge watchkeeping procedures.
• Excellent understanding of Bridge Resource Management.
• Experience with complex manoeuvring, pilotage and operations in high-traffic or restricted waters.
• Strong knowledge of SOLAS, STCW, COLREGs and ISM requirements.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a multinational bridge team.
• Strong communication and decision-making skills.
• Fluent spoken and written English.
• Valid US Visa.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience aboard large passenger or cruise vessels.
• Experience with modern Integrated Bridge Systems.
• Experience aboard azimuth or Azipod-propelled vessels.
• Experience with complex international cruise itineraries.
• Experience operating in high-density or restricted navigational areas.
• Bridge team training and competency assessment experience.
• Dry dock, refit or vessel commissioning experience.

Important

This vacancy is specifically for candidates with previous cruise ship experience. Candidates without relevant cruise vessel experience will not be considered.

Applicants must also hold a valid US Visa to be considered for the position.