Second Officer for Silversea Cruises in City of London

We are looking for an experienced 2nd Officer (with POLAR WATERS experience), ready to join cruise vessel SILVER CLOUD. The position requires experience in POLAR WATERS, a Basic Polar Code Certificate, embarkation on 08/Nov/2025, and a contract of 4 months +/-1.

Position Summary

• Maintain a safe navigational watch on the bridge while the vessel is at sea, at anchor, and in port in accordance with company policies, national and international standards, and all applicable regulations.
• Assist and support the Safety Officer and Navigation Officer in every respect according to the Master’s or Staff Captain’s instructions.

Reporting Structure

• Report to the Captain, Staff Captain, and Chief Navigator.
• Supervise the Quarter Master, Fire Patrol, and Security Guard on duty.

Safety Duties

• Participate in crew and passenger safety drills as instructed.
• Always comply with the company’s safety, pollution prevention regulations, and operating procedures.
• Lead by example by ensuring the health and safety of oneself and others.
• Ensure all work equipment, personal protective equipment, chemicals, and safety devices are used correctly.

Education/Experience/Qualifications

• Valid STCW95 certification.
• Valid CoC A‑II/1.
• Appropriate certification as required by regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to use navigational charts and publications such as sailing directions, tide tables, notices to mariners, radio navigational warnings, and ship routing information.
• Physically and medically fit.
• Demonstrated moral integrity.
• Coast Guard and Port State Control experience.

Language Requirements

• Fluent English (verbal, written, and technical).
• English is the working and safety language on board.
• Additional languages are considered beneficial.

Computer Knowledge

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Required to stand, walk long distances, reach and sit.
• Repetitive motion of bending, going up and down stairs, and climbing ladders.
• Lifting or pushing up to 50 lbs.
• Overtime work and irregular schedules.
• Work on the bridge with light traffic and distracting environments.

Profile

• Strong interpersonal skills; able to lead, motivate, and develop a culturally diverse workforce.
• Punctual.
• Proactive problem‑solving approach.
• Flexible, well organized, self‑managed, and motivated.
• Able to handle multiple demands, remain calm under pressure, and resolve issues quickly.
• Effective, clear, and concise communication is essential.
• Safe, professional, and personal practices.
• Fully conversant with VMS and MLC requirements.
• Well‑groomed and neat appearance.
• Ability to deliver a high standard of performance.

Salary and Terms

• Status – Officer
• Salary – Refer to contract
• Rotation – Refer to contract
• Accommodation – Single cabin with every second day cleaning

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Master’s representative during bridge watch, supervise the on‑watch team, and ensure watches are carried out properly.
• Ensure vessel equipment malfunctions are reported and addressed.
• Keep a satisfactory watch when the Captain or Pilot is in control, following the helmsman’s orders and ensuring the ship’s position is regularly updated.
• Know the vessel’s handling characteristics, including stopping distance, and be fully conversant with the company’s VMS.
• Ensure seaworthiness of the vessel and knowledge of all lifesaving, fire‑fighting, and pollution prevention equipment.
• Keep a log of all watch operations and conditions.
• Assist lower‑ranked Deck Officers in familiarizing them with bridge instruments and equipment.
• During port, observe gangways, supervise moorings, and monitor in‑port duties.
• During anchorage, determine and plot the ship’s position, maintain efficient lookouts, conduct inspection rounds, monitor weather and tidal conditions, notify the Master of anchor dragging, ensure engine readiness, oversee ship signals, and supervise tender or zodiac operations.
• Monitor status of navigational equipment, lights, signaling, and emergency systems on the bridge.
• Perform operational tests of navigation equipment; make regular checks of helmsman or autopilot steering accuracy.
• Determine standard compass error at least once per watch and test the autopilot manually at least once per watch.
• Ensure navigation and signaling lights and other equipment function properly; use radar when visibility is restricted or in congested waters; keep charts updated and maintain hydrograph corrections.
• Communicate weather changes to relevant parties; update ECDIS and create navigation plans.
• Maintain accurate VHF communications with pilots, VTS, and other vessels.
• Ensure comprehensive handover to relieving Officer of the watch, covering standing orders, vessel data, weather, equipment conditions, and any hazards.
• Maintain accurate local compass bearings of approaching ships; take early collision‑avoidance actions per COLREGS 72 and verify effectiveness.
• Assist with tendering and zodiac operations; attend mooring stations and supervise crew per the Code of Safe Working Practice.
• Provide GMDSS communication during emergencies and ensure equipment operation.
• Work under the Staff Captain during dry dock; assist the Safety Officer with crew training when required.
• Familiarize with ship stability to assist the Staff Captain.
• Keep Master and Staff Captain informed of issues; complete log books and maintain official logs per flag state requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Company, national, and international standards; report non‑compliance.
• Monitor subordinates’ working/rest hours and overtime; maintain 100% compliance with MLC.
• Practice good people management and enforce uniform and grooming standards.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

All responsibilities are performed in accordance with the International Safety Management Code, ISPS Code, SOLAS, ECDIS, Code of Safe Working Practices, MARPOL, Pollution Prevention, COLREG 72, GMDSS, International Code of Signals, STCW, Oil Record Book, ILO/IMO/ITF/MLC 2006, Ballast Water Management, US CDC Vessel Sanitation Program, Stability and Trim, and the Merchant Shipping Legislation of the Bahamas.