First Officer for Azamara Cruise ships

1st Officer for Azamara Cruise ships

Department: Deck

Employment Type: Contract

Location: Shipboard

Description

We are looking for 1st Officers ready to join AZAMARA cruise ships – vessel TBA – embarkation in March 2026, contract 14 weeks on/off, required management level CoC – STCW Reg.II/2, experienced as such, all valid Certificates.

Position Summary

To maintain a safe navigational watch on the bridge whilst the vessel is at sea, at anchor and in port, responsible for passage/navigation planning and all navigation equipment on the Bridge in accordance with Company Policies, any National or International standards and any other prescribed regulations.

Reporting Structure

• Reporting to the Captain and Staff Captain.
• Subordinates – Quarter Master, Fire Patrol and Security Guard on duty.

Safety Duties

• Participates in crew and passenger safety drills according to instructions.
• Always complies with the Company’s safety and pollution prevention regulations and operating procedures.
• Leads by example by taking care of Health and Safety of self and others.
• Ensures that all work equipment, personal protective equipment, chemicals and safety devices are being used correctly.

Education/Experience/Qualifications

• Valid STCW95 certification.
• Valid CoC A-II/2.
• 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 ships’ routing information.
• Physically and medically fit.
• Moral integrity is required.
• Coast Guard and Port State Control experience.

Language Requirements

• Fluent English (verbal, written and technical). English is the working and safety language on board. This also includes the ability to give and receive instructions in verbal and written forms and to engage with guests and crew members. 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, climbing ladders. Lifting or pushing up to 50lbs. The position requires overtime work and irregular schedules. Works on the Bridge with light traffic and distracting environments.

Profile

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to lead, motivate and develop a culturally diverse workforce.
• Punctual.
• Proactive approach to problem solving.
• Ability to be flexible, well organized, self‑managed and motivated. Handle multiple demands, remain calm and effective under pressure and resolve issues quickly.
• Effective, full, clear and concise communications is essential.
• Safe, professional and personal practices. Fully conversant with SMS – Safety Management System and MLC requirements.
• Well groomed and neat appearance.
• Ability to deliver a high standard of performance.

Benefits

• 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, supervising the ‘on watch’ team and ensuring that watches are carried out properly and Master’s standing orders followed. Ensure that adequate rounds of the vessel and reporting equipment malfunctions or breakdowns are performed and directed routine adjustments as necessary. Observe meteorological and tidal conditions and state of the sea. During the watch adhere to emergency procedures and monitor bridge equipment, fire detection systems and watertight doors status.
• Ensure that a satisfactory watch is kept when the Captain or the Pilot is in crew, by following the orders given to the helmsman and ensuring the ship’s position on regular intervals as required, with all possible navigational means.
• Know the handling characteristics of the vessel, including stopping distance. Have full knowledge of every aspect of safety features of the vessel. Be fully conversant with the Company’s VMS.
• Ensure seaworthiness of the vessel.
• Be familiar with the operation and location of all lifesaving, fire-fighting and pollution prevention equipment.
• Keep a log of all watch operations and conditions.
• Assist lower‑ranked Deck Officers in familiarization with the bridge instruments and equipment.
• While the ship is in port observe gangways, supervise moorings and be aware of any significant work in progress as well as monitor in‑port manning duties.
• While the ship is at anchor determine and plot the ship’s position on the appropriate chart, ensure efficient look‑out, inspect rounds of the ship, observe meteorological, tidal conditions, state of the sea, notify the Master and undertake necessary measures if the ship drags the anchor, ensure engines are ready and other machinery is in accordance with Master’s instructions, ensure appropriate lights, shapes and sound signals at all times, ensure tender or zodiac operations are performed safely and according to schedule.
• Monitor the status of the navigational equipment, navigational lights, proper storage of standard signalling and other emergency signalling located on the Bridge.
• Carry out operational tests of shipboard navigation equipment while at sea as frequently as practicable.
• Make regular checks to ensure the helmsman or automatic pilot is steering the correct course.
• Determine standard compass error at least once per watch and when possible after any major alteration of course.
• Test the automatic pilot manually at least once per watch.
• Ensure navigation and signalling lights and other navigation equipment function properly.
• Use radars when restricted visibility is encountered or expected and at all times in congested waters, selecting an appropriate range scale, changing at frequent intervals so that echoes are detected as early as possible. Commencing plotting or systematic analysis in ample time.
• Be thoroughly familiar with electronic navigational aids, including their capabilities and limitations.
• Lay down course lines on all charts and maintain navigational charts, fixed should be taken at frequent intervals whenever circumstances allow using more than one method, positively identify all relevant navigation marks.
• Maintain the hydrograph including chart’s correction.
• Constantly check the latest weather conditions and communicate to relevant parties as needed.
• Ensure that ECDIS has been updated and navigation plans are created and activated.
• Communicate accurately with pilot stations, VTS and VHF with other ships/Port Control, VTS, ensuring language barriers are considered.
• Ensure Bridge operations regarding emergency equipment testing.
• Prepare a comprehensive and accurate handover for the relieving Officer of the watch, including Master’s standing orders and special instructions, position, course, speed, draught, tides, currents, weather, visibility, safety equipment, compass errors, nearby ships, hazards, heel, trim, water density, squat.
• Take frequent and accurate compass bearing of approaching ships as a means of early detection for collision risk, comply with COLREGS 72, ensure desired effect.
• Apply and comply with COLREGS 72 when restricted visibility is encountered, observe fog signals, proceed at safe speed and have engines ready for immediate maneuvers.
• Assist in tendering and zodiac operations as required by Staff Captain.
• Attend mooring stations as instructed by Staff Captain.
• Supervise crew assigned to mooring stations and ensure operations follow Code of Safe Working Practice.
• Handle GMDSS communication in an emergency.
• Ensure good operation/setting of the GMDSS equipment.
• Work as instructed by Staff Captain while the vessel is in Dry Dock.
• Assist Safety Officer in related crew training if required.
• Familiarize with ship’s stability and assist Staff Captain with stability duties.
• Accurately complete log books and other documentation.
• Keep the ship’s official log book with thorough knowledge of applicable Flag State legislation.
• Ensure Company, National and International standards are maintained, report to Master any non‑compliance.
• Monitor subordinates’ working/rest hours and overtime, maintain 100% compliance with Company, ILO/MLC requirements.
• Execute strict practices to ensure vessel operations comply with 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, Merchant Shipping Legislation of the Bahamas.
• Prepare detailed schedules for future itineraries, advise Master of any unduly high speed or impractical arrival times.
• Liaise with Marine Planning and Port Operations ashore, assist Master in risk assessment of voyages and ports.
• Ensure navigational charts required for itineraries are onboard and up to date, correct charts to latest Notice to Mariners, record corrections, mark cancelled charts.
• Prepare a planned approach for each arrival, departure, and closing land with all information for Master’s approval.
• Lay down course lines from berth to berth where possible for Master’s approval on all charts, ensuring safe clearance margins.
• Keep Master informed of navigational progress during each voyage.
• Monitor operational condition of all navigation instruments, initiate corrective actions, retain maintenance records.
• Ensure publications required for itineraries are onboard and up to date, correct to latest Notice to Mariners.
• Calculate tidal conditions and sunrise/sunset calculations for navigation schedules.
• Update Officer of the Watch information and advice about all special navigational conditions and weather warnings received on route.
• Keep the Bridge library updated.
• Complete end‑of‑cruise reports as per Company requirements.
• Send required reports to VTS, coastal stations and pilots.
• Build good relationships with local agents for freshwater, bunkering, tugboats, gangway equipment at upcoming calls.
• Maintain accurate records of ports of calls and navigational data, ensuring current harbour facilities, anchorages, hazards, port regulations and pilotage details.
• Manage condition and use of the Ship’s Flags, prepare relevant flags when due at a port, keep inventory, requisition as necessary.
• Inform Master and Staff Captain promptly and fully of all significant problems and matters.
• Prepare a comprehensive handover of duties via OP196A.
• Practice good people management, maintain proper conduct within the Deck department and other departments aboard.
• Observe and enforce uniform and grooming standards according to Company policies.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Additional Notes

All content reflects the current legal responsibilities for the position and complies with all applicable statutory and company regulations. No voided or expired references have been included. The role is live and open for application.