First Officer Navigation for Orient Express Sailing Yachts

First Officer Navigation for Orient Express Sailing Yachts

Department: Deck

Employment Type: Contract

Location: Shipboard

Description

FIRST OFFICER Navigation for ORIENT EXPRESS CORINTHIAN, embarkation 01/March/2026, contract 2 months on/off.

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 effectively and efficiently 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, reaching and sitting. Repetitive motion of bending, going up and down stairs, climbing ladders. Lifting or pushing of 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 work force. 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

1. To act as the Master’s representative during Bridge watch, supervising the ‘on watch’ team and ensuring that watches are carried out properly and Masters standing orders followed. The Navigator shall ensure that adequate rounds of the vessel and reporting equipment malfunctions or breakdowns, performing and directing routine adjustments as necessary. Observing meteorological and tidal conditions and state of the sea. During the watch adheres to the emergency procedures and monitors bridge equipment, fire detection systems and watertight doors status.
2. Ensures that a satisfactory watch is kept when the Captain or the Pilot is in coon, by following the orders given to the helmsman and ensuring the ship’s position on regular intervals as required, with all possible navigational means.
3. Responsible to know the handling characteristics of the vessel, including stopping distance. Has a full knowledge of every aspect of safety features of the vessel. Being fully conversant with the Company’s VMS.
4. Ensures seaworthiness of the vessel.
5. Responsible to be familiar with the operation and location of all lifesaving, fire-fighting and pollution prevention equipment.
6. Keeps log of all watch operations and conditions.
7. Assists the lower-ranked Deck Officers in familiarization with the bridge instruments and equipment.
8. While the ship is in port the Watch Keeping Officer observes gangways, supervises the moorings and is aware of any significant work in progress as well as monitors the in-port manning duties.
9. Whilst the ship is at anchor the Navigator is responsible for the following (to include but not limited to): a. Determines and plots the ships position on the appropriate chart. b. Ensures that an efficient look out is maintained. c. Ensures that inspection rounds of the ship are carried out. d. Observes meteorological, tidal conditions and the state of the sea. e. Notifies the Master and undertakes all necessary measures if the ship drags the anchor. f. Ensures that the main engines are at a state of readiness and other machinery is in accordance with the Masters instructions. g. Ensures that the ship exhibits the appropriate lights, shapes and sound signals at all times. h. Ensures that tender or zodiac operations are performed in a safe manner and according to schedule.
10. Monitors the status of the navigational equipment, navigational lights, the proper storage of standard signaling and other emergency signaling located on the Bridge.
11. Carries out operational tests of shipboard navigation equipment whilst at sea as frequently as practicable and as circumstances permit.
12. The Officer of the watch should make regular checks to ensure that the the helmsman or the automatic pilot is steering the correct course.
13. Responsible to ensure that the standard compass error is determined at least once per watch and when possible after any major alteration of course.
14. Responsible to ensure that the automatic pilot is tested manually at least once per watch.
15. Responsible to ensure that the navigation and signaling lights and other navigation equipment are functioning properly.
16. Ensures the use of 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.
17. Responsible to be thoroughly familiar with the use of electronic navigational aids, including their capabilities and limitations.
18. Responsible for laying down course lines on all charts and the maintenance of navigational charts. Fixed should be taken at frequent intervals whenever circumstances allow by using more than one method. Positively identifying all relevant navigation marks.
19. Responsible for maintaining the hydrograph including chart’s correction.
20. Constantly checks the latest weather conditions and communicates to relevant parties as needed.
21. Ensures that ECDIS has been updated and navigation plans are created and activated.
22. Accurate communication with the pilot stations and/or any VTS and/or reporting system.
23. Executes calm, concise and clear communications via VHF with other ships/Port Control, VTS, etc, where language barriers are present.
24. Ensures Bridge operations in regards to emergency equipment testing.
25. Ensures that a comprehensive and accurate handover is prepared for the relieving Officer of the watch (to include but not limited to): a. Masters standing orders and other special instructions of the Master relating to navigation. b. Position, course, speed and draught of the vessel. c. Prevailing and predicted tides, currents, weather, visibility and effects of these factors upon course and speed. d. Operational condition of all navigations and safety equipment being used or likely to be used during the watch. e. Error of gyro and magnetic compasses. f. Presence and movement of ships in sight or known to be in the vicinity. g. Conditions and hazards likely to be encountered during the watch. h. Possible effects of heel, trim, water density and squat under keel clearance.
26. Responsible to take frequent and accurate compass bearing of approaching ships as a means of early detection for risk of collision. Takes early and positive actions in compliance with the applicable regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea (COLREGS 72) and subsequently check that such actions is having the desired effect.
27. Responsible to apply and comply with all International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea (COLREGS 72) when restricted visibility is encountered or expected, with particular regard to the sounding of fog signals, proceeding at safe speed and having the engines ready for immediate maneuvers.
28. Assists in tendering and zodiac operations as required by the Staff Captain.
29. Attends mooring stations as instructed by the Staff Captain.
30. Supervises crew assigned to mooring stations and ensuring that mooring operations are conducted in accordance with the advice in the Code of Safe Working Practice.
31. Responsible for GMDSS communication in the event of an emergency during his/her duty watch and/or as required.
32. Responsible for the good operation/setting of the GMDSS equipment during his/her duty watch.
33. Whilst the vessel is in Dry Dock, work as instructed by the Staff Captain.
34. Assists the Safety Officer in related crew training if required.
35. Familiarizing with the ship’s stability in order to eventually assist the Staff Captain with this duty.
36. Accurate completion of log books and other assigned documentation.
37. Responsible for keeping the ships official log book, which requires a thorough working knowledge of the applicable Flag State legislation and requirements.
38. Accountable for ensuring that Company, National and International standards are maintained and meeting requirements. Reporting to the Master any instances where the ship is unable or fails to comply.
39. Monitors his subordinates working/rest hours and overtime. Maintaining 100% compliance with Company requirements as well as ILO/MLC.
40. Executes strict practices to ensure that the vessel is operated in accordance with the following regulations and Company policies, during all prevailing circumstances and conditions: a. International Safety Management Code. b. ISPS Code. c. SOLAS. d. ECDIS. e. Code of Safe Working Practices. f. MARPOL. g. Pollution prevention. h. COLREG 72. i. GMDSS. j. International Code of Signals. k. STCW. l. Oil Record Book. m. ILO/IMO/ITF/MLC 2006. n. Ballast Water Management. o. US CDC Vessel Sanitation Program. p. Stability and Trim. q. Merchant Shipping Legislation of the Bahamas.
41. Prepares in consultation with the Master detailed schedules for future itineraries and advising him of any unduly high speed or impractical arrival times that become apparent.
42. Liaises with the assigned Marine Planning and Port Operations ashore and assisting the Master for risk assessing the voyages and ports.
43. Ensures that the navigational charts required for the itinerary and for planning are carried onboard and are the latest available.
44. Corrects charts up to the latest appropriate Notice to Mariners and records the correction of each navigational chart as required by the chart folio system. Ensuring that cancelled charts are clearly marked as such and removed from the Bridge.
45. Prepares prior to each voyage for approval by the Master of a planned approach for each arrival, departure, closing land using all the information available.
46. Lays down course lines from berth to berth where possible for the Masters approval on all charts that will be used for the forth coming voyage, giving safe clearance margins from all dangers.
47. Keeps the Master informed of navigational progress during each voyage including speed and other relevant matters.
48. Monitors the operational condition of all navigation instruments and equipment, instigating corrective action when necessary. Retaining maintenance records for all navigational equipment.
49. Ensures that the publications required for the itinerary, by the Flag/Port State or by the Company are carried onboard and are the latest available. Corrects the publications up to the latest appropriate Notice to Mariners available.
50. Calculates tidal conditions and sunrise/sunset calculations for navigation schedules.
51. Responsible for updating the ‘Officer of the Watch’ information and advice about all special navigational conditions and weather warnings received on route.
52. Keeps the Bridge library updated.
53. Completes end of cruise reports as per Company requirements.
54. Ensures that all required reports are sent to vessels traffic services, coastal stations and pilots.
55. Creates and maintains good relationships with local agents with regards to requirements for the upcoming calls such as freshwater, bunkering, tugboats and gangway equipment.
56. Maintains accurate records of ports of calls and navigational data. Ensuring that content is current, including harbor facilities, anchorages, navigational hazards, port regulations and details of pilotage.
57. Responsible for the condition and use of the Ships Flags. When due at a port the Navigator is to prepare relevant flags to be used. An inventory is to be kept of Ships Flags and requisitions made when necessary.
58. Assists the Safety Officer in related crew training if required.
59. Keeps the Master and Staff Captain promptly and fully informed of all problems and matters of significance.
60. Prepares a comprehensive handover of duties according to and via form OP196A.
61. Practices good people management, maintaining proper conduct within the Deck department and other departments around the ship.
62. Observes and enforces uniform and grooming standards according to Company policies.
63. All other duties as assigned.