3rd Officer for Swan Hellenic Cruises in London

We are currently looking for an experienced 3rd Officer ready to join the cruise vessel Swan Hellenic Vega. Embarkation is scheduled for 27 July, with a contract duration of 3 months. Candidates must have previous experience in the same rank, as well as experience operating in Polar waters. A valid Basic Polar Code Certificate is mandatory, together with good references and recommendations.

Position Summary

• To maintain a safe navigational watch on the bridge whilst the vessel is at sea, at anchor and in port in accordance with Company Policies, any National or International standards and any other prescribed regulations. Assisting and supporting the Safety Officer and Navigation Officer in every respect according to the Master’s or Staff Captain’s instructions.

Reporting Structure

• Reporting to the Captain, Staff Captain and Chief Navigator.
• 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/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 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 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 VMS and MLC requirements.
• Well groomed and neat appearance.
• Ability to deliver a high standard of performance.

Status - Officer.

Salary - Refer to contract.

Rotation - Refer to contract.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 3rd Officer 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ensures seaworthiness of the vessel.
• Responsible to be familiar with the operation and location of all lifesaving, fire-fighting and pollution prevention equipment.
• Keeps log of all watch operations and conditions.
• Assists the lower-ranked Deck Officers in familiarization with the bridge instruments and equipment.
• 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.
• Whilst the ship is at anchor the 3rd Officer is responsible for the following (to include but not limited to):

• Determines and plots the ships position on the appropriate chart.
• Ensures that an efficient look out is maintained.
• Ensures that inspection rounds of the ship are carried out.
• Observes meteorological, tidal conditions and the state of the sea.
• Notifies the Master and undertakes all necessary measures if the ship drags the anchor.
• Ensures that the main engines are at a state of readiness and other machinery is in accordance with the Masters instructions.
• Ensures that the ship exhibits the appropriate lights, shapes and sound signals at all times.
• Ensures that tender or zodiac operations are performed in a safe manner and according to schedule.

• Masters standing orders and other special instructions of the Master relating to navigation.
• Position, course, speed and draught of the vessel.
• Prevailing and predicted tides, currents, weather, visibility and effects of these factors upon course and speed.
• Operational condition of all navigations and safety equipment being used or likely to be used during the watch.
• Error of gyro and magnetic compasses.
• Presence and movement of ships in sight or known to be in the vicinity.
• Conditions and hazards likely to be encountered during the watch.
• Possible effects of heel, trim, water density and squat under keel clearance.

• 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.