Staff Captain for Aurora Expedition Cruises in London

We are currently seeking an experienced Staff Captain to join the expedition cruise vessel, Douglas Mawson. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in a similar capacity specifically within the expedition cruise sector, demonstrating the high level of technical skill and leadership required for remote polar operations.

Position Details

• Vessel: Douglas Mawson
• Embarkation: August 2026
• Rotation: 3 months on / 3 months off

Key Requirements

• Proven Experience: Significant tenure as Staff Captain on expedition cruise ships.
• Certifications: All STCW-mandated maritime certifications must be valid and up-to-date.
• Polar Expertise: Possession of both Basic and Advanced Polar Code Certificates is mandatory.

If you meet these qualifications and are ready to lead on one of the industry's premier expedition vessels, we look forward to receiving your application.

Position Summary

2nd in command of the vessel, responsible for all matters concerning maintenance, safety and security of the vessel and the protection of the environment in accordance with Company Policies, any National or International standards and in compliance with Public Health or any other prescribed regulations.

Reporting Structure

Directly reporting to the Master. Subordinates include Safety Officer, Environmental Officer, Doctor, Nurse, Navigational Officer, 2nd Officer, Junior Officer, Cadet, Security Officer, Security Guard, Bosun, all Able Seaman and Ordinary Seaman, Carpenter, Assistant Carpenter, Joiner, Assistant Joiner.

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, delivering training, guidance and supervision on how to use and maintain them.

Education/Experience/Qualifications:

• Valid CoC A-II/2.
• Valid STCW95 certification.
• Certification as required by regulations for the position.
• Extensive experience as a Staff Captain is essential.
• Physically and medically fit with certification.
• Moral integrity is required.
• Public Health, Sanitation and Environmental certification.
• Alaska experience is a plus.
• Public Health, 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 AMOS, and 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 in all areas of the vessel with noise, light traffic, distracting environments as well as an office environment.

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 VMS and MLC requirements.
• Well groomed and neat appearance.
• Ability to deliver a high standard of performance.

Status: Senior Officer. Salary: Refer to contract. Rotation: Refer to contract. Accommodation: Single cabin with twice per day cleaning.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible with the Captain for the safety of the vessel and must be fully knowledgeable of the Captain’s responsibilities and must be able to assume the position of the Captain should the need arise.
• Responsible for being familiar with the operation and location of all life-saving, fire-fighting and pollution prevention equipment.
• Responsible to monitor the activities for the Deck department, ensuring that all responsibilities are correctly executed.
• Ensures that the maintenance programs for the Deck department are implemented and followed in a timely manner according to Company policies.
• Record keeping of any maintenance or certification received as standard.
• Ensures that inspections, maintenance and testing of environmental systems are always carried out according to Company policies, National, International or any other prescribed regulations.
• Oversees all activities taking place on the Bridge during docking, maneuvers, departure and open sea.
• Responsible for navigational aspects of the ship's operations, Deck department working schedules and assignment of duties.
• Ensures that all ship's stability calculations and verifications are made for the intended voyage and trains subordinate deck officers in performing these functions.
• Reporting to the Master any deviations from the requirements of the Stability booklet.
• Responsible for implementing the Company security policies and all security operations according to the ISPS Code on board the vessel both at sea and while in port.
• Applies security policies in a fashion that has little to no effect on the guests aboard the ship while at the same time ensuring that all aspects of the security program are strictly followed by the vessel's Security Personnel and the rest of the officers, staff and crew.
• Responsible for the safe keeping and proper maintenance of all security devices and weapons that may be present aboard the ship.
• Orders and coordinates alcohol, illegal drugs tests and cabin searches.
• Responsible for the fresh water supplies and consumption (in conjunction with the Chief Engineer).
• Issues work permits for the Deck department.
• Monitors training for the Deck department.
• Ensures that crew and contractors working within the Deck department receive OH&S briefs, training and familiarization by their supervisors.
• Responsible for inspections of tanks and compartments.
• Liaises closely with the Chief Engineer to gain information for the condition of all tanks and spaces, in order to plan in advance the loading, discharge and ballasting.
• Responsible for the budget of the Deck department, monitoring the actual and forecasted expenditure of the department with regards to budgets established for the vessel and to advise the Master and Fleet Superintendent accordingly.
• Responsible to the Captain and the Company for the overall safe and efficient operation of the medical center.
• Ensures sufficient stock of spare parts and consumables is on order and in the onboard system to cover planned and unplanned maintenance.
• The Staff Captain will work in close coalition with the Staff Engineer and Safety Officer to ensure the proper maintenance and mechanical conditions of all safety equipment and systems onboard the vessel.
• Ensures seaworthiness of the vessel.
• Ensures that the ship's company are properly trained on emergency procedures, use of equipment and accident prevention.
• Keeps in a good state of repair all life saving equipment to ensure a complete state of readiness to meet any emergency requirements.
• Responsible for conducting lifeboat drills for guests.
• Schedules and conducts weekly fire and lifeboat drills for personnel as per SOLAS and Company requirements.
• Responsible for informing all departments of bad weather and to secure the vessel in the event of rough seas.
• Responsible to ensure that all policies and procedures laid down by the Company for the Deck department are executed and verifying that all within the Deck department are properly instructed and aware of their duties and responsibilities relating to the Safety Management System.
• Dealing with any conflicts that arise onboard. Counselling, coaching and teaching to find a solution that satisfies everyone involved.
• Oversees the disciplinary of the vessel and all reports of misconduct, taking appropriate action when necessary or making recommendations to the Master according to the Company policies, the crew members contract of employment and the Flag State.
• Ensures co-operation with the HR Manager regarding crew issues.
• Provides information and consultancy during inspections.
• Conducts regular inspections of the vessel, including its construction, equipment and gear.
• Responsible for the inventory and maintenance records for life boats and life rafts.
• Has a full knowledge of every aspect of safety, stability and damage control features of the vessel.
• Being fully conversant with the Company’s VMS.
• Participates in the development of on board operational plans to support the successful completion of maintenance periods and works closely with the Staff Engineer and Hotel Department on all maintenance issues, ensuring a minimal impact on the shipboard operation.
• Accountable for maintenance, operation, repair, supervision and ownership of various operational aspects.
• Participates in shipboard management meetings, maintenance meetings, health and safety meetings and crew welfare meetings.
• Acts as the designated Company representative on the Crew Welfare Committee.
• Responsible for ensuring that the ship is operating with the correct certification in accordance with safe manning.
• Keeps the Master promptly and fully informed of all problems and matters of significance.
• Accurate completion of log books and other assigned documentation.
• Accountable for ensuring that Company, Public Health, National and International standards are maintained and meeting requirements.
• Reporting to the Master any instances where the ship is unable or fails to comply.
• Ensuring that standards are maintained within the department and officers and ratings are working according to their respective job descriptions, evaluating performance and development of the team.
• Implementing corrective actions when standards are not upheld.
• Controls Deck department overtime, making the best use of manpower by managing the hours worked by each crew member and monitoring the financial impact on the business.
• Completing all relevant documentation and finding alternative solutions in case of an anticipated increase in overtime.
• Record keeping as standard.
• Arranges and conducts weekly crew cabin inspections as per Company requirements.
• Overall responsibility for in port manning crew, maintaining a reasonable amount of crew members onboard at any one time for safety reasons.
• Executes strict practices to ensure that the vessel is operated in accordance with various regulations and Company policies.
• Prepares a comprehensive handover of duties according to and via form OP196A.
• Practices good people management, maintaining proper conduct within the Deck department and other departments around the ship.
• Establishes a climate of openness and trust within the officers, works as part of the team to achieve results.
• Observes and enforces uniform and grooming standards according to Company policies.
• All other duties as assigned.