At wilsonhalligan, we’re not only interested in placing candidates into their perfect Yacht Deck Officer job role, but also actively encourage new crew into the yachting industry, for their own benefit and for the continued progression of the yachting world in general.
Find out below about the role, what to expect, what qualifications you may need and how to get started in a professional Yacht Stewardess job role!
The deck officers are responsible for holding a safe navigational watch and running the bridge systems, keeping charts and publications current and might be the yachts designated security, safety and medical officer. Depending on the size of the yacht, the deck officers can be responsible for overseeing the deck operations and maintenance, budgeting and inventory, ordering of new supplies and setting up watch schedules, passage plans and mooring operations. You may be appointed as crew representative (a point of call for the more junior crew) and assist on deck or in other departments where needed. During passages you will be required to hold a safe navigational watch, reporting to the Captain and Chief officer and following the master’s standing orders at all times.
Depending on the size of the yacht, deck officers are generally required to have:
Excellent navigational experience
Solid deck knowledge including maintenance, watersports, tender driving and operations, crane driving etc.
Excellent communication and leadership skills
Excellent knowledge of ISM and ISPS practices
An OOW ticket <3000 or Unlimited
Updated and current STCW95 and ENG1
Visas necessary for the vessels travel plans
A current passport without restrictions
The Chief Officer is often second in command to the Captain and can be required to stand in upon their absence.
You are responsible for the overall running of the deck operations and maintenance including crew management. You may be required to assist the captain with administrative duties and finances, but ultimately will oversee navigation plans, watch schedules, deck maintenance, crew management and discipline and be responsible for the safety of guests and crew. Depending on the yacht’s programme you might be required to arrange shipyards and large refits, plan a world cruise or work out how to keep the crew morale and enthusiasm high during a long summer at anchor in the south of France. Extensive experience of deck maintenance procedures and yacht operations are expected for these roles. As the Chief Officer is often a point of call for the owners or guests, you will be expected to be well presented with excellent communication skills and a polite, engaging manner.
Some of the requirements for a Chief Officer can include:
Chief Officer 3000 or Unlimited certificate
Prior experience in a managerial role overseeing large numbers of crew
Excellent deck knowledge of yacht operations and maintenance
Excellent boat handling and navigation experience
Good administrative and IT skills
Well presented, be a mentor and role model for the rest of the crew.
Each one of our consultants currently has a wealth of seagoing experience in their own area of responsibility. We, therefore, understand the roles, conditions and unique lifestyles of those who serve onboard large yachts.
Take a look at some of the current job roles available for candidates like you to apply for! Apply with a CV and/or cover letter, and we’ll do everything we can to help find the right role for you depending on your experience.
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