First Officer (Shipboard)

Description

POSITION SUMMARY
The First Officer is the senior of three (3) Bridge Watch Officers and is assigned to one of three (3) shift patterns. While on watch, the First Officer carries the authority of the Master as their representative and is responsible for the safe operation of the entire yacht, including navigation, stability, weather monitoring, mooring arrangements, gangway control, tendering, watersports, technical and safety system operation, propulsion, discharges, and ship-to-shore transfers. In carrying out their duties, the First Officer ensures strict compliance with environmental, safety, public health, and security standards. While on watch, the First Officer maintains close communication and interaction with the Engine Watch and security personnel and is responsible for initiating emergency response actions when necessary. Promotes that all Gold Standards and Brand Culture are embraced by the team at all times, particularly when assisting guests and Ladies and Gentlemen.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the Lady or Gentleman for this job. Functions, duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. All duties and responsibilities are to be performed in accordance with the Company's Safety, Quality, and Environmental standards.

Essential Duties

• Keep a safe bridge watch at sea and in port; ensure the highest professional standards of navigation, safety, security, public health, and environmental compliance are adhered to at all times and that appropriate efforts are made to ensure the comfort of our guests and Ladies and Gentlemen. Act as the "bridge manager," ensuring all bridge activities and administration undertaken by the other watch officers are to the highest standard.
• While in charge of the watch, ensure nautical operations are conducted to the highest standards of environmental, safety, public health, and security compliance; organize work tasks for personnel under their watch and ensure safe working practices are maintained.
• Maintain close communication and cooperation with the Engine Watch to ensure safe, comfortable, and economical sailing. In emergency situations, the First Officer is responsible for initiating first-response actions and maintaining the integrity of the navigational watch.
• Model and hold others accountable for promoting the Gold Standards, respect, and fair treatment.
• Ensure the daily execution of Line-up in accordance with Company standards and Brand Guidelines.
• Set the department's expectations for desired behavior, knowledge, and skill levels.
• Coach others by providing constructive feedback; help others identify developmental needs and monitor progress; promote an environment where everyone is valued and included.
• Demonstrate alignment with corporate strategies and initiatives while ensuring alignment throughout the yacht organization.

First Officer Navigation

• Act as the "bridge manager," ensuring all bridge activities and administration undertaken by the other watch officers is to the highest standard.
• Initiate requisitions of nautical supplies, spare parts, and consumables to ensure critical charts, publications, and equipment are always at hand while maintaining close control of operational budgets.
• Assist the Staff Captain to ensure tendering and watersports are carried out in strict accordance with company, national and international standards.
• Responsible to the Safety Officer in ensuring 'Self-Audits' of Bridge Operations are regularly conducted, as bridge manager, ensure the bridge is kept clean and tidy, and bridge equipment is maintained to the highest standards.
• During off-watch hours the First Officer will conduct voyage planning and understudies the Safety Officer / Staff Captain with lifesaving and safety maintenance, training, and tank inspections.
• Responsible for the below Deck Department Responsibilities as defined in the Company's Safety Management System; Stability, Navigation planning and execution, Charts and publications, Bridge watchkeeping, Mooring Stations, Tender operations, and Communications.
• Support newbuild operations to include work in the shipyard as appropriate.

First Officer Safety

• Serve as Deputy to the Safety Officer, ensuring continuity of safety leadership at all times.
• Maintain updated knowledge of emergency response protocols and assist in shipboard audits and inspections.
• Lead the shipboard safety training program, ensuring all Ladies and Gentlemen maintain current certifications and practical knowledge.
• Conduct onboard safety briefings, induction programs, and hands-on emergency training for all departments.
• Support ensuring accuracy and timely updates of muster lists, emergency duty assignments, emergency procedures, and contingency plans in the system.

First Officer FFE & LSA

• Maintain, inspect, and ensure full operational readiness of all fixed and portable firefighting equipment onboard.
• Develop and oversee the FFE maintenance schedule in accordance with Class, Flag, and company requirements.
• Manage inspection, maintenance, and certification of lifeboats, rescue boats, life rafts, davits, launching appliances, and associated equipment.
• Verify readiness and safe operation of lifesaving equipment during drills and emergency preparedness exercises.
• Oversee inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of void spaces and shipboard tanks (ballast, heeling, potable water, treated wastewater, and any other technical tanks assigned.).
• Monitor tank integrity, corrosion control, and coating condition, coordinating with technical and engineering teams for repairs.

Qualifications

• Valid Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and flag certification for the duration of the contract and appropriate to the position.
• Unlimited Master Mariner license.
• Three (3) years' experience as a Senior Deck Watchkeeping Officer on a cruise vessel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the Lady or Gentleman is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell.

The Lady or Gentleman must occasionally lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

All Yacht Ladies and Gentlemen must be physically able to participate in emergency lifesaving procedures and drills. Full use and range of arms and legs, as well as full visual, verbal, and hearing abilities, are required to receive and give instructions in the event of an emergency, including the lowering of lifeboats.

Ability to lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.

COMMUNICATION

All Yacht Ladies and Gentlemen must be able to communicate in the English language in order to understand and interpret written procedures. This includes the ability to give and receive instructions in written and verbal forms and to effectively present information and respond to questions from guests, supervisors, and co-workers.

About The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Embark on an extraordinary journey with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, an exquisite extension of the renowned Ritz-Carlton brand, dedicated to redefining ultra-luxury hospitality at sea. As a "Lady or Gentleman" of our esteemed team, you'll be entrusted with the art of delivering the impeccable "Gold Standards" that have made the Ritz-Carlton an epitome of excellence across the globe.

The Essence of Excellence: The Gold Standards
The Gold Standards are the bedrock of the Ritz-Carlton experience, setting us apart in the industry and establishing a legacy of unparalleled service. These standards embody the values and culture that define our brand, and serve as the compass guiding our every endeavor.

• We encourage reviewing the Foundations of Our Brand.

The Employee Promise

At The Ritz-Carlton, our Ladies & Gentlemen are the most important resource in our service commitment to each other and our guests.

By applying the principles of trust, honesty, respect, integrity, and commitment, we empower and nurture talent to the benefit of each individual and the company.

The Ritz-Carlton fosters a culture where all are valued, quality of life is enhanced, individual aspirations are fulfilled, and The Ritz-Carlton Mystique is strengthened.

Join us on a journey where every day is a testament to the highest standard of luxury and service. Apply today and be part of an unparalleled legacy in hospitality.