Chief Officer Safety - Cruise

Chief Officer - Safety
Reports To: Staff Captain

Position Summary:
The Chief Officer Safety is a senior watchkeeping officer and the deputy to the Staff Captain. They lead all crew safety training, manage safety equipment, ensure compliance with international maritime regulations, and participate in bridge and navigation operations.

Key Responsibilities
Safety Leadership
• Lead all onboard safety training programs to ensure crew readiness.
• Maintain safety equipment, oversee inventories, and ensure compliance with safety regulations and inspections.
• Supervise gangway security and assist in coordinating officer duties related to safety.

Compliance & Quality Management
• Maintain compliance with international standards (e.g., SOLAS, STCW, Flag State, Classification Society).
• Manage safety documentation and compliance databases (emergency plans, manning certifications, equipment records).
• Act as auditor for incident investigations and ensure corrective actions are implemented.

Bridge & Navigation Duties
• Remain active as a senior bridge officer; assist with maneuvering and navigational duties when safety responsibilities permit.
• Participate in ship arrivals and departures to maintain operational continuity.

Equipment Oversight
• Manage maintenance and documentation for firefighting and lifesaving equipment (e.g., lifeboats, rafts, air stations).
• Ensure readiness, proper storage, and marking of all safety gear in compliance with regulations.

Safety Drills & Training
• Plan and execute safety drills (e.g., fire, chemical spills, abandon ship, life raft prep).
• Develop scripts and risk assessments for drills, especially in high-risk areas.
• Ensure crew qualifications for emergency roles and manage certification records.

Training Delivery
• Conduct and oversee onboard safety training including:
o Pre-Departure Safety, Ship Orientation, Crowd & Crisis Management
o Lifeboat and Fast Rescue Boat Training
o Emergency Plan instruction and Galley Fire Training
o Refresher training for mobile safety response teams
• Coordinate training with T&D and report compliance status to leadership.

Other Duties
• Attend meetings and perform additional assigned tasks.
• Uphold professional conduct in all duties and crew/guest interactions.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
• Unlimited Chief Mate License (Class II)
• STCW-compliant Trainer and Assessor Course, Fast Rescue Boat training
• Extensive experience onboard, including a minimum of 3 consecutive contracts holding this title on a major cruise line
• Experience as 1st Officer in all three specialties: Firefighting, Lifesaving, and Navigation (minimum one contract each)
• Previous supervisory or training experience in marine safety
• Knowledge in safety equipment, accident prevention, and investigation procedures

Language Skills:
• Fluent in English (spoken and written); other languages (e.g., Spanish, French, German) preferred