Chief Officer / First Mate

The Chief Officer runs the deck department and is the captain's second in command. On most yachts over 45m you plan the deck team's work, keep the safety management system alive and stand bridge watches on passage. When the captain is ashore or off rotation, you are the senior person on board. Captains rely on you to turn their plans into a schedule the deck crew can actually deliver, and to tell them early when something will not work.

Much of the job is paperwork that keeps the yacht legal. You run drills, maintain the ISM and ISPS records, prepare for flag and class surveys, and often act as Ship Security Officer. You plan passages, check charts and weather, and handle berthing requests with marinas and agents. On charter you brief the deck team each morning, organise tender runs and water toys, and make sure guests see a calm, well turned out crew rather than the work behind it.

You also manage people. Hiring deckhands, setting rotas, running appraisals and dealing with disputes sit with you, usually alongside the bosun on bigger yachts. In the yard you oversee paint, teak and safety equipment contractors and track the deck budget. Most chief officers hold a Chief Mate (Yacht) 3000gt and are working towards Master. The role is the usual last step before command, so captains hiring want someone who already thinks like one.