1st Officer for Crystal Cruises

We are currently seeking an experienced 1st Officer ready to join the cruise vessel Crystal Symphony.

Embarkation: 02 July 2026
Contract Duration: 3 months on/off

Requirements:

• Previous experience in the rank of 1st Officer on passenger/cruise vessels
• All valid STCW Certificates
• Minimum Management Level CoC in accordance with STCW Regulation II/2
• Strong references/recommendations from previous employers
• Good command of English

Should you be interested, kindly send your updated CV together with scanned copies of your Certificates and latest references/recommendations.

Position Summary

1. To maintain a safe navigational watch on the bridge whilst the vessel is at sea, at anchor and in port in accordance with Company Policies, any National or International standards and any other prescribed regulations. Assisting and supporting the Safety Officer and Navigation Officer in every respect according to the Master’s or Staff Captain’s instructions.

Reporting Structure

1. Reporting to the Captain, Staff Captain and Chief Navigator.
2. Subordinates – Quarter Master, Fire Patrol and Security Guard on duty.

Safety Duties:

1. Participates in crew and passenger safety drills according to instructions.
2. Always complies with the Company’s safety and pollution prevention regulations and operating procedures.
3. Leads by example by taking care of Health and Safety of self and others.
4. Ensures that all work equipment, personal protective equipment, chemicals and safety devices are being used correctly.

Education/Experience/Qualifications:

1. Valid STCW certification.
2. Valid CoC A-II/2.
3. Appropriate certification as required by regulations.
4. Thorough knowledge of and ability to use navigational charts and publications, such as sailing directions, tide tables, notices to mariners, radio navigational warnings and ships' routing information
5. Physically and medically fit.
6. Moral integrity is required.
7. 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 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 on the Bridge with light traffic and distracting environments.

1. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to lead, motivate and develop a culturally diverse work force.
2. Punctual.
3. Proactive approach to problem solving.
4. Ability to be flexible, well organized, self managed and motivated. Handle multiple demands, remain calm and effective under pressure and resolve issues quickly.
5. Effective, full, clear and concise communications is essential.
6. Safe, professional and personal practices. Fully conversant with VMS and MLC requirements.
7. Well groomed and neat appearance.
8. Ability to deliver a high standard of performance.

Status - Officer.
Salary - Refer to contract.
Rotation - Refer to contract.
Accommodation - Single cabin with every second day cleaning.

Key Responsibilities

1. To act as the Master’s representative during Bridge watch, supervising the ‘on watch’ team and ensuring that watches are carried out properly and Masters standing orders followed. The 1st Officer shall ensure that adequate rounds of the vessel and reporting equipment malfunctions or breakdowns, performing and directing routine adjustments as necessary. Observing meteorological and tidal conditions and state of the sea. During the watch adheres to the emergency procedures and monitors bridge equipment, fire detection systems and watertight doors status.
2. Ensures that a satisfactory watch is kept when the Captain or the Pilot is in control, by following the orders given to the helmsman and ensuring the ship’s position on regular intervals as required, with all possible navigational means.
3. Responsible to know the handling characteristics of the vessel, including stopping distance. Has a full knowledge of every aspect of safety features of the vessel. Being fully conversant with the Company’s VMS.
4. Ensures seaworthiness of the vessel.
5. Responsible to be familiar with the operation and location of all lifesaving, fire-fighting and pollution prevention equipment.
6. Keeps log of all watch operations and conditions.
7. Assists the lower-ranked Deck Officers in familiarization with the bridge instruments and equipment.
8. While the ship is in port the Watch Keeping Officer observes gangways, supervises the moorings and is aware of any significant work in progress as well as monitors the in-port manning duties.
9. Whilst the ship is at anchor the 1st Officer is responsible for the following (to include but not limited to):
   1. Determines and plots the ship's position on the appropriate chart.
   2. Ensures that an efficient lookout is maintained.
   3. Ensures that inspection rounds of the ship are carried out.
   4. Observes meteorological, tidal conditions and the state of the sea.
   5. Notifies the Master and undertakes all necessary measures if the ship drags the anchor.
   6. Ensures that the main engines are at a state of readiness and other machinery is in accordance with the Master’s instructions.
   7. Ensures that the ship exhibits the appropriate lights, shapes and sound signals at all times.
   8. Ensures that tender or zodiac operations are performed in a safe manner and according to schedule.
10. Monitors the status of the navigational equipment, navigational lights, the proper storage of standard signaling and other emergency signaling located on the Bridge.
11. Carries out operational tests of shipboard navigation equipment whilst at sea as frequently as practicable and as circumstances permit.
12. The Officer of the watch should make regular checks to ensure that the helmsman or the automatic pilot is steering the correct course.
13. Responsible to ensure that the standard compass error is determined at least once per watch and when possible after any major alteration of course.
14. Responsible to ensure that the automatic pilot is tested manually at least once per watch.
15. Responsible to ensure that the navigation and signaling lights and other navigation equipment are functioning properly.
16. Ensures the use of radars when restricted visibility is encountered or expected and at all times in congested waters, selecting an appropriate range scale, changing at frequent intervals so that echoes are detected as early as possible. Commencing plotting or systematic analysis in ample time.
17. Responsible to be thoroughly familiar with the use of electronic navigational aids, including their capabilities and limitations.
18. Responsible for laying down course lines on all charts and the maintenance of navigational charts. Fixes should be taken at frequent intervals whenever circumstances allow by using more than one method. Positively identifying all relevant navigation marks.
19. Responsible for maintaining the hydrograph including chart’s correction.
20. Constantly checks the latest weather conditions and communicates to relevant parties as needed.
21. Ensures that ECDIS has been updated and navigation plans are created and activated.
22. Accurate communication with the pilot stations and/or any VTS and/or reporting system.
23. Executes calm, concise and clear communications via VHF with other ships/Port Control, VTS, etc., where language barriers are present.
24. Ensuring Bridge operations in regards to emergency equipment testing.
25. Ensures that a comprehensive and accurate handover is prepared for the relieving Officer of the watch (to include but not limited to):
    1. Master’s standing orders and other special instructions of the Master relating to navigation.
    2. Position, course, speed and draught of the vessel.
    3. Prevailing and predicted tides, currents, weather, visibility and effects of these factors upon course and speed.
    4. Operational condition of all navigations and safety equipment being used or likely to be used during the watch.
    5. Error of gyro and magnetic compasses.
    6. Presence and movement of ships in sight or known to be in the vicinity.
    7. Conditions and hazards likely to be encountered during the watch.
    8. Possible effects of heel, trim, water density and squat under keel clearance.
26. Responsible to take frequent and accurate compass bearing of approaching ships as a means of early detection for risk of collision. Takes early and positive actions in compliance with the applicable regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea (COLREGS 72) and subsequently checks that such actions are having the desired effect.
27. Responsible to apply and comply with all International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea (COLREGS 72) when restricted visibility is encountered or expected, with particular regard to the sounding of fog signals, proceeding at safe speed and having the engines ready for immediate maneuvers.
28. Assists in tendering and zodiac operations as required by the Staff Captain.
29. Attends mooring stations as instructed by the Staff Captain.
30. Supervises crew assigned to mooring stations and ensures that mooring operations are conducted in accordance with the advice in the Code of Safe Working Practice.
31. Responsible for GMDSS communication in the event of an emergency during his/her duty watch and/or as required.
32. Responsible for the good operation/setting of the GMDSS equipment during his/her duty watch.
33. Whilst the vessel is in Dry Dock, works as instructed by the Staff Captain.
34. Assists the Safety Officer in related crew training if required.
35. Familiarizing with the ship’s stability in order to eventually assist the Staff Captain with this duty.
36. Keeps the Master and Staff Captain promptly and fully informed of all problems and matters of significance.
37. Accurate completion of log books and other assigned documentation.
38. Responsible for keeping the ship’s official log book, which requires a thorough working knowledge of the applicable Flag State legislation and requirements.
39. Accountable for ensuring that Company, National and International standards are maintained and meeting requirements. Reporting to the Master any instances where the ship is unable or fails to comply.
40. Monitors his subordinates' working/rest hours and overtime. Maintaining 100% compliance with Company requirements as well as ILO/MLC.
41. Executes strict practices to ensure that the vessel is operated in accordance with the following regulations and Company policies, during all prevailing circumstances and conditions:
    1. International Safety Management Code.
    2. ISPS Code.
    3. SOLAS.
    4. ECDIS.
    5. Code of Safe Working Practices.
    6. MARPOL.
    7. Pollution prevention.
    8. COLREG 72.
    9. GMDSS.
    10. International Code of Signals.
    11. Oil Record Book.
    12. ILO/IMO/ITF/MLC 2006.
    13. Ballast Water Management.
    14. US CDC Vessel Sanitation Program.
    15. Stability and Trim.
    16. Merchant Shipping Legislation of the Bahamas.
42. Prepares a comprehensive handover of duties according to and via form OP196A.
43. Practices good people management, maintaining proper conduct within the Deck department and other departments around the ship.
44. Observes and enforces uniform and grooming standards according to Company policies.
45. All other duties as assigned.

About Crystal Cruises

Under new ownership with A&K, the Crystal Serenity & Crystal Symphony will continue to serve Crystal Cruises; the epitome of contemporary luxury. Partnering with V.Ships Leisure, Crystal Cruises offers the very best opportunities to the very best talent for this renowned brand. We recognise that many who were once part of Crystal will want to return. Therefore, priority will be awarded to those crew who have previously been a part of the Crystal family.

Work Experience Requirements

All applicants must have previous experience in working on ships.

Language Requirements

Good knowledge of the English language is required.

Certificates and Qualifications

Mandatory STCW certificates are required from all applicants.
Please sign up for STCW courses and obtain the certificates if you don't have them yet.