Chief Officer

Magnitude Recruitment is seeking an experienced and professional Chief Officer to join a 60m+ private motor yacht. The vessel operates a private programme, cruising throughout the Mediterranean during the summer season before returning to its winter base in Spain.

The successful candidate will be a confident and capable deck department leader with strong navigational, operational and administrative experience. A thorough understanding of ISM procedures, onboard safety systems and vessel certification is essential for this role.

Candidates holding a Master 3000 GT Certificate of Competency would be considered a significant advantage.

2/2 rotation, EUR salary

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Captain with the safe navigation, operation and management of the vessel.
• Lead, train and manage the deck department, maintaining high standards of professionalism and performance.
• Actively manage and maintain the vessel’s Safety Management System and ISM documentation.
• Ensure all safety procedures, risk assessments, permits to work and operational checklists are completed correctly.
• Maintain oversight of the vessel’s statutory, flag state and class certificates, ensuring all documentation remains valid and up to date.
• Monitor certificate expiry dates and coordinate renewals, surveys, inspections and audits.
• Prepare the vessel and crew for internal and external ISM audits, flag state inspections, port state control and class surveys.
• Plan passages, manage bridge operations and oversee navigational watchkeeping.
• Maintain charts, publications, navigational equipment and bridge documentation.
• Organise and conduct emergency drills, safety training and onboard familiarisation.
• Manage deck maintenance schedules, inventories, purchasing and departmental budgets.
• Coordinate tender operations, watersports activities and guest excursions.
• Support the Captain during shipyard periods, refits, maintenance periods and regulatory inspections.
• Promote a positive, safe and collaborative working environment onboard.

Candidate Requirements

• Previous experience as a Chief Officer onboard a similar-sized motor yacht, or a highly experienced Second Officer ready to progress.
• Strong and demonstrable experience with ISM, SMS procedures and maritime compliance.
• Excellent knowledge of yacht certificates, statutory documentation, flag requirements and class compliance.
• Confident preparing for and participating in audits, inspections and surveys.
• Strong leadership, crew management and communication skills.
• Excellent navigational, passage planning and bridge management experience.
• Organised, detail-focused and confident managing administrative responsibilities.
• Hands-on approach to deck operations and maintenance.
• Calm, professional and able to perform effectively under pressure.
• Experience cruising within the Mediterranean is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• OOW Unlimited (II/1) or higher – minimum requirement.
• Master 3000 GT Certificate of Competency – highly advantageous.
• Valid STCW Basic Safety Training.
• Valid ENG1 Medical Certificate.
• GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate.
• ECDIS certification.
• Advanced Fire Fighting.
• Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats.
• Medical First Aid or Medical Care certification.
• Designated Security Duties or Ship Security Officer certification.
• Valid tender driving qualification and strong tender handling experience.
• Package
• Permanent position.
• Competitive salary, dependent on experience and qualifications.
• Private yacht programme.
• Mediterranean cruising during the summer.
• Winter base in Spain.
• Professional and supportive onboard environment.
• Opportunity to join a stable, long-term programme.

This position would suit an experienced Chief Officer with strong operational, administrative and compliance knowledge who is confident taking ownership of the vessel’s ISM systems, safety documentation and certification requirements.