First Officer – Passenger Supply Vessel

QUALIFICATIONS:

Officer of the watch (OOW unlimited) minimum.

Our client operates a passenger supply vessel situated in the Bristol Channel, 11 miles off the North Devon coast. The ship provides a seasonal operation comprising a passenger/cargo service from April until the end of October from both Bideford and Ilfracombe. From November to March, she operates a cargo-only service from Bideford. Staying passengers are transported to the island by helicopter during the winter months, which operates from our heliport at Hartland Point.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This is not a live on-board position, so you will need to be located or be prepared to relocate within commuting distance of Bideford or Ilfracombe, North Devon.

GENERALLY:

This is a permanent position assisting the Captain in managing the ship throughout the year in all aspects of the ship's operation, including annual dry dock.

SAILING SCHEDULES:

The summer (BST) scheduled sailing season normally comprises the following schedule to include weekends and bank holidays, (dependent on when BST starts and ends):

1. Two sailings in March
2. Three sailings per week during April, May, and June
3. Up to four or five sailings per week during July and August
4. Three sailings per week during September and October
5. Private charters and River cruises to meet customer demand

The winter sailing schedule is subject to demand from the Island and normally comprises one sailing per month from November to March. The First Officer's position is based on a five-day week.

WINTER HELICOPTER SERVICE:

The company’s winter helicopter service runs twice weekly from November to March and can also be utilized on days where bad weather restricts summer sailings. Ships' crew are trained to act as Helicopter ground crew.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. In charge of the coordination of cargo deliveries to and from the ship in cooperation with island staff, the stowing and lashing of cargo, and the safe transport of cargo and its safe delivery onto the island jetty.
2. The loading of cargo within the ship’s stability parameters, as detailed in the Stability Book.
3. Cargo record keeping in the ship’s log, daily cargo manifest reports to the island on sailing days as soon as possible after loading.
4. The safety and training of crew assisting with cargo loading with special reference to the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen.
5. The training and certification of selected crew in operation of the crane and adherence to safe working practices as detailed in the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen.
6. The day-to-day implementation of the Safety Management System (e.g., filling in daily pre-sailing checklists, risk assessments, non-conformities, record keeping, crew training).
7. The running of the general daily jobs of the crew and the support of the Information Officer in the allocation of duties to the bar, buffet, and shop staff.
8. Record keeping of all Officers and crew days worked, and to plan the optimum number of crew in accordance with efficiency and statutory obligations.
9. The regular correction and record keeping (SMS) of all publications and charts on board.
10. The maintenance of the deck log.
11. The operation of the ship’s radio telephone and DCS equipment in accordance with his GMDSS radio certificate, and in times of distress working.
12. The training of new crew members in basic safety and duties to passengers in the event of an emergency.
13. The keeping of a navigational watch as officer in charge.
14. Relief Captain when carrying 12 passengers or less.
15. Pilot exemption holder for Bideford and Ilfracombe.

RENUNERATION:

£37,300 per annum and the opportunity to join the Trust's pension scheme after one year's service.

PENSION SCHEME:

There is a non-contributory pension scheme which you may join when you have been with the Company for a year. The Company also operates a stakeholder pension arrangement, currently with Norwich Union, which you may join after completion of three months’ service and contributions will be deducted from your salary and paid to the insurer.

WORKING HOURS:

To suit the ship's sailing and maintenance schedule, normally five days in every seven.

HOLIDAY:

The holiday entitlement is 30 days per annum plus statutory holidays. The holiday year runs from 1 January to 31 December. Due to the nature of the business, holiday during the busy summer period will be restricted.

SICKNESS PAY:

During the first 52 weeks of employment or the probationary period (whichever is the longer), you will only be paid your entitlement to SSP. After this period, you will be paid your salary during any absence up to three months in any 12-month period. Where absence exceeds seven consecutive days and in certain other circumstances, a doctor’s certificate will be required.

NOTICE:

The appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of an initial six-month probationary period, though this period may be extended if more time is needed to assess suitability for employment. During this period, the post will be subject to a week’s notice on either side. A minimum of one month’s notice in writing on either side applies after the end of the probationary period.

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

You are required to comply with the Health and Safety Policy at all times, and all notices and instructions regarding Health and Safety and Fire Prevention must be observed. You must also comply with all Health and Safety provisions of Maritime Law.

DRESS CODE:

All officers and crew members are representative of the Company and vessel. Therefore a strict uniform policy is in place on the Ship and must be adhered to during all sailings. Uniform and PPE will be provided.

Applicants MUST be eligible to live and work in the UK.