Chief Officer

DOF; Newfoundland; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

DOF is expanding in Canada with two new vessels joining our fleet in 2027. The Senior Officer role emphasizes command support, DP operations, and vessel safety leadership across OSV and AHTS activities.

You will ensure statutory compliance, training, and hands-on supervision of deck operations. We seek candidates with top maritime certifications, Canadian credentials, and a proven track record on large offshore vessels.

Qualifications

• Chief Mate Unlimited Certificate of Competency is required.
• DP Operators Certificate (Offshore Unlimited) is required.
• SSO Certificate considered an asset.
• MTW/ISM/ISPS in Canadian regulatory scope knowledge is essential.
• Medical and safety certifications must be valid.

Responsibilities

• Second in Command of the vessel, supports Master in emergencies.
• Oversees navigation and bridge watchkeeping duties.
• Maintains logbooks and vessel stability in compliance with regulations.
• Supports safety training and updates to manuals and procedures.
• Manages deck operations, cargo transfer, and security arrangements.

Skills

OSV operations experience

Large AHTS vessel experience

Customer service focus

MS Office proficiency

ISM/ISPS knowledge

Effective communication

Organizational skills

Education

Chief Mate Unlimited Certificate of Competency

Dynamic Positioning Operators Certificate (Offshore Unlimited)

Ship Personnel with Designated Security Duties Certificate

STCW MED BS, PSC, AFF

General Operators Certificate (GMDSS)

Passenger Safety Management Training

Marine Advanced First Aid and CPR

Valid Seafarers Medical

Valid Canadian Passport

Certificate of Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats

Tools

MS Office

Job description

DOF is entering an exciting new phase of growth in Canada, with two additional vessels joining our Canadian fleet in 2027. The first vessel is scheduled to join the fleet in early January 2027, followed by the second new build vessel later in 2027. Both vessels are secured on long‑term contracts, supporting the continued growth of our Canadian operations and creating new opportunities for talented people to join our team.

At DOF, you join a global team that values safety, respect, and collaboration - where people support one another and take pride in safely delivering complex solutions. You gain experience across diverse marine, subsea, and offshore operations, working with the world’s largest fleets of Subsea and high‑end AHTS vessels, with opportunities to grow your skills across disciplines and regions worldwide. We support your career development, recognise autonomy and collaborative contribution, and offer a workplace where people care about their impact and work together as one team

Tasks can include, but are not limited to:

• Second in Command of the vessel;
• Assists Master in emergency situations;
• Assists Master in implementing Company policies and Safety Management System;
• Acts as Senior DP Operator, Safety Officer (when appointed), Medical Representative and chair’s vessel safety committee if dedicated safety officer not onboard;
• Act as Ship Security Officer (SSO) or his Deputy if so required by the Ship Security Plan;
• Officer of the watch, directly responsible to the Master for Navigation and Bridge watchkeeping duties;
• Ensuring logbooks kept updated in an orderly presentation according to instructions for log keeping;
• Maintains stability and trim of vessel to ensure statutory criteria compliance;
• Maintains adequate fresh water on sailing and liaises with ER whilst at sea;
• Liaises with Chief Engineer to pre‑plan tank rotation for fuel consumption;
• Responsible for maintenance and service of all lifesaving, firefighting appliances and water tight integrity as required by statute;
• Responsible for updating LSA & Fire Fighting Training Manuals with ship specific content;
• Responsible for providing department specific training for new personnel in his/her department;
• Member of the PEC Committee;
• Maintains all lifting appliances, deck machinery, including certification, ancillary equipment and updating planned maintenance programmes in conjunction with the Chief Engineer;
• Maintains fabric of vessel excluding machinery spaces;
• Responsible for all garbage is handled in accordance with outlined procedures and recording;
• Maintains stock levels of deck stores;
• Ensures any deck cargo is secure at all times and organizes cargo transfer operations;
• In port, arranges vessel security arrangements, organizes watch keeping arrangements and provision of safe means of access;
• Responsible to follow up on own competence like relevant personal certificates, courses, medical license and informing crew department of own training needs

Requirements

Education and Certificate Requirements:

• Chief Mate Unlimited Certificate of Competency
• Dynamic Positioning Operators Certificate (Offshore Unlimited)
• Ship Personnel with Designated Security Duties Certificate (SSO Certificate considered an asset)
• STCW MED BS, PSC, AFF
• General Operators Certificate (GMDSS)
• Passenger Safety Management Training
• Marine Advanced First Aid and CPR
• Valid Seafarers Medical
• Valid Canadian Passport
• Certificate of Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats would be considered an asset

Experience / Knowledge:

• Experience in OSV operations including Anchor Handling and Towing is required
• Experience on large AHTS vessels will be considered an asset
• Possess a high commitment to customer service and safe working practices
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• A high-level knowledge of ISM, ISPS, Transport Canada, and all applicable legislative requirements for operating vessels in Canada
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Excellent communicator, both verbal and written
• Capable of discussing issues and topics of importance at every level
• Good organizational skills and ability to multitask

Successful candidates will be required to undergo pre‑employment drug and alcohol screening. DOF maintains the right to request a criminal background check as a part of the recruitment process.

Benefits

DOF is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to promoting a diverse workforce and an inclusive respectful workplace.

We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Priority will be given to Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and other Canadian permanent residents.

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.