Assistant Bosun for Orient Express Sailing Yachts

Orient Express; Greater London; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Orient Express Sailing Yachts is seeking an experienced Assistant Bosun to join the vessel ORIENT EXPRESS OLYMPIAN on a 6‑month contract. The role oversees deck maintenance, leads the deck crew, and ensures safety and regulatory compliance on a cruise ship environment.

Requirements include STCW95 certification, relevant regulatory certifications, and extensive experience on passenger ships. Fluent English is essential for operations and crew communication.

Qualifications

• Strong exterior maintenance knowledge
• Proficient in operating tenders and rescue boats
• Leadership experience with deck teams
• Excellent English communication and safety awareness

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule and execute regular maintenance of deck areas not covered by engine dept.
• Oversee deck crew daily duties and ensure compliance with company standards
• Manage deck stores, paint locker and bosun’s stores and stock levels
• Ensure lifesaving, fire-fighting and pollution prevention equipment readiness
• Lead tender operations when vessel is at anchor and coordinate zodiac operations
• Maintain logs and ensure adherence to safety and regulatory requirements

Job description

Assistant Bosun for Orient Express Sailing Yachts

Department: Deck

Employment Type: Contract

Location: Shipboard

Description

We are currently seeking an experienced Assistant Bosun to join the cruise vessel ORIENT EXPRESS OLYMPIAN.

Details are as follows:

• Embarkation: 01 April 2027 (date to be confirmed)
• Contract: 6 months ±1
• Requirements:
  • Previous experience as such on cruise ships
  • Strong employment references/recommendations
  • All relevant STCW certificates valid and up to date

Position Summary

1. Responsible for the exterior of the vessel and will oversee the deck team in its ongoing maintenance in accordance with Company Policies, any National or International standards and any other prescribed regulations. Assisting and supporting the Deck department in every respect according to the Master’s or Staff Captain’s instructions.

Reporting Structure

1. Reporting to the Staff Captain.
2. Subordinates – All Able Seaman and Ordinary Seaman, Carpenter, Assistant Carpenter, Joiner, Assistant Joiner.

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 STCW95 certification.
2. Appropriate certification as required by regulations.
3. Good understanding of exterior maintenance and repair.
4. Must be fully proficient in operating tenders and rescue boats.
5. Extensive experience in subordinate positions and on board passenger ships in a similar role.
6. Physically and medically fit.
7. Moral integrity is required.
8. 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.

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 in all areas of the vessel with light traffic and distracting environments.

Profile:

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.
7. Well groomed and neat appearance.
8. Ability to deliver a high standard of performance.

Status - Rating. Salary - Refer to contract. Rotation - Refer to contract.

Key Responsibilities

1. In collaboration with the Staff Captain will plan, schedule and execute all activities in regards to regular maintenance of all areas of the vessel not maintained by the Engine department.
2. Responsible to be familiar with the operation and location of all lifesaving, fire-fighting and pollution prevention equipment.
3. Manages daily maintenance to preserve the painted surfaces of the ship.
4. Assigns daily duties to the deck crew. Checking the completed work for compliance with Company standards and operating procedures.
5. Responsible for the ship’s deck stores, paint locker, Bosun’s store and other areas assigned to him. Ensuring that all work materials and equipment are properly stowed.
6. Ensures sufficient stock of spare parts and consumables is on order and in the onboard system to cover planned and unplanned maintenance.
7. Executes and oversees regular maintenance of the following (to include but not limited to):
   1. Anchors.
   2. Chains.
   3. Mooring winches.
   4. Ropes.
   5. Springs.
8. Ensures that anchoring and mooring operations are being carried out efficiently.
9. Secures the gangway for shore and sea going operations.
10. Ensures sea worthiness of the vessel.
11. Will lead the tendering operations under the Staff Captain’s instruction when the vessel is at anchor ensuring that the tender operations are performed in a safe manner and according to the schedule.
12. Leads a safe zodiac operation as per Staff Captains instructions.
13. Has a full knowledge of every aspect of safety features of the vessel. Being fully conversant with the Company’s VMS.
14. Participates in the loading of deck department provisioning.
15. Keeps the Staff Captain and Officer on duty promptly and fully informed of all problems and matters of significance.
16. Accurate completion of log books and other assigned documentation.
17. Accountable for ensuring that Company, National and International standards are maintained and meeting requirements.
18. Practices good people management, maintaining proper conduct within the Deck department and other departments around the ship.
19. Monitors his subordinates working/rest hours and overtime. Maintaining 100% compliance with Company requirements as well as ILO/MLC.
20. Leads, trains and develops subordinates ensuring effective reviews, feedback, coaching and performance management.
21. Observes and enforces uniform and grooming standards according to Company policies.
22. All other duties as assigned.