Second Officer

Aqua Expeditions; Svalbard; On-site; NOK 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Global itineraries

Crew development program

Award-winning company

Job summary

Aqua Expeditions seeks a Second Officer for its vessel Aqua Lares to maintain the highest navigation standards and safety on board. You will stand watches, assist voyage planning, and manage navigational equipment while ensuring guest service excellence.

Ideal candidates bring STCW II/1, GOC/ROC, polar certification, and strong English, with prior experience on passenger vessels or large yachts. An exciting, safety-focused role awaits in a premium maritime environment.

Qualifications

• STCW II/1, OICNW mandatory.
• GOC or ROC mandatory for operation.
• Polar water certification required for polar voyages.
• Experience as 2nd officer on passenger vessels or large yachts.
• Strong English skills and safety mindset.

Responsibilities

• Stand navigational watches as OOW to ensure safe passage.
• Assist voyage planning with ETA calculations and routes.
• Maintain navigational equipment (ECDIS, GPS, radar).
• Keep nautical publications up to date and accurate.
• Act as GMDSS Officer for radio communications.
• Lead and train junior deck crew and ensure safety.

Skills

English proficiency

Navigator skills

Safety mindset

Leadership

Education

STCW II/1 OICNW

GOC or ROC

Polar water certification

Tools

ECDIS

GPS

Radar

MS Office

Job description

We’re hiring: Second Officer, Aqua Lares.

OUR VISION:

To create and deliver unique and authentic once-in-a-lifetime experiences so that our guests can have enriching memories to cherish for a lifetime.

OUR MISSION:

Aqua Expeditions offers customized luxury travel experiences aboard vessels of elegant, contemporary design, centered around

immersive culture and wildlife excursions unique to each location, award-winning cuisine by renowned chefs, personalized guest service, and a commitment to community, sustainability and preservation.

4 CORE VALUES:

A: We value AUTHENTICITY, believing in the unique talents of each individual and the importance of integrity.

Q: We aim for QUALITY, emphasizing a service-oriented approach and shared knowledge.

U: We believe in UNITY, and prioritize effective teamwork.

A: We hold deep ADMIRATION and respect for our environment, collaborating closely with local communities to foster responsible practices that protect and conserve nature.

Sounds great – what’s the role in a nutshell?

• The Second Officer is a critical role responsible for the safe navigation and operational readiness of the vessel. This position ensures the highest standards of safety and professionalism are maintained on the bridge, thereby guaranteeing a secure and seamless voyage that directly supports an exceptional marine hospitality experience for all guests.

Your passion is:

Navigation and Bridge Watchkeeping

• Watchkeeping: Stand designated navigational watches as an Officer of the Watch (OOW), ensuring the vessel's continuous safe passage, adherence to the voyage plan, and compliance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).
• Voyage Planning: Assist the Chief Officer and Master in the preparation, review, and execution of comprehensive voyage plans, including calculating courses, distances, and Estimated Times of Arrival (ETAs).
• Equipment Management: Maintain and update all navigational equipment, including the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), Radar, Global Positioning System (GPS), magnetic compass, and gyrocompass.
• Nautical Publications: Ensure all nautical charts, sailing directions, light lists, and other required publications (paper and electronic) are corrected, up-to-date, and readily accessible for safe navigation.
• GMDSS: Serve as the designated Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Officer, responsible for the operational readiness and maintenance of all radio communication equipment.

Safety, Security, and Emergency Preparedness

• Life-Saving Appliances (LSA): Act as the designated officer responsible for the maintenance, inspection, and inventory of all Life-Saving Appliances (LSA), including lifeboats, rescue boats, life rafts, and associated equipment, ensuring continuous operational readiness.
• Fire-Fighting Appliances (FFA): Assist the Safety Officer (usually the Chief Officer) in the inspection and maintenance of Fire-Fighting Appliances (FFA).
• Drills and Training: Participate in and lead emergency drills (e.g., fire, abandon ship, man overboard) as assigned, ensuring the crew and, where applicable, key hospitality staff are trained in their emergency duties.
• Security: Assist the Ship Security Officer (SSO) in maintaining the security of the vessel and compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
  

Administration and Hospitality Interface

• Documentation: Maintain accurate logbooks, records, and reports related to bridge operations, equipment maintenance, and safety inspections.
• Crew Leadership: Supervise and train junior deck ratings (e.g., Able Seamen, Ordinary Seamen) assigned to the bridge watch and deck maintenance teams.
• Guest Interaction (Non-Routine): On occasion and with the permission of the Master, interact professionally with guests regarding navigation, weather, or ship operations, enhancing the guest experience while maintaining strict safety boundaries.
• Procedure Compliance: Adhere strictly to the company's Safety Management System (SMS), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and international maritime regulations (e.g., SOLAS, MARPOL).

What are we looking for?

• STCW Regulation II/1, Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) mandatory.
• General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) or Restricted Operator’s Certificate (ROC) mandatory.
• Polar water Certification, mandatory.
• Relevant sea-time experience as a 2nd officer, preferably on passenger vessels or large yachts.
• Valid STCW Medical Certificate.
• Exceptional command of the English language (written and spoken), strong navigational skills, high-level computer literacy (ECDIS, MS Office), and an exemplary safety mindset.
• Professional demeanour, outstanding interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively within a large, diverse team in a high-pressure, guest-facing environment.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Be part of an award-winning, worldwide company at the forefront of technological innovation.
• Collaborate with a passionate and dedicated team.
• Make meaningful contributions that drive our company's success.