Chief officer 55+m SY

Frey Recruitment; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

60 days paid leave

Full crew medical cover

Annual salary review

Job summary

Freyrecruitment is seeking an experienced Chief Officer for a 55m+ performance sailing yacht based in New Zealand, with Pacific cruising planned. The role supports the Captain across bridge, navigation, safety and deck operations, leading by example and training the deck crew.

Candidates must have at least five years’ relevant experience, including time as Chief Officer, Bosun or Captain of a smaller vessel, with strong boat handling, watchkeeping and extensive maintenance knowledge.

Qualifications

• Five years’ relevant experience including time as Chief Officer, Bosun or Captain on smaller vessels.
• Strong boat handling, watchkeeping and navigational skills required.
• Extensive maintenance knowledge across hull, rigging and systems.

Responsibilities

• Managing and training the deck crew.
• Planned maintenance and deck inventories.
• Navigation, passage planning, charts and publications.
• Watch schedules and daily routines.
• Safety drills, meetings and ISM procedures.
• Stowage of the yacht for sea.
• Leading deck operations while sailing.
• Managing budgets, work lists and contractors.
• Supporting administrative and safety requirements.
• Acting as Ship Security Officer.

Skills

Navigation

Watchkeeping

Deck operations

Leadership

Budget management

Training crew

Education

OOW/Chief Mate

Job description

CHIEF OFFICER | 55M+ PERFORMANCE SAILING YACHT

A 55m+ performance sailing yacht is seeking an experienced Chief Officer to join its Pacific-based programme.

The yacht will remain in New Zealand until the new year, with potential New Zealand and Australian cruising. Future plans may include Japan and/or French Polynesia, with the yacht expected to remain in the Pacific for at least two years.

The Chief Officer will support the Captain across all aspects of yacht management and take responsibility for bridge, navigation, safety and deck operations. They must be a strong, hands-on leader who leads by example, communicates well and can train the deck crew in repair and maintenance skills.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and training the deck crew
• Planned maintenance and deck/container inventories
• Navigation, passage planning, charts and publications
• Watch schedules and daily routines
• Safety drills, meetings and ISM procedures
• Stowage of the yacht for sea
• Leading deck operations while sailing
• Managing budgets, work lists and contractors
• Supporting administrative and safety requirements
• Acting as Ship Security Officer

Candidates must have at least five years’ relevant experience, including time as a Chief Officer, Bosun or Captain of a smaller vessel. A minimum OOW/Chief Mate is required.

Strong boat handling, watchkeeping and navigational skills are essential, alongside extensive maintenance knowledge covering corrosion, painting, splicing, rigging, fibreglass, carpentry and outboard motors. Basic engineering, computer and advanced watersports skills are also required.

The ideal candidate will be professional, discreet, organised and diplomatic, with the ability to delegate effectively and remain calm under pressure.

• Start: TBC
• Joining location: New Zealand
• Salary: Euros, DOE
• Leave: 60 days paid
• Full crew medical cover
• Annual salary review