Job Description
Duties include (but are not limited to):
The Master holds ultimate responsibility for the safe navigation, operation, and management of the vessel, crew, and passengers. This role encompasses compliance with international maritime regulations, company policies, and expedition-specific safety and environmental protocols. The Master serves as the ship’s highest authority, ensuring the safety, comfort, and experience of all onboard while delivering exceptional expedition voyages to remote destinations.
Key Responsibilities
1. Vessel Command & Navigation
Assume overall command of the vessel, maintaining authority and responsibility for its safe and efficient operation.
Navigate and operate the vessel in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW.
Plan and execute voyages in challenging expedition environments (e.g., polar regions, remote islands), factoring in weather, ice, tides, and environmental hazards.
Maintain updated charts, publications, and navigation systems (ECDIS, radar, GPS).
2. Safety & Emergency Preparedness
Serve as the vessel’s Safety Officer and ultimate decision-maker during emergencies.
Lead and oversee regular safety drills (fire, man overboard, abandon ship, ice navigation contingencies).
Ensure compliance with ISM Code and company SMS procedures.
Oversee passenger safety briefings and expedition-specific hazard awareness (e.g., polar bear safety, zodiac operations).
3. Crew Leadership & Management
Manage, mentor, and motivate deck, engine, hotel, and expedition staff.
Ensure adequate manning levels, competence, and certification compliance.
Foster a professional, safety-focused, and service-oriented culture onboard.
Lead disciplinary processes where required.
4. Passenger Experience & Expedition Coordination
Work closely with the Expedition Leader to integrate navigational planning with itinerary goals and passenger experiences.
Make operational decisions that balance passenger satisfaction with safety and environmental stewardship.
Participate in passenger welcome events, captain’s briefings, and Q&A sessions.
5. Environmental & Regulatory Compliance
Uphold all environmental protection measures, including polar code requirements and waste management protocols.
Ensure compliance with all flag state, port state, and international regulations.
Report to relevant authorities as required (e.g., incident reports, pollution prevention logs).
6. Vessel Maintenance Oversight
Monitor vessel condition, seaworthiness, and maintenance schedules.
Authorize drydocking, surveys, and repairs in coordination with technical management.
7. Reporting & Administration
Maintain accurate ship’s logs, voyage reports, and official records.
Submit operational, safety, and environmental reports to the company and regulatory bodies.
Control vessel budgets where applicable.
Qualifications & Certifications
STCW Master Unlimited or equivalent (STCW II/2, Master ≥ 3000 GT) endorsed for passenger vessels.
Advanced Polar Certificate
A Pilotage Exemption Certificate (PEC) for Svalbard is preferred
Proven experience as Master or Chief Officer on passenger or expedition vessels, preferably in remote Polar regions.
Proficiency in Russian and English languages
Exceptional leadership, decision-making, and crisis management skills.
Advanced ship-handling abilities, particularly in challenging environments (ice, narrow passages, dynamic weather).
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage with passengers and multinational crews.
High standard of professional ethics and environmental responsibility.
Adaptability to changing itineraries and expedition conditions.
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