Staff Captain

Position Summary

The Staff Captain is the Master's Deputy and second in command of the ship. They oversee the Deck Department, assist the Master with all service and operational matters, and ensure the safe and efficient running of the vessel. The Staff Captain is responsible for shipboard safety, security, maintenance, loading, and regulatory compliance, and acts as the Master’s representative in their absence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

All duties and responsibilities are to be performed in accordance with Royal Caribbean Group’s The Royal Way, SQM standards, USPH guidelines, environmental, and safety policies.

Employees may be required to perform functions across various service areas and throughout the ship.

In accordance with Royal Caribbean’s Anchored in Excellence philosophy, each employee conducts themselves professionally and courteously at all times, engaging positively with guests and crew members.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Command:

  • Act as the Master’s deputy and second-in-command, prepared to assume command at any time.
  • Assist the Master in all service and operational matters, keeping them informed of significant events, trends, and issues affecting the ship’s welfare, passengers, and crew.
  • Ensure close cooperation with the HR Manager on crew issues, and oversee the discipline, grooming, and conduct of crew members in the department.
  • Maintain a detailed record of the Master’s instructions and ensure their proper implementation.
  • Support the Master in training, mentoring, and evaluating department heads and crew.
  • Act as the monitoring and supervising officer for any deck cadets onboard, reviewing their training progress weekly.

Safety & Security:

  • Responsible to the Master for all aspects of shipboard security, including implementation of the Ship Security Plan.
  • Serve as the designated Ship Security Officer (SSO), ensuring all security protocols and equipment are maintained and effective.
  • Oversee safety and security measures, investigate accidents and incidents, and ensure reports are completed accurately and timely.
  • Coordinate with the Chief Officer Safety and Security Officer on safety training, drills, and emergency preparedness.
  • Authorize tours of restricted areas after consulting with department heads.
  • Ensure all new crew receive proper safety and environmental orientation, following established guidelines.

Maintenance & Operations:

  • Oversee all planned maintenance for the Deck Department using the AMOS system, ensuring timely completion and accurate record-keeping.
  • Collaborate with the Bosun on the maintenance of hull, superstructure, rigging, cargo gear, mooring equipment, and decks, ensuring cleanliness and proper care.
  • Supervise the maintenance of tanks (ballast, fresh water, sewage, grey water, etc.) and ensure they are properly cleaned and maintained.
  • Manage the deck stores and the deck budget, supporting inventory control and procurement in collaboration with the Technical Storekeeper.
  • Oversee the compliance with the Outbreak Prevention Plan (OPP) and support the Ship’s Doctor(s)/Hotel Director regarding isolation orders for affected guests/crew.
  • Manage the ship’s loading and stability, ensuring proper cargo and passenger loading, securing the vessel for sea, and supervising ballast and trim operations.
  • Maintain a library of operational manuals, drawings, and instructions for the Deck Department.
  • Ensure proper stowage of all cargo and stores, coordinate loading plans, and oversee the secure departure of the vessel.

Other:

  • Attend meetings, training sessions, and all other work-related activities as required.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by management or the Master.

Qualifications

Minimum Hiring & Licensing Requirements:

  • Conformance with all international and national regulations.
  • Hold a Master Mariner Unlimited (Class I) license.
  • Have completed all regulatory and company-required training.

Language Requirements:

  • Ability to speak English clearly, distinctly, and cordially with guests.
  • Ability to read and write English to interpret procedures, instructions, and communicate effectively with guests, supervisors, and crew.
  • Additional languages such as Spanish, French, or German are preferred.

Physical & Visual Requirements:

  • Regularly required to stand, walk, handle equipment, reach, talk, hear, and smell.
  • Occasionally or continually lift and move up to 50 pounds.
  • Vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception, with the ability to adjust focus.
  • Must be physically capable of participating in emergency life-saving procedures and drills, including handling lifeboats, with full use of arms, legs, and sensory functions.