Nicholas Antrobus

I joined the vessel shortly before her departure from The Netherlands after an extensive refit period initially as Bosun/2nd Officer and was then promoted to Rotational Chief Officer midway through the season. While cruising with guests I am involved organising and overseeing all guest pick-up and departure needs and transfers deck operations work and watch schedules while providing mentorship and guidance to the deck team to provide a top tier standard of service for the guests onboard. I am fully responsible for the GMDSS, and ensuring shipboard side of the ISM is followed correctly and maintained, while aiding the 2nd Officer with passage planning and preparation. My main responsibilities include managing the deck team, assisting the Master in all areas when needed pre-departure start-ups, pilot and berthing requests, keeping all vessel certificates up-to date and making sure the vessel is fully compliant with all Flag and Class requirements. I am also responsible for liaising with all contractors and agents and overseeing all operational aspects on deck run smoothly while cruising and during yard periods.

I joined the vessel during a major refit after the owners recently purchased the vessel. I was responsible for all the administration of the vessel apart from doing the accounts. During the refit yard period I was tasked with bringing the vessel up to commercial and MLC compliance standards as well as getting the vessel through a change of flag survey from Cayman Islands to Marshall Islands. I spent 60% of my time in the bridge ensuring all the vessels paperwork is up to date and that our ISM system is followed. Although being 474GT we ran full ISM onboard. I had a bosun and 2 deckhands underneath me whom I mentored and trained. I ensured there was continuous safety training taking place onboard, that the drill schedule is followed and all safety, fire-fighting equipment was checked weekly and monthly. Unfortunately, due to major mechanical failures relating to the main engine rebuild, the season was cancelled at the end of July. The vessel was towed from Viareggio to Toulon shipyard where it was hauled out to undergo a further major refit period, during which the owners did not require a full crew, and I was released from my contract early.

I was responsible for running all deck operations on a day-to-day basis, ensuring the inventories of all equipment and products used on deck are in order and up to date. Ensuring the maintenance work required from the winter period was completed prior the start of the summer. I oversaw, managed and mentored two young deckhands, teaching them how to varnish and do paint repair works. I was also responsible for all the paint work repairs that get done onboard, including filling, fairing, priming, and painting. I was involved in the bridge operations, developing work rosters and schedules for the season and winter periods as well as ensuring training is constantly taking place on board for the deck crew. I also assist the chief officer with organising drills, ISM and ISPS training onboard.