Under the oversight of the Manager of Nautical Operations, is responsible for maintaining and continuously improving the nautical operations for Disney Cruise Line®. This position supports company’s nautical and maritime strategies by ensuring high standards of marine safety and marine environmental protection through the development, implementation, and monitoring of a consistent policy for navigation and voyage plan matters. This primarily covers SOLAS Convention Chapters IV and V (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea,); the COLREG (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 “the COLREGs”); associated national and international legislations.

Over all Responsibilities

• Responsible for Disney Cruise Line® nautical operational standards.
• Responsible to work closely with the Manager Environmental Operations to evaluate and identify any environmental challenges related to the voyage plan compliance and navigation and to evaluate and identify any environmental challenges with the ballast water management plan and navigational procedures and sustainability programs
• Research, recommend and approve marine equipment for use onboard the ships and islands.
• Develops and verifies the on-board Bridge Resource Management Training and procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge of up-to-date marine research and relevant projects, evaluate new technology and procedures for use onboard the ships and island(s).
• Ensure that Nautical procedures always follow and Company standards and international regulations such SOLAS Convention Chapters IV and V (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea,); the COLREG (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 “the COLREGs”) and associated national and international legislations.
• Develops and maintenance the shore side marine trainings and other ‘simulator-based’ programs, both development and execution.
• Responsible for the on board and NAPA Electronic Logbook and Napa Status board.
• Back up for the Manager of Nautical Operations in regard of the on-board stability and Napa Loading computer and Emergency computer
• Responsible for the SERS program and scheduling the biannual SERS drills.
• Responsible for Mooring operations program and equipment, maintenance and for the mooring operations training for deck department.
• Responsible with the Manager of Nautical Operations to oversee the Damage stability and enclosed space training and equipment both on board and through the shore training facilities.
• Financially responsible for allocated budget covering nautical equipment, replacement and maintenance, service, and capital projects for nee technologies. Approves all chart/publication orders above the ceiling limit.
• Responsible to see that corrective and preventive action is taken for CIRs /Variance/Observation follow-up and closeout for those assigned to Nautical Operations.
• Assist and back up for the Manager Marine Operations and Fleet Training with deck officers Rotation planning.
• Assists HR with identifying, recruiting and interviewing licensed Deck Officers
• Conduct port assessments for new ports and verify through regular inspections of existing ports, compliance to operational standards and local and Disney Cruise Line marine, safety and security standards are maintained in all ports of call (including Castaway Cay) as required.
• Manages projects assigned by the Manager Marine Operations and Fleet Training.
• Disney Cruise Line® Safety Committee
• Provides shore-based assistance for Marine and Technical Operations to maintain safe ship operations.

Responsibilities within Navigation

• Develops voyage plan processes and supervises the correct execution
• Responsible for maintaining CII DCS data collection system.
• Works closely with environmental team for reviewing DNV compliance for Carbon Intensity Indicator including being responsible for NavFleet Performance.
• Leads and coordinates monthly Navigation Officer conference calls, minutes, follow-ups, and closure of scope specific items.
• Provides Navigation Officer coverage onboard when needed.
• Verifies and supervises the ships’ new itinerary voyage plans and provides guidance to the ships to make sure that correct compliance is followed by performing gap analysis in regard of company, local, international, and environmental regulations related to navigational and nautical matters.
• Responsible for the monthly fleet wide voyage plans review and the correct record keeping.
• Development of Navigation Officer learning plans & ensuring training requirements are being completed and all record keeping is maintained.
• Conducts gap analysis and interprets International Flag State and US Coast Guard rules, regulations, and guidelines in respect to standards of nautical safety.
• Shore support for the on board first officers’ navigation.
• Responsible to maintain, review and revise, if necessary, the Navigation Assessment Program for new hires and DCL deck officers.
• Develops and updates internal Nautical trainings for the fleet and islands and makes sure that the deck officers are regularly trained in the usage of the Navstation, Navtracker and voyage plans procedures.    
• Responsible to ensure of the level of training of deck team in regard of voyage plans and CCI technology.
• Conducts vessel assessments, whilst monitoring the correct applications and quality assurance of Nautical Procedures and voyage planning on-board the Fleet of vessels, highlighting the best practices and areas for improvement by proposing amendments to nautical related procedures.

SMS Responsibilities:

• Implementation of the general safety management responsibilities in SMS.
• Responsible for implementing Safety Management System policies and procedures relative to areas of responsibilities.
• Provides shore-based assistance for Masters and their Officers to maintain safe ship operations.
• Assists in development of marine amendments to SMS policy and procedures for approval prior to sending them to the Executive Director Marine Operations.
• Assists and keeps the Manager of Nautical Operations informed of ongoing and planned matters relevant to issues and materials in the SMS.
• Develops fleet nautical operational policies and strategies and creates amendments to SMS policy, procedures, and LOGs before they are submitted for implementation in the SMS.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong planning capabilities to identify and prioritize strategies and activities as well as to meet the deadlines required to support the overall business needs.
• Strong leadership skills and proven experience in leading a team.
• Solid written and verbal communications skills; particularly within a multicultural environment. Clear and precise communication with all levels of the organization is essential.
• Strong ability to interact with senior management team and build effective relationships within the company as well as with internal and external customers.
• Chief Mate or Master Mariner license, depending on the level of responsibility.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in nautical operations, maritime safety, or a related area within the cruise or commercial shipping industry.
• Experience with voyage planning, navigation procedures, and marine safety management systems (SMS).
• Proven leadership experience, especially in a maritime or operational management capacity.
• Experience working with maritime regulations such as SOLAS, COLREG, and other international standards.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations related to marine operations, including ballast water management and carbon intensity.
• Strong knowledge of navigation technology (e.g., Navstation, Navtracker) and voyage planning software.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, particularly in high-pressure environments.
• Problem-solving skills and attention to detail when it comes to maritime operations, safety, and compliance.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Experience with shipboard operations and understanding of crew training needs.
• Knowledge of IT systems related to marine operations, such as electronic logbooks, stability systems, or ship performance software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Major Cruise Line Experience
• 8+ years of experience in a maritime operations leadership role, preferably with cruise lines or large commercial vessels.
• Direct experience in marine safety auditing or regulatory compliance.
• Proven experience with fleet-wide operational oversight or multi-vessel management.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree, Maritime Studies, a related field or equivalent work experience