Bridge staff

The bridge staff handle the navigation of the Pourquoi Pas ? and manage on-board operations.

The team work a shift watch (from 0-4, 4-8 and 8-12h) to guarantee continuous safe navigation and operations. There is a captain, a chief mate and three officers:

  • The captain manages life on the ship including the administrative side. He conducts the operations of entry and exit of ports. He manages the big manoeuvres such as the deployment and recovery of the Nautile, directly on the quarterdeck. He also assists the lieutenants when needed.
  • The chief mate (shift from 4-8), is deputy to the captain. He is also responsible for safety on the ship (checking of facilities, safety exercises). He deals with schedules and is the link between the bridge and the captain,  manages mobilization and demobilization of the crew as well as the loading and stability of the ship.
  • The commission officer (watch 8-12) is responsible for the administrative management of the vessel and also prepares the plan of ports of call and cabin distribution plans. Instrument deployment operations are often carried out during his shift.
  • The navigation officer (watch 0-4) prepares navigation routes, ensures that there is no danger, updates nautical charts and makes any necessary modifications. He also regularly checks the weather and that the communications devices are working properly.
  • The general officer (watch 4-8) works between the engine room and the bridge.  In the engine room, he deals with the analysis of oil and water, carries out maintenance operations. On the bridge, he stands in for the chief officer and carries out the afternoon watch, often carrying out recovery manoeuvres (such as the Nautile).