Joe Douglass

First Officer @Carnival UK (P&O Cruises & Cunard)

MV ARVIA (345m, 185,581 GT)- XL/Excellence Class, LNG powered. Voyage Planning Officer (VPO) and Bridge ManagerLeading the bridge team in delivering safe, compliant, and efficient navigation across a complex global itinerary. My leadership is rooted in the core principles of Bridge Resource Management (BRM), which I apply daily to cultivate a high-performing, safety-first bridge culture. Through structured briefings, active monitoring, and continual coaching, I ensure every team member is empowered to contribute effectively to the vessel’s navigational and operational safety. Having completed Advanced BRM at Carnival Corporation’s CSMART Academy, I implement best practices in every navigational evolution. From port approaches to restricted waters and ocean crossings, I drive precise execution through clear communication, robust cross-checking, and real-time team coordination. I have led structured BRM briefings and debriefs for navigational evolutions, including port arrivals, departures, and pilotages. These sessions emphasise clarity of role assignments, cross-verification, and anticipation of risk, ensuring the team operates as a cohesive unit under both routine and high-pressure scenarios.In my dual role as Voyage Planning Officer (VPO), I am responsible for the end-to-end development and execution of passage plans using OneOcean software, fully integrated with NACOS Platinum ECDIS and aligned with Class, Flag, and company standards. This includes electronic chart portfolio management, planning LNG-specific routes, environmental area compliance, and coordinating with pilots and shore authorities. I work closely with the Captain, the Senior Management Team, Carnival Corp Fleet Captains, and RAAS auditors to uphold the company’s goal of zero accidental environmental discharge and zero audit findings. Through proactive compliance monitoring, audit preparation, and deck officer coaching, I support the ship’s continuous improvement in line with SMS standards.