However, many don’t know about Charles Herbert Lightoller, the ship’s second officer who saved lives and went on to distinguish himself in both World Wars. Charles Lightoller was the first officer aboard the RMS Titanic for her sea trials, two weeks before her ill-fated maiden voyage. This wouldn’t be the end of Charles Lightoller’s time at sea, as, after the American and British Inquiries, he sailed as first officer aboard the RMS Oceanic (1899).