Able Body Seaman - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Job Summary:

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a temporary relief Unlimited Able Body Seaman to join the Ship Operations Department. This is a temporary, casual, non-exempt position, and is eligible for casual benefits. This assignment is from June 29, 2024 to August 16, 2024.  Signing on and off in Reykjavik, Iceland.  Must have Unlimted AB with RFPNW and Able Seafarer Deck endorsements.

 

Reporting to the Master, Chief Mate, or Deck Watch Officer, stands bridge watch as Quartermaster or lookout when underway. Under supervision of the Bosun maintains interior and exterior spaces and deck equipment, and operates machinery during loading of stores and scientific operations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Maintains an assigned cleaning station; Cleans, chips, scrapes, wire brushes, primes, and/or paints hull, bulkheads, decks, passageways, deck machinery, or spaces, as directed.
• Operates vessel's small boats during launch and recovery operations, assists Bosun in ground tackle, deck winch, and crane operation.
• Stands wheel watch at sea and security watch in port.
• Handles lines and rigging equipment, may rig and work aloft in Bos'n chair or on staging.
• While working with science gear, works in conjunction with Mate-On-Watch to insure that all science personnel are in compliance with vessel safety standards.
• Performs other duties as required.

Education & Experience:

• Prefer a high school diploma or equivalent education and three years sea duty as watch standing deck sailor on a similar vessel; in the absence of a diploma, equivalent work experience.
• Requires a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's Credential endorsed as Able Seaman Unlimited, or Able Seaman Limited or Special pending demonstration of experience and proficiency to satisfaction of ship's Master.
• Candidates must understand the principles of good seamanship and marine maintenance with respect to small boats and deck equipment.
• All unlicensed personnel must have all applicable training as required by the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95) and have a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) and hold an unexpired Passport.
• Must be able to pass a DOT Pre-employment drug screen.
• Must hold an Unexpired (STCW Expiration date) USCG med Certificate.

Physical Requirements:

• All marine positions have essential functions that personnel must be able to perform, minimum physical capacities and requirements that all personnel must meet, and working conditions that may be considered hazardous.
• Essential Functions
• Work at least 8 hours per day and, at times in excess of 12 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• Work at sea for three to five months continuously.
• Live and work in cramped quarters, frequently in bad weather and with violent ship motion.
• Pass examinations for visual acuity, color sense, and hearing as established in Title 46 CFR Parts 10 and 12, and pass a physical evaluation as described in the enclosed Navigation and Vessel Inspection Articles 6-89.
• Climb steep and vertical ladders, and enter and exit compartments through hatches, doors, and sills up to two feet high.
• Participate in emergency drills and in launching lifeboats and life rafts.
• Perform physical labor, climb and handle moderate weights and equipment over 50 pounds.

 

Physical Capability	Example of Essential Function
Balance	Work in confined and unstable areas.
Bend, kneel, squat	Clean, maintain, and inspect equipment.
Climb	Reach work areas, equipment and stores by ladder and stairs.
Crawl	Crawl through bilge pockets, and under ladders and winch beds.
Feel	Touch objects: where sight is limited.
Finger	Manipulate nuts, bolts, tools, and cleaning gear.
Handle	Handle equipment and stores with sure grip.
Hear, talk	Communicate with people.
Lift, carry	Load stores over 50 pounds.
Push, pull	Move equipment over 50 pounds.
Reach	Up, over, and under equipment and stores.
See	Read labels, menus, logs, charts, and gauges in poor lighting.
Sit	Operate crane, Avon, lifeboat, and life raft.
Stand	Work on equipment.
Walk	Perform rounds at sea.
Write	Maintain logs.
Work Condition	Example of Hazardous Area/Duty
Confined areas	Store rooms, engine spaces, and tanks
Potential allergens and irritants	Fuels, solvents, cleaners, dust, fumes, smoke, and gases
Adverse weather	On deck in rough seas during equipment maintenance
Extreme temperatures	On deck in tropics and high latitudes; in engine room
Potential hazards	Being at sea; slippery and uneven surfaces; moving parts and objects; climbing ladders; and working aloft
Noise	Constant and loud engine room noise, blowers, exhaust fans
Schedule	Protracted and irregular working hours
Vibrations	Ship's engines and chipping hammer