Chief Mate - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Job Summary

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a temporary relief Chief Mate to join the Ship Operations Department. This is a temporary, casual, non-exempt position, and is eligible for casual benefits. This assignment begins June 15, 2024 and ends September 20, 2024. 

Reporting to the Master, is head of the Deck Department, and assumes responsibility and command of ship in absence or disability of Master; is responsible for personnel, and the proper operation, maintenance, and safety of equipment and spaces under Deck Department jurisdiction; shares responsibility of handling scientific gear with Chief Scientist.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Plans and supervises work of deck department personnel, and is responsible for fair allocation of leave and working hours and including scheduling of vacations. Keeps Master informed of deck department condition, and conduct and reliability of deck personnel.
• Prior to sailing, ensures the ship and all gear, including scientific equipment and related items are secure for sea; reports to Master on status of crew and ship's readiness.
• Normally stands 4-8 bridge watch; posts qualified and alert lookouts during watch at sea to ensure a properly maintained and efficient watch; checks to see that Quartermaster steers correct course, and that lookouts carry out all orders; maneuvers ship, under Master's general supervision, to carry out scientific operations.
• Is ship's damage control and training officer; may supervise Second and Third Officers. Verifies muster and station bills are properly prepared and posted, and that firefighting and lifesaving equipment are in good condition and crew is properly trained in use. Is in charge on deck during fire and boat drills and ensures personnel know their emergency stations and duties. May act as Medical Officer in conjunction with Master.
• Works closely with Chief Scientist to ensure proper stowage, rigging, deployment, and recovery of scientific equipment.
• Performs other duties as required.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited sea service academy with four years’ sea duty as a deck officer; in the absence of a formal degree, equivalent work experience.
• Candidates must possess computer literacy in the use of word-processing, inventory and database management, ship's stability, and electronic mail programs.
• Prefer Chief Mate experience on a similar research vessel.
• Candidates must have a high level of training as evidenced by a U.S. Coast Guard license, preferably Chief Mate Unlimited, Ocean. Minimum licensing for R/V Neil Armstrong and R/V Atlantis is Chief Mate Unlimited, Ocean.
• Required for all WHOI Ships are a valid Radar Observer Certificate, Unlimited, and an FCC license as GMDSS Operator.
• In addition to the above, all licensed officers must have all applicable training as required by the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW 95) and possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Credential and Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) and hold an unexpired Passport. Additional training desired is Medical Person in Charge.
• Candidates must have good personnel management skills; a good understanding of the ship's structure and equipment, and the scientific mission of the vessel.
• Must be able to pass a DOT Pre-employment drug screen.
• Must hold an Unexpired (STCW Expiration date) USCG med Certificate

Special Requirements

All marine crew, including this position, must provide proof of COVID vaccination in order to begin your employment. The definition of “fully” vaccinated for purposes of shipboard personnel is the original double/single dose vaccination, depending on which vaccine was used (Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J), plus a booster and a period of two weeks after the booster. Boosters are mandatory if 6 months has lapsed since completing 2 dose series of Pfizer or Moderna, or 2 months since 1 dose of J+J.

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