Reporting to the Master, is a watch officer in the Deck Department and assists the Master and Chief Mate with duties; designated the ship’s navigation officer, maintains all navigation equipment, publications, charts, and prepares information for the bridge.
Essential Functions
- Normally 12-4 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.
- Verifies that all charts, and navigational publications needed are onboard. Maintains and corrects nautical charts and publications as specified by notice to mariners.
- Plots voyage track for the Master’s approval by using charts of appropriate scale, provides Master with navigational information for transit routes to ports of call, including Sailing Directions, Coast Pilot, Light List, and Tide and Current tables; and other sources that may be appropriate prior to entering or leaving port.
- Ensures that bridge electronics, navigational and alarm systems, and lights are in good working order, that all required flags are aboard and in good condition; and that sufficient spare parts are onboard. Submits navigation requisitions and repair lists to Chief Mate.
- Performs other duties as required.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited sea service academy with two 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 management, and electronic mail programs.
- Prefer Second 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 Second Mate Unlimited, Ocean. Minimum licensing for R/V Neil Armstrong is Second Mate Unlimited, Ocean or Third Mate Unlimited, Ocean plus experience and demonstrated proficiency to Master’s satisfaction; R/V Atlantis requires unlimited Second Mate, 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 Watchkeeping 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.
- Candidates must have good personnel management skills, and extensive navigation experience to help support the vessel’s scientific mission.
- Must be able to pass a Pre-employment DOT drug screen
- Must hold an Unexpired (STCW Expiration date) USCG med Certificate