Ablebodied Seaman

Galveston, Texas • Staff position

About the role

The Able-bodied Seaman works as a watch stander and/or day worker in the deck department, performing general maintenance, repair, sanitation, and upkeep of areas and equipment within the purview of the deck department.

Responsibilities

• Stands wheel, anchor, gangway, and roving watches as directed, maintaining alertness at all times. During a wheel watch, maintains a steady course, properly executes all rudder orders, and communicates using navigational terms relating to heading and steering.
• Serves as a day worker on deck, performing general maintenance, repair, sanitation, and upkeep of material, equipment, and areas in the deck department.
• Performs maintenance such as chipping, scraping, soundings, priming, painting, and/or cleaning of the ship’s hull, decks, superstructure, cargo gear, smokestack, lifeboats, rescue boats and/or life rafts, and emergency and damage control gear.
• Learns the location and use of emergency equipment, lifesaving equipment, damage control equipment, and safety equipment.
• Performs all operations connected with the launching of life-saving equipment and makes security inspections of the ship.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Previous experience onboard ocean/inland vessels.
• Active AB Special license or greater.
• U.S. Coast Guard approved Adult CPR and Basic First Aid (First Aid must have been within the last 12 months; CPR must be current).
• TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential).
• Qualified Lifeboatman certification.
• STCW with RFPNW endorsement.
• Current USCG Medical Certification and Passport.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and skills required to maintain a training and maintenance program for deck cadets on the training ship under the supervision of the Boatswain, Deck Mate, and Chief Mate.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to operate a ship deck department maintenance program.
• Knowledge of watch-standing principles.
• Ability to lift or move moderately heavy objects and exert moderate force.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to step through hatches, climb ladders, and work in close spaces.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment.
• Ability to work in various temperatures, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and dry environments.

Other Requirements

• This position is security-sensitive.
• Must pass USCG/DOT drug test prior to employment and participate in the University's random drug testing plan for drugs and alcohol as required by TAMU System and University Rule (34.02.99 M1, 8.6.1).
• Must be able to sail during all designated underway periods, including training cruises aboard the training ship, and be present for shipyard periods or other periods when the ship is away from Galveston.
• Compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules, and procedures is required.
• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements.