Longline Assistant Engineer

Responsibilities

• Assist in maintaining the functionality and safety of the vessel’s engines, power systems, deck machinery, electrical, hydraulic, piping, plumbing, refrigeration, and sanitary systems.
• Inspect, repair, and modify lines and gear as directed by the Bosun.
• Successfully pass Basic & Advanced Firefighting, 24‑Hour HAZWOPER, drills, and other required courses.
• Operate hoisting equipment (e.g., winches and cranes) to move fishing gear, cod ends, equipment, product, and supplies during backload and offload.
• Maintain a safe and clean working and living environment.
• Discard cull (inferior or defective) items and foreign matter.
• Assist in offloads of product and load and unload supplies; may be required to obtain crane operator certification.
• Work safely on uneven, slippery, and moving surfaces around machinery.
• Perform 12‑16 hour shifts in adverse weather conditions.
• Man a lifeboat station during drills or an actual abandon‑ship maneuver, distribute survival suits, and direct crew to safety.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Current USCG License with endorsements and other merchant mariner documentation preferred (not required).
• Ability to perform basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and apply these skills to currency, weight, distance, and volume.
• Proficiency in reading, speaking, and writing English.
• Capability to work in stressful, noisy, and adverse weather environments.
• Pass all safety test requirements, including potential medical clearance for respirator use.

Physical Demands

• Work consecutive, long, and variable shifts (typically 12–16 hours per day) with periodic breaks.
• Strenuous and sometimes hazardous work due to exposure to operating machinery, mechanical parts, fumes, chemicals, pressurized fluids, vibration, and extreme weather (rain, snow, ice, wind, rough seas).
• Standing, walking, and maintaining balance on moving vessels; both hands must grip rope, rails, equipment, and vessel structures for extended periods.
• Frequent forceful grasping and repetitive finger/hand use.
• Occasional sitting, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.
• Climbing ladders and working in small, confined spaces.
• Frequent lifting of 11–20 lb from floor to waist and above shoulders; occasional lifting of 51–100 lb.
• Occasional pushing, pulling, and carrying of 21–50 lb; limited lifting of up to 100 lb.
• Vision requirements include ability to determine shades, colors, shadows, and possess distance and depth perception.
• Medical clearance required for use of a tight‑fitting respirator.

Pay

Starting wage: Crewshare or Daily – Status: Non‑Exempt – Semi‑Annual.

Schedule

Shifts range from 12 to 16 hours per day, with work in adverse weather conditions and extended periods away from home. Employees must be willing to live and work in a cramped environment and function as a team member at all times.