Research Vessel Mate/Relief Captain

About the role

Serve as mate and relief captain of the Research Vessel Gulf Challenger (RVGC), a 50 foot aluminum twin screw research vessel, under the direction of the ship’s primary captain, supporting both scientific and outreach missions.

Responsibilities

• Perform various duties related to the operation and maintenance of the vessel at dockside and during yard periods.
  • Assist the primary captain or other SMSOE staff in shoreside duties including and not limited to; training, purchasing, scheduling, and billing.
• Act as mate and relieve captain while vessel is underway.
  • Assist the captain while vessel is underway. Perform and supervise deck operations such as handling lines, anchoring vessel, securing gear, supervising passengers and researchers on deck, conducting engine room checks while vessel is underway, assisting with safe navigation, standing helm watches while underway, maintaining detailed radio and vessel logs, and standing as lookout during times of reduced visibility.
• Participate in a wide range of scientific cruises; safely deploying and recovering a wide variety of scientific equipment; operating hydraulic winches and a-frame; supporting research diving operations; participating in gear mobilization and demobilization; loading and unloading gear by hand, crane, and forklift; assisting researchers as needed and permitted by other duties.
  • Support UNH outreach and education by demonstrating and explaining scientific equipment to a wide range of audiences, transporting the general public to Appledore island, interacting with and instructing students, and participating in occasional shoreside outreach events.
• Act as relief captain, direct a trained mate in the performance of duties listed above and perform duties of the master while underway in the absence of the primary captain.
  • Aid the primary captain in training of seasonal vessel staff.
• Assist primary captain in training of seasonal vessel staff.
  • Support the primary captain in overall maintenance of the vessel. Routine duties that will be completed without supervision include cleaning sea strainers, replacing engine raw water zincs, changing engine oil and filters, taking engine oil and coolant samples, checking engine belt tension, cleaning and replacing freshwater filters, and fueling the vessel.
• Participate in training and maintenance related to safety gear and procedures. Complete monthly safety inspections of life raft and EPIRB. Participate in regular drills on emergency procedures. Renew and review various regulatory and safety documentation for the vessel relating to Coast Guard, NOAA, FCC, etc.
  • Complete non-routine maintenance and repairs as needed under the supervision of the primary captain.
• Check on the boat as needed during adverse weather (wind, cold, storms) in person or via webcam as conditions allow. Some instances may occur during off hours. Assist with snow and ice removal from boat and dock.
  • Assist the primary captain in the preparation and execution of periodic USCG inspections.
• Follow USNH Procurement regulations, order supplies and work with vendors and suppliers to coordinate work and purchasing. Occasionally travel regionally to pick up or deliver vessel-related equipment for inspection or repair.
  • Organize on-site storage area and maintain inventory of spare supplies.
• Complete various waterfront maintenance tasks including checking moorings, dock fastenings, splicing new mooring lines, checking the fendering and chafe gear.
  • Complete various computing tasks using Microsoft (and other applicable) applications including vessel billing, chart updates, and maintaining the vessel operations manual.
• Assist the primary captain and technicians in basic instrumentation maintenance and calibration (winches, CTD, meter wheels).
  • Assist the primary captain during shipyard periods with projects including and not limited to painting, changing propellers and hull zincs, thorough cleaning and inspections, and vessel related errands.
• Assist SMSOE facilities staff in tasks related to marine facilities and small boats during vessel downtimes (10%).
  • Duties to be determined by SMSOE facilities staff as needed but may include small boat operation, training operations, and basic carpentry, plumbing, and electrical tasks.

Requirements

• Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience: 3-5 years of experience aboard research vessels or equivalent experience gained by attending a maritime school. Recent experience on a vessel of similar size (or larger) and with similar characteristics of R/V Gulf Challenger (twin screw propulsion, medium or high-speed cruising capabilities).
• Required Licenses & Certifications: Valid current USCG 100-ton USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC), Current TSA Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit, Current CPR/1st Aid/AED card, Valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Familiarity with vessel operations, including twin screw and single screw vessel handling, close-quarters maneuvering, line handling, heavy weather operations, and all related skills and knowledge commensurate with operating a small passenger vessel. Ability to maneuver and operate vessel safely in a variety of ocean, current, and weather conditions. Broad knowledge of use, repair and maintenance of shipboard machinery. Specifically marine diesel, hydraulic, and electrical systems. Broad knowledge of navigational electronics and vessel safety equipment. Broad knowledge of CFR's and USCG regulations. Familiarity with USCG sub chapter T (small passenger vessel) regulations. Experience with marine research equipment (CTD rosette, ADCP, gravity corers, net tows, etc.). Familiarity with rigging and marlinspike seamanship. Familiarity with basic hand and power tools, as well as proper PPE. Familiarity with passenger management procedures. Positive and enthusiastic attitude in public interactions. Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills. Leadership skills and the ability to motivate and instruct. Experience supervising vessel personnel. Proficiency with basic computing tasks and familiarity with MS Office Suite.
• Other Requirements: Must be able to pass pre-employment and ongoing random drug screenings. Must be able to obtain a DOT medical certificate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Radar Observer
• BS or higher in a marine science or engineering related program
• Scuba diving or snorkeling experience/certifications