Second Mate Unlimited

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is searching for a Second Mate Unlimited. The position begins 8/21/2026.

About the role

Reporting to the Master, the Second Mate is a watch officer in the Deck Department and assists the Master and Chief Mate with duties. Designated the ship's navigation officer, this role maintains all navigation equipment, publications, charts, and prepares information for the bridge.

Responsibilities

• Normally stand 12-4 bridge watch; post qualified and alert lookouts during watch at sea to ensure a properly maintained and efficient watch.
• Check that quartermaster steers correct course and lookouts carry out all orders.
• Maneuver ship, under Master's general supervision, to carry out scientific operations.
• Verify that all charts and navigational publications needed are onboard.
• Maintain and correct nautical charts and publications as specified by notice to mariners.
• Plot voyage track for the Master's approval using charts of appropriate scale.
• Provide Master with navigational information for transit routes to ports of call, including Sailing Directions, Coast Pilot, Light List, and Tide and Current tables.
• Ensure bridge electronics, navigational and alarm systems, and lights are in good working order.
• Ensure all required flags are aboard and in good condition, and sufficient spare parts are onboard.
• Submit navigation requisitions and repair lists to Chief Mate.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• 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.
• Computer literacy in word-processing, inventory management, and electronic mail programs.
• Second Mate experience on a similar research vessel preferred.
• U.S. Coast Guard license, preferably Second Mate Unlimited, Ocean.
• Minimum licensing for R/V Neil Armstrong: 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.
• Valid Radar Observer Certificate, Unlimited, and FCC license as GMDSS Operator.
• All applicable training as required by the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95).
• Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Credential and Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Unexpired Passport.
• Good personnel management skills and extensive navigation experience to support the vessel's scientific mission.
• Ability to pass a Pre-employment DOT drug screen.
• Unexpired (STCW Expiration date) USCG medical Certificate.

Physical Capabilities and Working Conditions

• Work at least 8 hours per day, sometimes 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.
• Pass a physical evaluation as described in the Navigation and Vessel Inspection Articles 6-89.
• Climb steep and vertical ladders, and enter/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.

Essential Physical Functions

• 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.

Hazardous Working Conditions

• 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.

Pay

Hourly rate $45.29. The hourly rate reflects the set base pay for new hires. Annual compensation will be based on this hourly rate and the number of hours worked, in accordance with applicable wage and hour laws.

Benefits

In addition to hourly pay, eligible employees may receive a comprehensive benefits package.