Research Vessel Mate​/Relief Captain

Research Vessel Mate / Relief Captain

University of New Hampshire

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. Support both scientific and outreach missions by performing a range of 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 training, purchasing, scheduling, and billing.

• Serve as mate and relief captain of the R/V Gulf Challenger (70%) – assist the primary captain while the vessel is underway, supervise deck operations such as handling lines, anchoring, securing gear, supervising passengers and researchers, conducting engine room checks, assisting with safe navigation, standing helm watches, maintaining detailed radio and vessel logs, and acting as lookout during reduced visibility.
• Participate in scientific cruises – safely deploy and recover a wide variety of scientific equipment; operate hydraulic winches and a-frame; support research diving operations; mobilize and demobilize gear; load and unload gear by hand, crane, and forklift; assist researchers as needed.
• Support UNH outreach and education – demonstrate and explain scientific equipment to audiences, transport the general public to Appledore Island, interact with and instruct students, and participate in occasional shoreside outreach events.
• Act as relief captain – direct a trained mate in the performance of the above duties and perform the duties of the master while underway in the absence of the primary captain.
• Assist primary captain in training seasonal vessel staff.
• Perform duties related to vessel maintenance and shoreside operations (20%) – follow a fixed maintenance schedule, support the primary captain in cleaning sea strainers, replacing engine raw water zincs, changing engine oil and filters, sampling oil and coolant, checking belt tension, cleaning and replacing freshwater filters, fueling the vessel, and completing non‑routine maintenance and repairs under supervision.
• Participate in training and maintenance of safety gear and procedures – complete monthly safety inspections of life raft and EPIRB, participate in regular emergency drills, renew and review regulatory documentation for Coast Guard, NOAA, FCC, etc., and maintain detailed logs of vessel maintenance and safety gear service.
• Check on the vessel during adverse weather via webcam or in person as needed, assist with snow and ice removal from boat and dock, and support periodic USCG inspections.
• Purchasing and inventory – order supplies in accordance with USNH Procurement regulations, coordinate with vendors, and maintain inventory of spare supplies.
• Perform waterfront maintenance tasks – check moorings, dock fastenings, splice new mooring lines, and inspect fendering and chafe gear.
• Assist with computing tasks – use Microsoft and other applications for vessel billing, chart updates, and maintaining the vessel operations manual.
• Assist in instrumentation maintenance and calibration – winches, CTD, meter wheels.
• Assist during shipyard periods with projects such as painting, propeller changes, hull zincs, and thorough cleaning and inspections.
• Assist SMSOE facilities staff with tasks during vessel downtimes (10%) – small boat operation, training operations, basic carpentry, plumbing, and electrical tasks as directed.

• Minimum Acceptable
  
  Education & Experience:
  
  3–5 years aboard research vessels or equivalent maritime school experience; recent experience on a vessel similar in size and characteristics to the RVGC.
• Familiarity with vessel operations, twin and single screw handling, maneuvering, line handling, heavy weather operations, and small passenger vessel safety.
• Ability to maneuver and operate vessel safely in varied ocean, current, and weather conditions.
• Experience entering and exiting harbor entrances with a high density of vessel traffic.
• Broad knowledge of marine diesel, hydraulic, and electrical systems.
• Broad knowledge of navigational electronics and vessel safety equipment.
• Bro…