Research Vessel Mate​/Relief Captain

Research Vessel Gulf Challenger Mate and Relief Captain

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. 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.

Serve as mate and relief captain of the R/V Gulf Challenger (70%)

• Acting as mate, 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.
• Acting 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.
• Assist primary captain in training of seasonal vessel staff.

Perform duties related to vessel maintenance and shoreside operations (20%)

• Following a fixed vessel maintenance schedule, 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.
• Maintain detailed logs of vessel maintenance and safety gear service.
• 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.
• Following 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.
• Perform 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.

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