Bosun

Job Summary

Job Description

Reporting to the Chief Mate, supervises unlicensed deck personnel in maintenance of all interior and exterior deck department spaces, including ship's hull, deck, bulkheads, and superstructure; delegates work equitably within department; tracks overtime of unlicensed deck personnel. Is responsible for all hands using proper safety equipment. Instructs all deck hands in safe operation of anchor windlass, capstans, cranes, winches, and other deck machinery. Operates controls for launch and recovery of lifeboats and other safety gear during drills and emergencies, under direction of Chief Mate. Directs rigging of gangway. Maintains inventory of paint and Bos'n locker supplies and all deck department stores; Submits orders for paint, tools, and any items required to aid science or complete projects to the Chief Mate; maintains accurate records of inventory, and deck work logs. Examines and rigs scientific gear with Chief Mate and Chief Scientist to ensure safe operation, and directs deck operations during scientific work with Chief Scientist. Coordinates loading of all ship's stores with the applicable department head. Supervises loading of scientific equipment in coordination with Master and Chief Scientist, DSV Alvin weights and equipment on R/V Atlantis with the Expedition Leader; supervises deck personnel in properly securing the vessel for sea.

Prefer a high school diploma or equivalent education and one year sea duty as a Boatswain or four years as an Able Seaman Unlimited or equivalent; in the absence of a diploma, equivalent work experience. Prefer Boatswain experience on a similar research vessel.

Require a U.S. Coast Merchant Mariner's credentials endorsed as Able Seaman Unlimited. All unlicensed personnel must have all applicable training as required by the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95).

Candidates must be knowledgeable about deck equipment and proficient in its use and have good personnel management and communication skills. Candidate must demonstrate ability to instruct crew in proper and safe use of equipment to attain the marine science goals, and proficiency as a rigger. Must be able to pass a DOT Pre-employment drug screen. Must hold an Unexpired (STCW Expiration date) USCG med Certificate.

Additional Job Requirements

All marine positions have essential functions that personnel must be able to perform, minimum physical capacities and requirements that all personnel must meet, and working conditions that may be considered hazardous. Working at least 8 hours per day and, at times 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, and pass a physical evaluation as described in the enclosed Navigation and Vessel Inspection Articles 6-89. Climb steep and vertical ladders, and enter and 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. Physical Capability Example of Essential Function 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. Work Condition Example of Hazardous Area/Duty 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.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.