The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) is seeking candidates for a third mate aboard the newly delivered state of the art research vessel David Packard. We are looking for candidates that are excited and motivated for the opportunity of commissioning our new vessel. As third mate your work will be key to getting the ship to operational status, out of the shipyard and transiting back to our home port in California.

MBARI works to create and globally scale the research and technology required to explore, map, and understand our changing ocean. Access to the ocean via research vessels is vital to accomplishing this mission. You’ll work with crew members, scientists, and technical staff to build and maintain a collaborative and inclusive environment to achieve mission goals.

The third mate is expected to collaborate with other crew to develop procedures, maintenance routines, and safety strategies in areas of their responsibility on the new vessel. MBARI encourages autonomy in problem solving and wants employees to be creative about finding solutions to problems.

After delivery the ship will be tasked with supporting 5-10 day multi-disciplinary science missions (longer trips are possible). In an average year the vessel supports about 18-20 science missions per year. Operations consist primarily in supporting remote and autonomous vehicles including a 4000m work class ROV, AUVs, and wave gliders. Moorings, CTDs, and other science sampling operations are common.

The David Packard is a Coast Guard-inspected ACP, DNV Classed 1A, STCW, SOLAS, and ISM-regulated vessel. The ship is equipped with a variable speed DC grid diesel electric propulsion system and azimuthing thrusters. Daily use of advanced systems, dynamic positioning, automation and sophisticated handling equipment will be required.

Shipboard living conditions: Two-person cabins meeting MLC standards. Personnel have wireless access to satellite internet with bandwidth restrictions (no streaming, some sites blocked). The ship offers a small gym and good coffee. The usual underway schedule is 12 hours/day (4 on 8 off with 4 hours OT), in port schedule is typically 8-hour days.

Primary responsibilities:

• Officer of the watch, leads deck evolutions
• Participates in developing procedures for scientific equipment deployment and recovery and improves shipboard procedures
• Coordinates mobilization and demobilization before and after science cruises
• Completes and supervises the maintenance and inspections of safety and lifesaving equipment
• Mentors personnel on seamanship and operations, cultivates a positive work atmosphere and collaboration between scientists and crew
• Executes established company policy and procedures in a timely, efficient and professional manner
• Willingness to fill gaps, assist, and perform work beyond core navigation watch officer responsibilities. Load stores, update documents, clean, organize, escort VIP tours and assist as directed.

Required qualifications:

• Can fill Mate/OICNW Officer billet on the COI, requires a minimum of a US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with OICNW II/1

• TWIC
• GMDSS Operator IV/2
• Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties VI/6
• Intermediate digital literacy
• Valid passport with six months validity
• Covid-19 vaccination
• Ability to work up to 30 days continuously on expedition voyages
  
  

Desired qualifications:

• Previous success as watch standing officer on research vessels

• STCW II/2 >500 GT
• Advanced digital literacy, experience with implementing preventative maintenance software (NS5, Helm Connect, etc.)
• Experience with diesel electric and azimuth propulsion
• Experience with dynamic positioning, DPO certification

NOTE: This is position is full time and does not offer a rotation.