Founded in 1987 by the late David Packard, MBARI is a nonprofit oceanographic research center advancing marine science and engineering to understand our changing ocean. Located in Moss Landing, California, the heart of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, MBARI offers ready access to the open ocean and deep sea. Ongoing research programs range across autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicle systems, control technologies, ocean physics, chemistry, geology, biology, ocean instrumentation, and information management. MBARI hosts approximately 200 employees, with shore facilities that include state-of-the-art science and engineering laboratories, manufacturing and electrical fabrication shops, and dock facilities for MBARI vessels.

This position directs the navigation, operation, safety, and maintenance of vessels engaged in oceanographic research and ROV operations. Under the general direction of the Director of Marine Operations, the incumbent initiates and completes actions necessary to carry out assigned tasks.

The David Packard is a Coast Guard inspected subchapter U vessel, DNV Classed 1A, STCW, SOLAS, and ISM regulated vessel. We expect and rely upon crew members to maintain the vessel to the highest standards and will support them in this effort.

The ship is equipped with a variable speed DC grid diesel electric propulsion system, azimuthing thrusters, dynamic positioning, advanced automation. Operation of sophisticated winch and deck equipment will be required.

Shipboard living conditions: Standard two-person cabins (Single person for Captain and Chief Engineer) meeting MLC standards. Personnel have access to satellite internet with bandwidth restrictions (no streaming, some sites blocked). The ship also offers a small gym and good coffee. 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:
• Navigating and operating Research Vessel David Packard in a safe and effective manner
• Providing leadership necessary to solve problems that arise in the ship’s research and operational activities
• Works with Chief Scientist to plan and execute the ship’s mission in a competent manner
• Oversees navigation to determine the position of the ship and ROV, and ensures this information is entered properly in the master cruise file
• Ensures that crew and scientists observe regulations pertaining to safety and ship operations
• Maintains and manages the use of all medical supplies in a competent manner
• Assigns and directs crew in the operation and maintenance of the vessel
• Ensures the vessel is operable at all times
• May assist in inspections of vessel to determine condition for repairs and dry locking
• Ensures professional working relations with co-workers and customers
• Follow International Safety Management (ISM) code and facilitate the established Safety Management System (SMS) for the R/V Packard
• Conduct oneself in a professional manner at all times and treat others with dignity and respect in accordance with MBARI’s mission, goals and strategic plan
• Performs other related tasks as assigned

Required qualifications:
• U.S.C.G. Masters license for vessels 1600 gross tons and under
o Must have applicable STCW international credentials
• Must have valid Passport
• Must have TWIC
• Must be able to perform all crew positions except engineer
• Demonstrated ability in supervising crew in the safe and effective operation of the vessel
• Must be able to lift 35 lbs.
• Ability to step up three feet
• Ability to work in a hazardous marine environment
• Ability to work up to one month continuously at sea between port calls
• Must be eligible to work in the USA

Preferred qualifications:
• Demonstrated experience on with newer vessels containing engineering automation systems
• Experience with azimuth thrusters and Dynamic Positioning
• Experience deploying and recovering gear over the side of a vessel
• Significant experience with vessels at least 150 feet in length in close maneuvering and station keeping work.