The ABLE MARINER performs a variety of routine, deck, and nonengineer duties aboard a vessel used in marine research operations.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the second level of a three-level series. This class is distinguished from the lower Ordinary Mariner level by its responsibility for performing skilled deck and nonengineering duties on board the vessel. This level is distinguished from the upper level Boatswain by the absence of responsibility for planning, scheduling, and assigning work to subordinates.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Vessel Maintenance. Typical tasks: cleans, paints, and maintains ship's hull, decks, bulkheads, equipment, masts, quarters, heads, and tanks; assists in mooring and unmooring the vessel; assists in rigging and handling scientific gear; loads and unloads equipment and stores; assists in fire fighting and maintenance of firefighting equipment.
2. Watch Standing. Typical tasks: stands watch as helmsman, visual and radar lookout and/or winch operator at sea; stands security watch in ports other than home port; stands watch as assigned for a specific period of time.
3. Equipment Operation. Typical tasks: operates shipboard deck equipment such as winches, crane, boat, davits, anchor windlass, and capstan during research work at sea; operates ship's equipment such as cranes and winches while in ports to load and unload supplies and equipment; assists in shipboard operations as required during research work such as data collection.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class have no contact with individuals outside of the work unit. Assignments are received from shipboard personnel and work is performed on the vessel.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class receive close supervision from a supervisory level mariner. Assigned work is reviewed periodically for completeness and conformance to established rules, regulations, and guidelines.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Positions in this class are found on ships conducting research at sea for extended periods of time. They require the willingness to work within the environment associated with the position's location.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Possess a Merchant Mariner's Document with an endorsement of Able Seaman, Special or higher issued by the U.S. Coast Guard
• Current STCW certificate including current Basic Safety Training and Lifeboatman certificates
• Current passport, or the ability to obtain
• Meet Coast Guard drug testing requirements
• Ability to speak, read and write English

Revised May 2004