The SHIP'S FIRST ASSISTANT ENGINEER assists the Chief Engineer in the overall operation, maintenance and repair, and inventory of machinery, parts, and equipment on board an ocean motor vessel.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the second level of a three-level series. This class is distinguished from the Ship's Second Assistant Engineer level by having responsibility to maintain inventory records and an adequate amount of engineering supplies and spare parts. This position is further distinguished from the higher level Chief Engineer by the absence of direct supervision over all aspects of the vessel's mechanical operations and scheduling of watches and daily duties.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Equipment Maintenance. Typical tasks: assists in the overall maintenance and repair of shipboard and scientific equipment, including diesel engines, pumps, winches, hydraulic systems, refrigeration equipment, and compressors; repairs or replaces broken parts using precision and hand tools and arc or gas welders; maintains an inventory of supplies and spare parts necessary to keep equipment operating while at sea; updates maintenance history log and equipment repair log to monitor incidence of repairs.
2. Watch Standing. Typical tasks: stands watch as the roving engineer; assumes responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the engineering plant, including constant checks on pressures and temperatures, fuel consumption; and conditions of operating machinery to ensure economical, safe, and efficient operation; keeps engineering logs and records.
3. Miscellaneous. Typical tasks: assists in the repair of scientific equipment as requested; assists in firefighting and maintains firefighting equipment; performs first aid.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class have daily contact with research scientists and students while at sea, to repair broken equipment as requested. All other contact is with the ship's crew. Duties are assigned and completed on board the ship.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class receive general supervision from an administrative supervisor. Work assignments are examined upon completion and engineering logs are checked daily to ensure that maintenance and operation schedules are met. Work is evaluated upon completion for adherence to generally accepted marine engineering practices.

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 U.S. Coast Guard-Designated Duty Engineer license, 3000 horsepower, and at least one year's experience (360 8-hour or 240 12-hour days of deck service) as a member of the engine department on a motor vessel
• Current passport, or the ability to obtain
• Meet Coast Guard drug testing requirements
• Ability to speak, read and write English
• Current STCW certificate including current Basic Safety Training and Lifeboatman certificates
• Valid driver's license

Revised May 2004