Reporting to the Master, is head of the Deck Department, and assumes responsibility and command of ship in absence or disability of Master; is responsible for personnel, and the proper operation, maintenance, and safety of equipment and spaces under Deck Department jurisdiction; shares responsibility of handling scientific gear with Chief Scientist.

• Plans and supervises work of deck department personnel, and is responsible for fair allocation of leave and working hours and including scheduling of vacations. Keeps Master informed of deck department condition, and conduct and reliability of deck personnel.
• Prior to sailing, ensures the ship and all gear, including scientific equipment and related items are secure for sea; reports to Master on status of crew and ship's readiness.
• Normally stands 4-8 bridge watch; posts qualified and alert lookouts during watch at sea to ensure a properly maintained and efficient watch; checks to see that Quartermaster steers correct course, and that lookouts carry out all orders; maneuvers ship, under Master's general supervision, to carry out scientific operations.
• Is ship's damage control and training officer; may supervise Second and Third Officers. Verifies muster and station bills are properly prepared and posted, and that firefighting and lifesaving equipment are in good condition and crew is properly trained in use. Is in charge on deck during fire and boat drills and ensures personnel know their emergency stations and duties. May act as Medical Officer in conjunction with Master.
• Works closely with Chief Scientist to ensure proper stowage, rigging, deployment, and recovery of scientific equipment.
• Performs other duties as required.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited sea service academy with four years’ sea duty as a deck officer; in the absence of a formal degree, equivalent work experience.
• Candidates must possess computer literacy in the use of word-processing, inventory and database management, ship's stability, and electronic mail programs.
• Prefer Chief Mate experience on a similar research vessel.
• Candidates must have a high level of training as evidenced by a U.S. Coast Guard license, preferably Chief Mate Unlimited, Ocean. Minimum licensing for R/V Neil Armstrong and R/V Atlantis is Chief Mate Unlimited, Ocean.
• Required for all WHOI Ships are a valid Radar Observer Certificate, Unlimited, and an FCC license as GMDSS Operator.
• In addition to the above, all licensed officers must have all applicable training as required by the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers (STCW 95) and possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Credential and Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) and hold an unexpired Passport. Additional training desired is Medical Person in Charge.
• Candidates must have good personnel management skills; a good understanding of the ship's structure and equipment, and the scientific mission of the vessel.
• Must be able to pass a DOT Pre-employment drug screen.
• Must hold an Unexpired (STCW Expiration date) USCG med Certificate

• 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.
• Essential Functions
• Work 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.