Chief Mate

The Chief Mate ensures the safety and comfort of the vessel, guests and crew as a Bridge Watch Officer and perform as the vessels Security Officer.  The Chief Mate is also responsible for managing the deck crew.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leads and manages according to the core Values of True Alaskan Hospitality as defined in our Mission Statement: Immerse each guest in personable and unsurpassed level of service we call True Alaskan Hospitality.

Emergency situations

• Chief Mate holds a position on the vessel’s Emergency Station Bill as Scene Leader. 
• Must perform requirements of Emergency Station Bill for both drills and actual emergencies to include fire, flooding, man overboard, abandon ship, medical, and spill response.
• Scene leader decides who attacks the fire, where fire boundaries are set, equipment needed, firefighting agents used, etc. 
• Fulfills other emergency response duties as outlined in the vessel’s Emergency Station Bill.
• Responsible for writing all Incident Report Forms as required by company policy and furnish to vessel Captain.

Navigation/bridge watch

• Operate vessel during assigned watches to the highest professional and Alaskan Dream Cruises standards, with the safety of guests, crew and vessel being paramount. 
• Monitor communication equipment and keep logs and records as required by federal, state, and local laws, regulations and instructions and Alaskan Dream Cruises.  Make use of all bridge tools and personnel, alerting the Master as needed or as per orders. 
• When in port will assign a gangway security watch amongst other duties as assigned by Captain.

Medical supplies

• The Chief Mate is responsible for the supervisory management of the ship’s medical locker and the reordering of medical supplies,
• Ensure that there is always a proper and current certified medical response team aboard the ship on all cruises. 

Supervision of deck staff

• Assign deck work lists.  Every day provide a priority list of what needs to be done.  Perform deckhand scheduling regarding what watch they will be on with Captain’s final approval.
• Provide deck staff with a minimum of two written evaluations per operating year.
• Train the new deckhand staff as they come aboard on how the ship operates, how they should handle lines, navigation basics, how to pilot the vessel, and emergency drill training. Shall instruct new deckhands in various procedures on how to maintain the ship e.g. painting, splicing lines, doing varnish/bright work, and docking procedures. 
• Teach the licensed deckhand staff in proper small boat operations. (Zodiac, DIB, etc.)
• Responsible for the oversight of deck supplies inventory and procurement as needed.
• Oversee and assist 2nd Mate with keeping all chart corrections, light lists, bridge resources and Notice to Mariners publications current.
• Responsible for replying to safety or office memorandums and writing all Incident report forms as required by company policy. After review by Captain furnish to Operations Manager. 
• Assist in the expeditious preparation of the ship for oncoming guests which includes loading ship’s stores, taking on potable water, movement of luggage, movement of laundry, and other duties as assigned by the Captain.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Education of a specialized or technical knowledge requiring formal training above high school is required. 
•  Master’s license for a 100-ton inland vessel.
• License endorsement required for “Unlimited Radar Observer”. 
• 3-5 years in the maritime industry with progressively responsible experience is required. 
• Excellent communication skills: verbal, non-verbal and written.
• Writing skills require the ability to communicate technical information, maintain all ships logs, all vessel forms and documentation of vessel operations.
• Strong interpersonal skills require the ability to deal with discontented, argumentative and emotional crewmembers and passengers in a professional manner while maintaining Alaskan Dream Cruises high level of service and commitment to its guests and crew.
• Must pass a security background check and DOT drug test.
• First Aid and CPR Certification.

Desired Qualifications

• Proven team player and have a Can-Do attitude.
• Organized, even tempered.
• Ability to take directions and work with a diverse team.
• Ability to interpret and follow rules, policy and procedures.
• Ability to maintain composure with courteous and professional demeanor.

Traits and Characteristics

• Strong commitment to safety.
• A genuine desire to serve the public.
• Positive, personable and professional demeanor.
• Adaptive to learning new skills and knowledge.
• Adaptive to changes in a progressive work environment.
• Strong record of being organized, dependable and punctual.
• Strong conflict resolution skills and ability to work within a diverse workforce.

Communication 

It is strongly recommended that applicants have access to a computer and a mobile phone during the entire hiring process.  We expect to hear from candidates within a few days of our communication (request for interview, documentation, follow up, etc.) Recruitment process cannot continue if the candidate is not responsive.  Please note that how you communicate with a potential employer is part of the evaluation process.  Always be polite, prompt and professional when communicating with the office.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Crew stays in shared quarters onboard with little privacy and relatively constant vibration and engine noise often for long periods of time.  This is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with a diverse workforce. Crew may be moved from one vessel to another at the discretion of Management. Due to remote locations of vessel routes, internet connectivity is limited.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel to the vessels in Alaska and extended stay up to 5 months on board is required.  Must be physically able to work a typical workday of about 10-14 hours per day, seven days a week.  Environmental conditions generally include ambient inside temperature, ambient inside lighting, ambient to loud noise levels, all weather conditions, occasional use of required protective clothing including raingear and life preserver. Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Ability to walk on uneven deck surfaces crossing from vessel to vessel.  Physically able to climb a 7-foot vertical ladder and fit through a 28-inch escape hatch.