First Mate
Job Opening
Location and Duration
Early April or early May through mid to late September in Southeast Alaska
Overview
The Boat Company (TBC) is seeking seeking a First Mate for each of its two motor vessels, the M/V Liseron and the M/V Mist Cove. The First Mate is second in command aboard the vessel and must be capable of assuming full command should the Captain become incapacitated. The Captain relies heavily on the First Mate to supervise and coordinate day-to-day activities of all members of the deck department, and to participate fully in those activities. TBC’s philosophy is that the entire crew compliment works together as a team to accomplish the task of maintaining a safe, efficient and enjoyable workplace, and therefore NO CREW MEMBER IS ABOVE ANY WORK NEEDING TO BE DONE TO MEET THIS OVERALL GOAL.
Primary Responsibilities
With instruction and supervision from the Captain, become familiar with the handling characteristics of the vessel (maneuvering, docking, anchoring, etc.) as well as the operation of critical systems (electronic navigation aids, steering, de-watering, safety apparatus, etc.)
Perform navigational watches while underway and safety/anchor/dock watches at other times.
Assist the Captain with the maintenance of required logbooks according to established practice and in established formats.
Direct and supervise all members of the deck department, and ensure that each understands and performs his/her assigned duties adequately. Assist Captain with training and orientation of new crew members. Coordinate line-handling when coming to port, anchoring, skiff-launching and retrieval, deck maintenance and safety.
Participate in the design and execution of emergency drills, generally taking charge of on-scene response actions. Help ensure written drill reports are properly logged.
All members of the deck department contribute to the maintenance of the skiffs. The First Mate supervises this work and maintains skiff-related work records.
Coordinate with Captain and Naturalist to develop daily guest activity objectives and weekly itineraries. Routinely update scheduling and tasking information on the crew mess whiteboard, and pass-the-word when sudden changes need to be made.
Assign guides to guest activities and issue equipment such as hand-held radios, fishing tackle, bear protection, etc. Ensure all issued equipment is returned and maintained in good order.
Guide guests on a wide variety of off-vessel excursions, including sport fishing, hiking, skiff touring and beach combing.
Assist in cleaning, filleting, packing, and storing catch. Work with Naturalist to assure that guest fish is boxed or bundled, labeled and ready when guests disembark.
Daily supervise all sport fishing guides to ensure the accurate and detailed recording of data in Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) sport fish logbooks and related TBC catch records.
Prepare pre-season and post-season inventory reports of sport fishing gear, skiff equipment, bosun’s stores. At the end-of-season, thoroughly clean and prepare fishing equipment for storage. Assist Captain in preparing an end-of-season Current Ship Maintenance Project (CSMP) list of items needing attention during the off-season.
Minimum Requirements
US Citizen, US National or Green Card holder.
Education or technical training of a specialized nature beyond high school.
Minimum 3-5 years in the maritime industry with progressively responsible experience.
STCW-95 basic safety training.
TWIC card.
USCG license with a minimum rating of Mate 100-ton for MIST COVE and Mate 100-ton for LISERON upon inland waters.
Must pass pre-employment drug screen, reference checks and background check.
Must be capable of demonstrating proficiency in the safe and effective handling and discharging of pepper spray, which is required equipment on all shore excursions where there may be risk of encounters with aggressive bears.
Must have sufficiently acute hearing, eyesight and depth perception to meet the demands of at-sea service. Must be capable of using escape hatches and boarding /disembarking survival craft unassisted.
Must be available for entire season of operation from early April thru mid-September, commencing and completing the term of employment in the Puget Sound area of Washington State.
Desired Skills/Abilities
Outgoing and friendly demeanor, able to engage and communicate easily with passengers and crew.
Sport fish guiding experience and familiarity with fly fishing techniques are helpful.
Familiarity with Alaska waters, weather conditions, history and current events.
Proficient in Windows, Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word, familiarity with Nobeltec TimeZero Navigation software a plus; plus, general writing abilities.
The Boat Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
