Officer

Class Specifications – G.45
First Officer – 8342
Second Officer – 8343
Third Officer – 8344

September, 1981

Series Concept

Incumbents perform ship officer duties aboard a seagoing vessel engaged in oceanographic research; and perform other related duties as required.

Class Concept

First Officer

Under direction, incumbents serve as first mates supervising deck and crewmember activities aboard a seagoing vessel engaged in oceanographic research.

At sea, incumbents typically direct crewmembers in preparing a smooth chart of cruise, locating hydrographic stations and bathythermograph positions; in preparing weather reports; and in notifying scientific personnel of the location and time of arrival at stations. Incumbents take charge of the forecastle in mooring and weighing anchor; direct the crew in the event of fire, and in the operation of technical equipment such as Loran, Radar and Fathometers; may act as deck officer or navigator; and may supervise Second Officers or crewmembers.

In port, incumbents direct the deck force; assign the crew to stations, and to maintenance duties; prepare the watch lists; and stand security watch when required.

Second Officer

Under general supervision, incumbents serve as second mates aboard a seagoing vessel engaged in oceanographic research; are assigned responsibilities as second assistants for supervising deck and crewmember activities under the general supervision of the First Officer; or may act as first mates aboard smaller seagoing vessels of approximately 100 gross tons displacement.

Incumbents typically stand watch on bridge as officer of the day; supervise and train crewmembers for activities such as wire and rope splicing, hull upkeep, maintenance of running and standing rigging, and the hoisting and lowering of small boats; assist in preparing a smooth chart of course; stand security watch; may act as deck officer or navigator; and may supervise oilers.

Third Officer

Under general supervision, incumbents serve as deck officers aboard a seagoing vessel engaged in oceanographic research. On larger seagoing vessels, incumbents serve as additional officers to supervise and to serve as officer of the watch.

Incumbents typically supervise crewmembers, and the maintenance, operation and handling of ships’ boats; serve as deck officers; stand security watch; and perform skilled deck duties in general shipboard procedure as required.

Incumbents may function as medical assistants by performing and administering first aid to the crew and scientific party and advising the Captain in all cases of injured or ill crew or scientific personnel.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants for positions in the Officer series are expected to possess the licenses, skills, knowledges, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the positions.

Note: Specific qualification requirements are approved for positions by the Personnel Manager in accordance with the provisions of Staff Personnel Policies 210.8 and 210.9.

For Medical Assistant assignments only, incumbents must possess the legal requirements for the practice of medicine or have independent duty emergency experience such as a para-medic.