Floating Laboratory Crewmember

Class Specifications – G.45
Officer-in-Charge, Floating Laboratory – 8356
Senior Floating Laboratory Crewmember – 8358
Floating Laboratory Crewmember – 8359

May, 1973

Series Concept

Floating Laboratory Crewmembers perform or supervise the operation, maintenance~ and repair of equipment and machinery aboard non-self-propelled floating labora tory vessels and at shore facilities; operate, navigate, and move the vessels; and perform other related duties as required.

Floating Laboratory Crewmembers perform a variety of tasks, at sea and ashore, associated with the operation and maintenance of non-self-propelled floating laboratory vessels and facilities such as FLIP (Floating Laboratory Instrument Platform) and ORB (Ocean Research Buoy), requiring a knowledge of marine vessel operation, seamanship, and varied mechanical, technical, and craft skills. Duties are performed as a support function to the scientific party aboard; however, incumbents are directly responsible for the operation, navig~tion, and movement of the vessel, as well as the safety and well-being of all personnel aboard.

Incumbents perform duties requiring operational and sub-operational skills in one or more crafts, trades, or specialties such as seaman, marine engineer, electrician, deck officer, shipfitter, or welder, in addition to the specialized skills and procedures required in the operation of floating laboratory vessels and facilities; install, maintain, repair, and/or operate vessel machinery, equipment, and systems, including diesel engines, air compressors, switch and control boards, motors, generators, pumps, hydraulic circuitry; handle or direct towing operations; operate small boats; and utilize standard seamanship skills as required.

Positions in this series are distinguished from other marine classes in that floating laboratory crewmembers perform the duties of several separate marine trades classes, but aboard a non-self-propelled laboratory vessel. In addit ionp incumbents utilize a variety of craft, trade, or technical skills not found within one marine trades class. The series is distinguished from Marine Mecha nician by the dual performance of shipboard crew duties in connection with vessel operation, and mechanical and vessel maintenance skills, as well as t he requirement for frequent sea duty .

Class Concepts

Officer-in-Charge, Floating Laboratory

Under direction, incumbents are responsible for the operation and maintenance of seagoing floating laboratories, and the safety of all personnel aboard. The Officer-in-Charge directs the assigned crew; acts as liaison to the scientific party to provide maximum support for the scientific mission; performs navigation and positioning utilizing radar, Loran, and radio connnunications; arranges for towing services; writes operations orders; maintains liaison with the Navy, Coast Guard, and other agencies ; determines the need for repairs and modifi cations, and supervises work performed by the crew, or a contract firm; and makes recommendations concerning operational and personnel policies and procedures.

Senior Floating Laboratory Crewmember

Under general supervision, incumbents perform the full range of duties in more than one : of the trades, crafts, or specialties .encompassed within the series. This is the full operational level, and the majority of duties are performed at this level . Incumbents may act as an Assistant Officer-in-Charge, and may supervise and train subordinates.

Floating Laboratory Crewmember

Under supervision, incumbents perform a limited variety of skilled and semi skilled tasks in the operation . and maintenance o~ floating laboratories and associated machinery and equipment. This is the entry operational level, requiring that incumbents have operational proficiency in a trade, craft, or other specialty.

Minimum Qualifications

Officer-in-Charge, Floating Laboratory

Graduation from high school and six years of operational experience in a related marine or mechanical craft, trade, or specialty, including at least two years as a Senior Floating Laboratory Crewmember; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Time spent as a licensed 1st Officer or above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required experience, to a maximum of three years.

Senior Floating Laboratory Crewmember

Graduation from high school and four years of operational experience in a related marine or mechanical craft, trade, or specialty, including at least one year as a Floating Laboratory Crewmember; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Floating Laboratory Crewmember

Graduation from high school and two years of operational experience in a related marine or mechanical craft, trade, or specialty, including one year aboard a seagoing vessel; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.