Chief Mate

At Hornbeck Offshore, our people are our propellers to success, and our most important asset. Our culture of integrity, commitment, excellence and teamwork is what differentiates us from the rest.

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JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Chief Mate is designated by the Company as the second in command of each vessel and is the legally appointed representative of the Company responsible under existing law for the vessel in the absence or incapacitation of the Master. The Chief Mate manages the day to day activities of the deck crew and is responsible for representing, enforcing and preserving Company interests, policies and procedures to the crew, clients, sub-contractors and duly authorized authorities as directed by the Master.

The Chief Mate’s duties include, but are not limited to, the full implementation of the Company Safety Management System (SMS), Code of Conduct, Company Policies and Company Mission Statement. The Chief Mate serves as the Officer in Charge of the Navigation Watch (OICNW) as directed by the Master. The Chief Mate ensures the safe and efficient operation of the vessel including: safe navigation and piloting of the vessel, the seaworthiness of the vessel, the safety of the crew and persons in addition to crew, protection of the environment, protection of the cargo or property of the charterer, vessel’s industrial mission performance, mobilization and de-mobilization project management, charterer relations, crew resource management, cost control, crew competency assessment, training and other responsibilities that may be assigned by the Master or that the Chief Mate recognizes as essential to his/or her responsibility.

JOB DESCRIPTION

RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITY
1. In the absence or incapacitation of the Master, the Chief Mate has the overriding authority and the responsibility to make decisions with respect to safety and pollution prevention and to request the Company’s assistance as may be necessary.  

2. The Chief Mate is responsible for implementing the safety and environmental-protection policies of the Company; motivating the crew in the observation of those policies; issuing and communicating appropriate orders and instructions in a clear and simple manner; and verifying that specified requirements of the SMS, Code of Conduct and Company policies are observed.

3. To ensure the safe operation of each vessel and to provide a link between the Company and those on board, the Company has designated a person or persons ashore having direct access to the highest level of management. The Chief Mate (and all crew members) has been provided contact information for the DPA and alternate DPA. The Chief Mate has the responsibility to monitor the safety and pollution-prevention aspects of the operation of their ship and to ensure that adequate resources and shore-based support are applied, as required. Any deficiencies must be immediately reported to the Master and Company DPA.

4. As directed by the Master, the Chief Mate has the authority under his/her licensure to perform responsibilities aboard their vessel or when otherwise engaged in the business of the Company in the capacity of a Chief Mate in a manner consistent with this job description.

5. As directed by the Master the Chief Mate serves as the OICNW and is responsible for the safe piloting, navigation, and maintenance of the vessel in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations of the vessel’s flag state, coastal state, and the Company SMS in a manner consistent with maintaining the safety of the crew and the protection of the environment.

6. The Chief Mate manages the deck officers, deck crew, vendors and sub-contractors as directed by the Master, including service delivery, bridge management, human resource management, and cost management in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Company.
    
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

1. The Chief Mate is accountable to and reports to the Master of the vessel, for all aspects of job performance.  
2. The Chief Mate shall manage the deck officers and deck crew aboard his/her vessel under the direction of the Master.

3. The Chief Mate shall cooperate and work closely with flag state, port state and coastal state officials, client representatives, Operations Coordinator, Chief Engineer, Chief Officer, and any other relevant personnel necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel as directed by the Master.    

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The minimum qualifications and experience required for each Chief Mate are:   

1. Possess all valid flag state (and coastal state as applicable) credentials required by law for service as Chief Mate on the route and class of vessel appointed to (examples: Merchant Mariners Credential, TWIC Card, Medical Certificate, Radio Operator Licenses etc.). 

2. A valid passport is highly preferred.

3. Possess a valid riggers certification from a recognized issuing authority.

4. A valid unlimited DPO certificate from a recognized issuing authority is highly preferred.

5. Ability to read and write English as well as render, understand, and react, to commands given in English.  
6. Minimum two years’ experience on DP-2 class vessels of similar size, route and industrial mission in a position not lower than 3rd Mate. Six months as Chief Mate is preferred.

DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Incumbents must be able to:

1. Lift and move equipment that weighs up to 50 pounds or more
2. Move equipment that is heavy, large, and awkward, sometimes from one level to another.
3. Ascend and descend stairs and ladders, sometimes while transporting tools or objects.
4. Use portable ladders or stools to allow them to work on systems that are located in the overhead section of machinery spaces. Repairs may require that incumbents reach into small, poorly accessible areas of machinery.
5. Work on equipment that has pressurized or hot components; secure or segregate systems to provide an adequate safety margin;
6. Troubleshoot equipment that is difficult to reach
7. Work in areas that have high noise levels
8. Demonstrate sufficient physical dexterity to enable them to manipulate small items in restricted spaces or large objects when using mechanical lifting devices.
9. Performing assigned emergency duties without undue danger to himself/herself or the vessel.

Agreeable to occasional requirement to crew change by helicopter and maintain a valid OPITO BOSIET credential.

Note: Rotation schedule may vary and is subject to change based on vessel requirements.

In-person applications will be accepted by appointment only.

EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled