Chief Officer (Volunteer)

The maritime volunteers onboard the Africa Mercy are a vital part to making it possible to bring hope and healing to the people of Africa. If you have spent your career on the sea and want to use those skills to make a positive change in the lives of others, our ship could be your next great adventure!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily:

• Day to day supervision of the deck department crew, assuring that work is accomplished in a safe and efficient manner
• General management of cargo operations (loading, off-loading, and stowage), particularly in regards to safe handling, secure stowage, and favorable stability
• Maintenance of all cargo gear, holds, decks, hatches, and hull liaising with the Chief Engineer
• Responsible for stock control and inventory of Deck machinery liaising with the Chief Engineer
• Reports to the Engineering Superintendent on matters of maintenance and issues affecting the vessel schedule, certification, dry docking, and maintenance
• Management of all emergency station bill assignments, posting of lists, and stowaway search parties
• Treatment and handling of all potable water brought aboard
• Planning and implementation of the deck budget and maintenance of deck financial records
• Management of the onboard pest control program
• Cleanliness of the exterior and holds of the vessel
• Responsible as On-Scene Commander in emergency situations and drills
• Responsible as Clean-Up Team Leader in the event of an oil spill
• Supervision of the ship's garbage management plan
• Selection of deck personnel and care of the Deck crew in regards to morale and spiritual welfare
• Preparation of stability calculations and documentation prior to departure from port
• Timely administration of staff appraisals
• As pressure of work and staffing levels allow, some of the above duties may be delegated to other officers, with the agreement of the Master
• Extensive knowledge of the vessel's safety systems and Company Safety Management System
• At Sea: Being the Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch at sea, under pilotage, or at anchor, if necessary
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Requirements)

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• Supportive of Mercy Ships mission and vision, and committed to its core values
• Understand and apply servant leadership, work collaboratively with integrity and demonstrate accountability
• Able to live in and contribute to community life, requiring stable and healthy interpersonal skills
• Certificate of Competency according to STCW II/2 Master and Chief Mates, with no ARPA or ECDIS limitations
• Certificate of Competency according to STCW IV/2 - GMDSS Operator
• Certificate of Proficiency in accordance with   STCW V/2-1 Crowd Management.
• Certificate of Proficiency in accordance with STCW V/2-3 Crisis Management and Human Behavior
• Certificate of Proficiency in accordance with STCW VI/6-2 – Seafarers With Designated Security Duties
• Competent in Windows, and general file/folder management tasks
• Ability to work with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word software
• Full, clean driving license is preferred. Will be expected to drive as part of departmental responsibilities

Education and Experience

The requirements listed below are representative of the education and / or experience required:

• Successful completion of OnBoarding Program
• Minimum two months experience onboard in a junior position (Second or Third Officer) prior to taking this role is preferred

Contact [email protected] for any questions specific to the role or difficulties with the online application system.