RESEARCH VESSEL CAPTAIN 56032

9-16-88 C

CLASS CONCEPT/FUNCTION

This is the second class in the series of classes which operate marine research vessels. Positions in this class serve as captain of a large scientific research vessel. This class is distinguished from the Research Vessel Mate class by having full responsibility for and control of the assigned research vessel, equipment, and crew and greater administrative responsibilities. This class is distinguished from the Research Vessel Captain Supervisor class by the latter's responsibility to supervise and schedule the work of captains, and mates, and the use of vessels.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE WORK

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty in safely operating and maintaining an assigned larger research vessel, as well as smaller fleet vessels as needed, in the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, rivers and inland waterways. Navigates and pilots vessels using electronic navigation equipment to conduct research, such as trawl work with various nets, remote camera and side scan sonar work, seismic work, and dive work. Maintains vessel by planning for, or in some cases, actually performing maintenance and repair work such as hydraulics, woodwork, engine repair, fiberglass, painting, rigging, and plumbing. Orders materials; and schedules and plans work for the vessel regardingscientific work¬load, time analysis, and cost analysis for scientific field work. Assists research teams in planning assignments, and securing appropriate equipment, and by providing advice on logistics. Manages budget for any required contract repair work and monitors work in progress. Maintains all logs required or operation of assigned vessel. Some positions in this class may manage diving instruction and operation programs. Maintains all diving life support equipment and related supplies; services, repairs and issues SCUBA equipment, such as air compressors, air storage systems, and breathing regulators; maintains records on diver training, medical histories, certifications, and logbooks; prepares diver regulation policy changes; procures diving equipment for the agency; gives diving instructions/training for recertification or beginning instruction; and instructs in the use and care of diving equipment.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor; however, positions do provide guidance and lead work for mates and scientific crew.

Supervision Received: Performs work under the direction of the Research Vessel Captain Supervisor or Research Vessel Superintendent. While aboard a vessel at sea, the captain has full command and must use critical, independent judgment.

Scope: Positions in this class have round-the-clock full responsibility for assigned vessels. Work affects the protection and safety of crew and equipment on assign¬ments which directly affects the agency's ability to meet its marine and research program responsibilities.

Impact of Actions: Positions in this class may have to make decisions and take critical action under extremely variable conditions or possibly emergency situations having a serious effect on human safety, research vessel and equipment. Errors in judgment could result in substantial loss of property and equipment, injury or loss of life to crew and research staff, thus affecting the safety record and credibility of the agency's marine research program. Effective decisions result in the safe completion of marine research trips and the protection of crew and equipment.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with U.S. Coast Guard, marine vendors, crew members, marina operators, scientific and research staff, watermen, physicians, and diver training agencies. These contacts regard marine and vessel safety, supply and equipment procurement, boat repair, docking arrangements, diver physicals, emergency procedures, diver certification standards, and public relations.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledges: Considerable knowledge of various types of research vessels and equipment. Considerable knowledge of vessel operations, navigation, and maintenance. Working knowledge of Coast Guard safety regulations. Considerable knowledge of safe diving practices.

Skills: Working skills in carpentry, welding, fiberglass, engine repair, painting, hydraulics, plumbing, and gear modification and rigging. Considerable skill in SCUBA diving and working with underwater equipment.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate logs and records; to train and guide crew members or diving students; and to pilot marine vessels in ocean, bay, and inland waterways frequently under variable wind, tide, or adverse weather conditions.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: Diving Instructor's Certification by a nationally recognized diving association is required for those positions giving diving instructions.

Education or Training: High school graduation or equivalent; training in navigation, safety, seamanship, marine maintenance, firefighting, diving practices and regulations, and diving medicine.

Level and Type of Experience: Considerable experience in operating small coastal vessels at a captain's level. Instructor's experience in SCUBA training and first aid.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

CLASS HISTORY

This class was revised September 1988 as a result of the statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program. It is a revision and replacement of the Research Vessel Captain and Oceanographic Boat Captain classes, respectively.