Deckhand – Part-Time On-Call (Seasonal)

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking an experienced and qualified individual to serve as a seasonal Deckhand for vessel support services to Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS), located offshore from Galveston, TX. The vessel field season will span from May through mid-October. However, there may be work hours available prior to May and after October, if desired..

FGBNMS operates and maintains the 83’ Research Vessel (R/V) MANTA as the primary offshore platform for Coastal Texas to conduct scientific research, monitoring, exploration, drilling, education and outreach. Additionally, the 15’ skiff Mobula R1504 is utilized as an additional platform for dive tending and occasionally other NOAA owned vessels. The vessels are home ported at Texas A&M at Galveston.  Employees are required to maintain a professional demeanor and work closely and collegially to support scientists, natural resources managers, and educators working onboard the vessel.  The Deckhand position works under the direction of the Captain to carry out duties and responsibilities that include but are not limited to:

• Comply with USCG and NOAA policies and regulations for underway operations in research, training, conservation, education, outreach, maritime heritage, law enforcement, intra/inter-agency partnership trips, etc.
• Assist Captain to ensure safe navigation of vessel
• Exercise prudent judgment at all times. Be willing, able and capable of responding to shipboard emergencies.
• Perform such tasks as assisting crew and scientists, running deck equipment, ensuring safety of operations and passengers.
• May serve as anchor watch and as coxswain on skiff R/V Mobula.
• Operate dive air and NITROX compressor in compliance with the NOAA Dive Safety and Standards Manual and the NOAA Small Boat Programs Compressed Gas procedures.
• Comply with safety stand-downs and corrective actions per NOAA procedures.
• Conduct unscheduled/unplanned maintenance and repairs of vessel equipment under the direction of Captain.
• May perform galley hand responsibilities, including preparation of meals and snacks, factoring in dietary restriction.
• Participate in fire, man overboard, and abandon ship drills.
• Under the supervision of the Captain and Vessel Operations Coordinator (VOC), mobilize and demobilize the vessel prior to each cruise, including, but not limited to, cleaning, stocking provisions, laundry, and necessary scientific equipment such as dive gear, ensuring gas banks, and SCUBA tanks are filled prior to departure.
• As required, may lead education/ outreach events onboard R/V MANTA at the discretion of the Captain, VOC and Sanctuary Superintendent

• Requires at least one year of vessel deck experience in offshore marine environments.
• Must have experience in load handling equipment such as winches, cranes, A-Frames, and davits.
• Must be able to obtain NOAA small boat component course certification within 30 days.
• Able to lift and carry equipment and gear up to seventy-five (75) pounds to assist in mobilization/demobilization.
• Proven track record of punctuality and professionalism
• Ability to work 100 nautical miles offshore without becoming seasick. Ability to assist other vessel guests who may suffer from motion sickness.
• Ability to become proficient with scuba dive compressors, including NITROX percentage mixes at different levels.
• Ability to work collegially with scientists, natural resources managers, and educators.
• Possess or able to obtain NOAA Component Course certification.
• Able to perform duties in galley area while at sea, including meal prep and clean up.
• Able to deploy at sea on overnight trips up to 5 days at a time, 100 nautical miles from shore with limited communication. Anticipate approximately 12-hour work days when offshore, staying overnight on the vessel.
• Able to adjust to changes in schedule due to weather conditions and/or emergency operations.
• Current first Aid, CPR and AED certifications.
• Note: Vessels mentioned above are non-smoking vessels.

AAP/EEO Statement 

CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.