Able Seaman (W)

The Able Seaman (AB) Watch (W) is a position in the Deck Department aboard ship both at sea and in port. The incumbent is under the direct supervision of the Licensed Officers during regular operations. During UNREP/VERTREP, the AB (W) is normally assigned duties on the bridge or in aft steering, but may be assigned other duties under the direct supervision of the Boatswain(s) or Boatswain Mate(s). May be called out at any time when needed for operations, mandatory overtime, in an emergency situation and shall perform all duties assigned, and will be compensated in accordance with the CMPI.

As a bridge watch stander, will be thoroughly familiar with deck watch standing procedures. Must be a qualified UNREP Helmsman and lookout. As a lookout, incumbent should be familiar with the rules of the road and bouyage system. As an UNREP helmsman, the must have knowledge of the steering system onboard including emergency steering procedures and equipment. The AB(W) is expected to know all helm orders and be able to steer reliably, including alongside other ships during underway replenishment. During arrival, departure, shipyard docking and undocking evolutions, the AB(W) shall be ready to report to any assigned line handling station and assist in the preparation of heaving and mooring lines as necessary. Incumbent must have a complete knowledge and understanding of all line handling commands and be prepared to inform the Person in Charge of the line handling evolution of any dangerous situations that may be developing or existing, being immediately prepared to respond as directed.

Expected to perform security force duties, maintain small arms qualifications and take other shipboard security training. While on watch in port, the will provide gangway and roving patrol security and is required to know and execute the Force Protection (FP) requirements as designated by the FP plan for the specific port of call and be thoroughly familiar with pre-planned responses including bomb threats. Should also be familiar with and have a working knowledge of any installed intrusion detection systems.

Shall be thoroughly familiar with immediate actions in the event of fire and emergency responses. Expected to be well-trained and proficient member of fire, repair, and Chemical Biological and Radiological Defense (CBRD) parties. Responsible for learning the location and use of emergency equipment, lifesaving equipment, damage control equipment, safety equipment and become proficient in its use as well as being able to instruct other crewmembers in its use. As qualified lifeboat man, may be called upon to take charge of lifeboat launching or assist as directed. May also be called upon to be a crewmember in the ships Fast Rescue Boats (FRB). The AB(W) is responsible for securing of the ship for sea while observing the highest standards of good seamanship and common sense. Securing of the ship for sea includes, but is not limited to, swinging in of lifeboats and griping them securely; taking in and securing the gangway; lowering of cargo booms to cradles; lashing cargo gear; stowing ship’s mooring lines; securing cargo hatches; securing MHE; stowing all loose deck gear and the general securing of gear adrift. May be called upon to take soundings of ballast tanks, cargo fuel tanks, voids and cofferdams.

Responsibilities and general duties include:

• Bridge and Gangway watches in accordance with the watch bill. • UNREP/VERTREP station and duties as assigned by the Cargo Officer or Chief Mate. • Emergency stations as assigned by the Station Bill or Chief Mate. • Docking/undocking station as assigned by the Chief Mate. • Steering the ship, standing lookout, security rounds, gangway watch duties, wake-up calls, tending mooring lines & wires, rigging Pilot ladders, rigging gangways, dumping of trash, bridge and deck maintenance, dropping or hauling anchors, small boat operations, taking soundings and sanitation duties.

Must possess a working knowledge of the following:

1. Shipboard terminology and nomenclature.

2. Proper operation of Deck Department equipment including davits, winches, gangways, pilot ladders, mooring lines and the anchor windlass.

3. Rigging/unrigging of gangways, pilot ladders, accommodation ladders, and H- frames.

4. The care, usage, and safe operation of power and hand tools.

5. Use of paint and painting application techniques, preparation of various surfaces for painting, cleaning of painting equipment, the toxic effect of paint and chemical fumes, and methods to prevent injury or exposure to toxic elements during painting.

6. The location of all deck light switches and detex stations.

7. The location of all ballast and void sounding tubes.

8. Proper operation of all bridge and gangway alarms and responses.

9. Armed Gangway Watch and Security Force procedures.

10. Personal protective equipment usage.

Must be able to use applicable software applications. Shall be responsible for reading, understanding and complying with the shipboard Safety Management System (SMS) and all environmental protection and pollution regulations commensurate with the vessel and duties aboard.

The AB (W) ensures continuing application and compliance with EEO laws, regulations and policies.

Must be eligible to have access to, handle and be qualified in small arms in accordance with OPNAVINST 3591.1

Everything in this Position Description is considered to be an essential function of this position.

Performs all other duties as assigned.