Ship Communications Officer (IAM)

SCO (IAM) is the head of the Communications Department and is responsible to the Master for all operational, administrative and maintenance functions of the Communications Department to include the ship’s Computer Network. They will function as the ship’s Information Assurance Manager/Information Security Officer for all matters related to Cyber Security. SCO (IAM) will keep the Master informed of all capabilities, limitations and conditions of assigned equipment in compliance with current policies and instructions; and initiate actions to correct all equipment deficiencies. SCO (IAM) is responsible for proper planning, managing, and executing of all Communications Department evolutions and Communications Department roles in ship­wide functions. SCO (IAM) will manage the Command, Control, Communications, Computer (C4) systems.

Assignments: T-AKE, T-AOE, T-EPF, T-AO (205)

SPECIFICATIONS

• Responsible for the proper operation, maintenance and repair of electronic communications information systems and equipment aboard the ship.

• Assigned as the ship's Communications Security (COMSEC) Local Element (LE) Custodian (Tier III).

• Responsible for all centralized distribution and accounting of the COMSEC material within the LE Account. To provide appropriate safeguards of classified and sensitive keying material, cryptographic publications, messages, documents, equipment and related devices.

• Responsible for receiving and maintaining accountability of all COMSEC material allocated to the command's LE account. The Master will be immediately informed of any COMSEC discrepancies, violations and incidents.

• Responsible for drafting and implementing the Command’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to include destruction and safeguarding of cryptographic keying material, cryptographic equipment, classified documents and other sensitive material. Schedules and conduct drills frequently to ensure plans can be carried out as envisioned and maintains personnel proficiency.

• Maintains close liaison with the Master and Operations Officer, staying abreast of the ship's current and future tasking. The SCO (IAM) must be cognizant of all communication annexes for current operations or missions assigned to the ship.

• Maintains detailed knowledge of information found in Allied Communications Publications (ACP), Naval Warfare Publications (NWP), Naval Telecommunications Publications (NTP) and other associated communication publications, technical manuals and advisories. Research and implement a Communications Plan based on ocean area of operations, Strike Group operations or other operational tasking.

• Ensure all system security operations and maintenance activities are properly documented and updated as necessary. Responsible for ensuring system vulnerability assessment security scans are conducted and results reported in accordance with current instructions.

• Ensures the minimum-security requirements for all applications are in place and have been verified.

• Ensure protective or corrective measures are in place when a Cybersecurity Incident or Vulnerability is discovered.

• As Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) onboard, ensure system vulnerability assessments/scans are performed on the installed computing systems and reported in accordance with SOP.

• Ensure IAT personnel maintain all SAAR-N (System Authorization Access Request-Navy) forms for crewmembers requiring access to Information systems. Assess and monitor cybersecurity related to system implementation and testing practices.

• Responsible for maintaining/operating the ship’s onboard network, in the event of the loss of the CRET (IAT), until a replacement is received onboard.

• Responsible to the Master for ensuring all incoming and outgoing naval message traffic is processed accurately and in compliance with existing regulations.

• Responsible for screening all naval message traffic for proper delivery and updating the routing matrix as appropriate. Ensures database files such as General Message File (GMFs), Communications Information Bulletins (CIBs), Communications Information Advisories (CIAs) as outlined in NTP-4 (series) are properly maintained and updated.

• Ensure personnel in the Communications Department are properly supervised, trained and instructed to efficiently and accurately process naval message traffic and operate equipment within the Communications Department area of responsibility (AOR).

• Ensure the scheduling of training assist visits, conduct drills, exercises and other On-the-job Training (OJT) to establish and maintain proficiency. In coordination with the Master and MSC (CIVMAR) Training, the SCO (IAM) will schedule formal training ashore for personnel within the Communications Department.

• Ensure training with cyber security workforce personnel, on network connectivity, equipment (routers and switches) configuration, patching and scanning techniques and policy and procedure familiarization.

• Ensure ship maintains the communications guard while underway. Consult with the Master prior to making any arrangement to shift guard at least 24 hours in advance of any proposed shift. Ensures Guard Shift message has been transmitted in compliance with current instructions and policies. Remains attentive to the progress of a Guard Shift and report successful completion or difficulty encountered to the Master.

• May be designated as the Command Security Manager and Top Secret Control Officer, as defined in the individual shipboard Standard Organization and Regulations Manual (SORM).

• Thorough knowledge with contents of SECNAV Security Manual and/or Instruction(s), the Command Security instruction ensuring complete compliance. Ensures personnel under their supervision have the appropriate security clearance for the level of tasks assigned. Ensure personnel granted access to spaces containing classified material are controlled by an access list signed by the Master for ship's personnel or embarked staff requiring access to classified material or access on a Secure Network. Verifies security clearance and provides information to Master for approval. Develops and maintains appropriate procedure to ensure compliance with the access list. Develops and maintains the naval message release authority listing signed by the Master. (This does not include shipboard security in general or dry cargo ammunition magazines specifically).

• As part of the ship's Physical Security Program, the Communications Department will assist the Master, Command Duty Officer (COO) and Watch Officer in preparing and transmitting Special Incident Reporting Messages (UNITREP, SITREP, OPREP 3, etc.). Conduct regular training for their department and other Officers regarding procedure and preparation of Special Incident Reporting Messages.

• Responsible for ensuring a comprehensive Safety Program is established and maintained in the Communications Department in compliance with current policies and instructions. Coordinate with the Electrical Safety Officer (Chief Engineer) and establish a Tag-Out/Lock­Out Program within the Communications Department and ensure compliance with applicable safety standards and procedures. Ensures Bi-monthly Safety Meetings are conducted for the Communications Department and submits written reports of such meeting to the Safety Officer (Chief Mate and Master) for review. Ensure annual Navy Occupational Safety and Health (NAVOSH) training is conducted within their department, will conduct routine NAVOSH inspections, Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) inventories and ensure compliance with HAZMAT handling procedures as required. Ensure the appropriate safety equipment is available, well maintained and utilized for personnel within the Communications Department.

• Responsible for all tests, inspections and routine maintenance of equipment within the Communications Department AOR as required by policy, instruction, directive or competent authority. Coordinate with the Repair Officer (Chief Engineer) all repairs and maintenance which is beyond the capability of the Communications Department and/or requires funding, personnel, services, parts, technical assistance, calibration, or support outside the scope of the Communications Department budget, manpower or expertise. Ensure the appropriate Ship's Force Work Request, Voyage Repair Request, Transportation Alteration (TRANSALT) request or Casualty Reporting (CASREP) data is submitted to the Chief Engineer accurately and in a timely manner. The SCO (IAM) will stay abreast of scheduled Voyage Repair Periods, Mid Term Availability and Regular Overhaul periods and the anticipated repair work to be accomplished within the Communications Department's area of responsibility. Supervise the progress of such repairs and provide feedback to the Repair Officer (Chief Engineer).

• In coordination with the Supply Officer and Supply Department, the incumbent will initiate and administer Communications Departmental supply functions, custody records and reports of survey.

• Ensure adequate supplies of spares, consumables and repair parts are kept on hand for normal operations and notify the Supply Department in advance of anticipated high usage items. SCO (IAM) maintains custody of all material and equipment assigned to the Communications Department.

• Responsible for the judicious and effective use of funding for spares, consumables, and repair parts. SCO (IAM) is responsible for operating within a departmental budget as allotted by the Master. SCO (IAM) assists the Supply Department in completing Consolidated Shipboard Allowance Listing (COSAL) validation and submitting COSAL configuration changes to keep the COSAL complete, accurate and current.

• Maintain and manage both the Communications Department Watch Bill assignments for watch personnel. Along with the work assignment for Cyber Security Network personnel (IATs). Assigning personnel to watch sections based on their demonstrated knowledge and training will ensure the Communications Department watch stations are always manned by qualified personnel. Ensuring IAT personnel computer certifications and training to operate and maintain the shipboard network and associated equipment are current. SCO (IAM) will set, and break sea and port watches as required by circumstance. The SCO (IAM) will approve requests for leave and liberty within the guidelines set forth by the Master.

• Maintain good order and discipline within the Communications Department, keeping the Master apprised of any incident and they will initiate disciplinary actions when warranted. SCO (IAM) will ensure personnel under their supervision are familiar with the provision of the Civilian Mariner Personnel Instruction (CMPI), Ship's Instructions and Standing Orders.

• Responsible for the judicious and efficient use of straight time, premium pay and overtime. Incumbent will recommend the expenditure of premium pay and overtime on a case-by-case basis as appropriate to the circumstances, ensuring compliance with budgetary guidelines set forth by the Master. SCO (IAM) will submit accurate and timely premium pay and overtime records to the Purser at the end of each payroll. Conduct pre-sailing and daily muster of Communications Department personnel and submit the results to the Purser.

• Responsible for assigning a departmental berthing arrangement plan by the Chief Mate. The incumbent will assign individual berthing assignments within their department and provide updates to the Chief Mate upon reassignment.

• Ensure all Communications Departmental workspaces are kept in good order and free of rust, oil, dirt, debris, fire hazards, missile hazards and excessive paint build up and HAZMAT. Coordinate with the Chief Mate any maintenance of departmental workspaces which require paint/mechanical paint removal, or which require additional manpower to attain.

• Develop ship specific Duty Statements for personnel under their supervision. They will include but are not limited to; routine duties and responsibilities as well as emergency duties for the billet concerned. Ensure evaluations of Communications Department personnel are submitted to the Master as required for review. Generate written recommendations for the Master for Awards or other recognition of service as appropriate for Communication Department personnel.

• Immediately upon reporting aboard, the SCO (IAM) will familiarize themselves with emergency stations and duties. All such duties are listed in the ship's Station Bill, which are posted in various locations about the vessel. Any questions regarding emergency duties will be directed to the Chief Mate. If injured or ill, the incumbent will promptly report to the ship's Medical Services Officer (MSO) for medical treatment. Within 24 hours, the incumbent will complete the CA-1, Accident/Injury form if appropriate.

• Oversee the information security training and awareness program, paying specific attention to annual Cyber Awareness, Privileged User and other ad-hoc training requirements as assigned.

• May be required to operate Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) equipment.

• Must be able to use applicable software applications which may afford Privileged User access to the network and must satisfy MSC's Privileged User requirements.

• Ensure continuing application of, and compliance with, EEO laws, regulations, and policies.

• Everything in this position description is considered essential functions of this position.

• Performs other duties as assigned.