Ship Communications Officer (IAM)

The Ship Communications Officer (SCO) Information Assurance Manager (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. This position is classified as Cyber IT Network Services (Master) in accordance with SECNAV Manual 5239.2 Cyberspace Information Technology and Cybersecurity Workforce Management and Qualifications. Incumbent 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. Incumbent is responsible for the proper planning, management and execution of all Communications Department evolutions and roles in ship-wide functions. Incumbent will manage the Command, Control, Communications, Computer, and (C4) systems.

Responsible for the proper operation, maintenance and repair of electronic communications and information systems and equipment aboard the ship. Assigned systems and equipment may include, but is not limited to: a. Automated Digital Network System (ADNS) b. ALCATEL servers and routers c. Antenna switching systems d. Next Generation Wideband (NGW) e. Commercial Broadband Satellite Protocol (CBSP) f. Common PC Operating System Environment (COMPOSE) g. Cryptographic equipment h. Navy (UHF) Ultra High Frequency satellite communications suite i. Digital Modular Radio (DMR) j. Global Command and Control System – Maritime (GCCS-M) k. HF transmitters and receivers l. Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) m. Classified and Unclassified LANs n. Host Based Security System (HBSS) o. Message routing software p. Mobile Intelligent Sensor Network System (MISNS) q. Naval Modular Automated Communications Subsystem (NAVMACS) r. AN/SLQ-25 (variants) Nixie s. Direct to Sailor (DTS) television system and ship’s entertainment system t. Secure Terminal Equipment (STE) telephones u. Shipboard Uniform Automated Data Processing System (SUADPS)/R-Supply/Viking v. Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) w. TVS switchboards x. Line-of-Sight (LOS) transceivers y. Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR) z. Xylan switches and routers aa. Vulnerability Remediation Asset Manager (VRAM) bb. Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS) cc. Retina Network Security Scanner

Responsible for ensuring all cybersecurity actions promulgated by proper authority are acknowledge and completed in a timely manner. Responsible for ensuring security scans are conducted and results reported in accordance with current instructions. Responsible for maintaining all SAAR-N (System Authorization Access Request-Navy) forms for crewmembers requiring access to information systems. Reviews security clearances and provides training to those individuals cleared to operate IT systems, and ensure personnel remain compliant with applicable instructions and directives. Responsible for reporting all potential cybersecurity incidents.

Responsible to the ship’s Master for ensuring all incoming and outgoing Naval message traffic is processed accurately and in compliance with existing regulations. Incumbent routinely screens message traffic for proper delivery and updates the routing matrix as appropriate.

Ensures the ship maintains the communications guard while underway. Consults with the Master prior to making any arrangement to shift the guard at least 24 hours in advance of any proposed shift. Drafts and transmits a Termination Request and Guard shift message in compliance with current instructions and policies; Reports to the Master the successful completion or any difficulty encountered.

Responsible for drafting instructions and implementing plans for contingency communications. In addition, responsible for drafting and implementing the EAP to include destruction and safeguarding of crypto, cryptographic equipment, classified documents and other sensitive material.

Will be designated as the Command Security Manager and Top Secret Control Officer. Incumbent must be thoroughly familiar with the contents of, and ensure compliance with, current policies and instructions.

As part of the ship’s physical security program the Communications and IT Department assists the Master, Command Duty Officer (CDO) and Watch Officer (as applicable) in preparing and transmitting Special Incident Reporting Messages (UNITREP, SITREP, OPREP 3). The SCO IAM conducts regular training for the Communications and IT Department and other officers regarding procedures and preparation of Special Incident Reporting Messages.

Maintain and manage the Radio Electronics Technician (RET) watch bill, assigning RET personnel to watch sections based on their demonstrated knowledge and training, and will ensure the Communications and IT Department watch stations are manned by qualified personnel at all times. Incumbent will set and break sea and port watches as required by the circumstance. Approves requests for leave and liberty within the guidelines set forth by the Master.

Responsible for the judicious and efficient use of straight time, premium pay, and overtime. Incumbent will recommend the expenditure of 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 the budgetary guidelines set forth by the Master. Incumbent will submit accurate and timely premium pay and overtime records to the Purser at the end of each payroll. Conducts pre-sailing and daily muster of Communications and IT Department personnel and submits the results to the Purser. Responsible for assigning a departmental berthing arrangement plan by the Chief Mate. Assigns individual berthing assignments within the Communications and IT Department and provide updates to the Chief Mate upon reassignment.

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 for Communications and IT Department personnel are submitted to the Master as required for review. Generates written recommendations to the Master for awards or other recognition of service as appropriate for Communications and IT Department personnel.

Immediately upon reporting aboard, the SCO IAM will familiarize him/her self with emergency stations and duties. Will be designated as the Information System Administrator (ISA). Designated CMS Local Element Custodian (Tier III). Familiar with and able to use applicable software applications.

Ensures continuing application of, and compliance with, EEO laws, regulations, and policies. Everything in this position description is considered essential functions of this position.

Performs all other duties as assigned.