First Mate

Excellence. Innovation. Integrity. Passion.

USCG Mate’s License (min. 500 tons) required

Mates stand watch and manage the operation of the vessel as directed by the Captain; supervises and directs deck personnel during fishing operations and port calls; coordinates with other vessel departments during fishing operations, offload, backload and during transfer of personnel; inspects all areas of the vessel on an ongoing basis to ensure proper storage of supplies and product. Mates maintain records, reports and documents as required by the company, the US Coast Guard and other agencies. Mates also conduct safety drills and train the crew in performing safe work practices in accordance with OSHA, company policy and other guidelines. Mates provide emergency or routine medical assistance to crew, and coordinate for proper transfer of crew requiring additional medical care. Mates may perform the work of a deckhand as necessary (see Deckhand job description).

Mates must be able to:

• Perform vessel navigation and fishing operations of the vessel as directed by captain to include but not limited to:
• Commercial fishing equipment – Net reel, trawl gear, winches, cranes
• Navigational equipment – Sonar, radar, fathometer, GPS
• Communications equipment – VHF, satellite, telex, radio
• Supervise bridge watch standing activities.
• Supervise and direct all deck personnel.
• Supervise all operations of the vessel not involving the direct operation of the factory.
• Coordinate with all vessel departments and supervise on a continual basis.
• Manage all at-sea medical and emergency operations.
• Provide direct medical care to injured crew as necessary.
• Direct the transfer of crew on and off the vessel.
• Maintain ships log and prepare all reports as required by the company, USCG and other regulatory agencies.
• Inspect vessel areas on a regular basis to ensure safe operation and the proper storage of supplies and product.

• Typical work hours are 16 hours per day, 7 days per week, however, the Mate is responsible on a 24 hours per day basis.
• Work hours may be extended as necessary which may result in uneven shifts and sleep patterns.
• Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant. Unplanned, unscheduled breaks are prohibited except in health or safety related incidents.

• While performing the duties of this job, employees and the vessel will be operating in extremely remote and austere locations; often days away from land or dock facilities.
• While performing the duties of this job, employees are expected to wear protective clothing and equipment such as rain gear (pants and sleeves), gloves, rubber boots, noise suppression devices, and use as required: hardhat, safety goggles, fire extinguisher, respirator, life preserver and survival suit.
• Employees will be exposed to various species of fish; wet, humid, and freezing conditions; fish processing equipment such as headers, movable and stationary conveyor systems, knives, hoists, pressure washers, cleaning chemicals, shovels, buckets, baskets, and aluminum pans.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in the factory.
• While performing the duties of this job, Mates are regularly exposed to moving machinery, vibration, and risk of electrical shock.

• Catcher processor captain experience.
• USCG Mate’s License (min. 500 tons)
• USCG Medical Emergency response training.
• USCG Drill Instructor training.
• Earned High School Diploma or GED. Education verification will be required prior to hire.
• 24 months or more of relevant verifiable work experience in the last 4 years.

All employees must be able to:

• Board and exit the vessel by gangplank or Jacob’s ladder without assistance.
• Board or exit a skiff without assistance in all weather conditions.
• Ascend and descend steep stairways and ladders in all temperatures.
• Work at least 16 ½ hours per day, 7 days per week for the duration of the contract.
• Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time.
• Stand and walk; lift weights up to and over 50 pounds for full range from floor to above their head repeatedly.
• Use fingers, hands, and arms to push, pull and reach.
• Bend and twist.
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Work long hours in all kinds of weather.
• Work in a cold and wet environment.
• Don life jacket, life vest and/or survival suit without assistance.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment and random drug tests per USCG regulations. This job is designated by O’Hara Corporation to be Safety Sensitive, and a pre-employment drug screen is part of the hiring process.

All employees must be able to:

• Ability to understand and have the ability to communicate in English for emergency, safety, and training purposes is required.
• Use interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Live and work with others in close quarters.
• Be away from medical care and supervision for 3+ months at a time.
• Share crew quarters, bathroom facilities, and common dining areas with other crew members.
• Discern between various shades of color for reading navigational equipment, charts, identifying and sorting various fish species as well as for safety signs, alarms and warnings.