Chief Officer/Chief Mate-Maritime Operations

Chief Officer/Chief Mate-Maritime Operations F3EA, Inc. United States, Georgia, Savannah 110 Riverview Drive (Show on map) Jun 10, 2026 Job Summary F3EA is seeking a qualified Chief Officer / Chief Mate to support maritime operations aboard operational vessels supporting dynamic mission requirements. This position is responsible for assisting the Master in the safe and efficient operation of the vessel while leading and managing the Deck Department. The Chief Officer / Chief Mate serves as the senior deck operations leader onboard and is responsible for deck department supervision, vessel safety, cargo and ballast operations, navigational watch-standing, emergency preparedness, and operational readiness. Personnel in this role are expected to uphold F3EA operational standards while reinforcing a culture of professionalism, accountability, safety, and mission execution. Roles and Responsibilities Lead and supervise all operations within the Deck Department
Ensure safe and efficient execution of deck operations, maintenance, and vessel readiness activities
Manage deck department personnel, work schedules, training, and professional development
Support safe vessel navigation and perform Officer of the Watch (OOW) duties in accordance with COLREGs and vessel procedures
Maintain vessel structure, deck equipment, cargo systems, and ballast operations in operational condition
Oversee vessel stability, stress, cargo handling, and deck maintenance activities
Maintain deck stores, PPE inventory, tools, and operational supplies
Serve as Ship Safety Officer (SSO) responsible for lifesaving appliances and safety equipment compliance
Ensure compliance with SOLAS, MARPOL, and applicable maritime safety and environmental requirements
Manage SOPEP equipment and support pollution prevention procedures
Support risk management, Job Safety Analysis (JSA), and implementation of safe work procedures
Administer and support Planned Maintenance System (PMS) actions within assigned areas
Lead and participate in emergency drills, safety meetings, and vessel readiness exercises
Maintain required operational records, risk assessments, checklists, and documentation
Monitor Maritime Safety Information (MSI), weather reports, and navigational warnings
Coordinate deck operations with vessel leadership, clients, survey personnel, and third parties
Promote effective communication and coordination between deck, engineering, and support departments
Perform additional duties as assigned in support of vessel operations and mission requirements Supervisory Responsibilities Direct supervisory responsibility for all deck department personnel and deck operations. Required Qualifications and Education Valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) endorsed as Chief Mate appropriate to vessel requirements
Valid STCW endorsements and required maritime certifications
Experience managing deck operations aboard operational vessels
Knowledge of vessel navigation, cargo operations, ballast systems, and maritime safety procedures
Experience performing Officer of the Watch (OOW) duties
Knowledge of COLREGs, SOLAS, MARPOL, and maritime regulatory requirements
Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
Ability to work rotational schedules in maritime environments
U.S. citizenship required
Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance Preferred Qualifications and Education Experience supporting government maritime operations or defense-related missions
Prior experience aboard offshore support vessels, research vessels, or similarly complex platforms
Experience operating in high operational tempo maritime environments
Prior military or government-contracted maritime experience
Familiarity with Dynamic Positioning (DP) vessel operations Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirements Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance. Physical Demands/Work Environment Operational maritime and shipboard environment
Exposure to varying weather conditions, vessel motion, and operational deck activities
Extended periods standing watch, climbing ladders, and performing physically demanding work
Ability to support rotational or extended underway operations as required Affirmative Action/EEO Statement F3EA, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. F3EA, Inc. makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job.