Bosun

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Select the gear to be used with each transfer and inspects nets and gear to make necessary repairs and modification; initiates and oversees the repair activity 

•  Communicate by radio with catcher vessels, the bridge, and other vessel’s departments in order to direct backdeck fishing operations 

• Pull and guide net, cod-ends, and line during haul-backs 

• Release fish into hold tanks and manually clears fish from the net 

• Operate skiff 

• Operate hoisting equipment (e.g. winches and cranes) to move fishing gear, cod ends, equipment and product and supplies during backload and offload 

• Assist in taking inventory of deck equipment and supplies 

• Responsible for proper stowage of nets and gear between seasons 

• Responsible for manning a lifeboat station during drills or in the event of an actual abandon ship maneuver, pass out survival suits and direct crew to safety 

• If AB-licensed, may stand wheel watch in an emergency situation 

• Keep deck area free from ice obstructions and debris 

• Must hold a high standard of personal and crew safety in adverse weather conditions 

• Advise deckhands, combis and crew on the status of equipment and maintains an inventory of equipment and supplies 

Skill and Experience Required 

• Must possess excellent leadership abilities 

• Supervisory and teambuilding skills 

• Minimum four years of deckhand or assistant Bosun experience 

• Demonstrated ability to mend net by sewing, or patching as necessary 

• Ability to splice various types of rope (e.g. three strand, braided, double braided) 

• Excellent knowledge of and ability to teach safe deck operating procedures and always wear appropriate protective gear 

• Understands standard crane operating hand signals 

• US Coast Guard Able-bodied seaman license highly desired 

• Ability to splice wire and cable 

• Must be knowledgeable in operating common hand and power tools and two-way radios 

• Must be punctual, organized, and able to work under stressful conditions 

• Must have excellent team skills and the ability to live close quarters 

• Must be able to follow specific written, oral and visual instructions 

Physical Ability 

• Meets US Coast Guard licensing standards regarding physical condition, hearing and eyesight minimums 

• Ability to pass a pre-employment and random drug tests 

• Capable of boarding and exiting a vessel without physical assistance by climbing up and down a gangplank or using a Jacob’s ladder 

• Able to climb or descend one or more set of steep stairs, or vertical ladders inside and outside the vessel in all weather conditions as extreme as 30 degrees below zero 

• Proper license and necessary endorsement as required by the U.S.C.G 

Work Schedule 

12 hours or more per day for the duration of the trip, including loading and unloading 

Ability to work at sea for extended periods of time 

Pay:  Estimated earnings of $9,900 - $12,000 per trip before taxes (average is two trips per month)