Chief Mate

Job Description

We are recruiting a Chief Mate for our client in Saudi Arabia.

This is a staff 35/35 rotational role.

The Chief Mate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of the drilling rig. Working directly under the Captain, you’ll provide strong leadership to a team of deck officers and crew. Your primary responsibility is to oversee all deck activities, guaranteeing they are conducted with the utmost safety and efficiency. This includes supervising deck equipment, cargo handling, and mooring/anchoring operations, while ensuring strict adherence to company policies, regulations, and safety standards. Your technical expertise, combined with exceptional leadership qualities and a unwavering commitment to safety, will be instrumental in the success of drilling campaigns.

Deck Operations Management:
• Lead, supervise, and motivate the deck crew in performing all deck activities safely and efficiently, including:
o Cargo handling, mooring, anchoring, and ballasting operations in accordance with industry best practices.
o Preload operations.
o Well service rig up and down operations (supervision assistance).
o Supply boat movements, material and bulk loading/unloading, and securing.
o Waste management program execution.
o Assisting in the organization and supervision of welding jobs on deck.
• Conduct regular inspections of deck equipment, ensuring proper maintenance procedures are followed (PMS implementation with safety focus).
• Prepare and maintain all required deck logs and documentation, including daily logs, equipment usage logs, and reports as required.
• Participate in pre-departure and pre-drilling meetings to ensure operational readiness.
• Oversee the carrying out of the Captain’s orders.
• Assist client in efficient use of the rig.

Safety and Environmental Compliance:
• Implement and enforce all company safety policies and procedures (QHSE manual, OFS standards) on the rig.
• Conduct safety briefings and training sessions for the deck crew.
• Conduct regular safety audits and inspections on deck equipment and work areas.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations and pollution prevention procedures (oil dispersant and spill contingency plans).
• Respond effectively to emergencies and accidents, including man overboard situations.
• Play an active role in QHSE meetings, toolbox meetings, and all other company safety management systems.
• Be proficient in STOP for supervisors and promote its use to personnel under your supervision.
• Act as a member or advisor to the Loss Prevention Team (LPT).
• Oversee the maintenance of all safety-related equipment.
• Supervise the use and maintenance of oil dispersant and all oil spill contingency plans.

Navigation and Watchkeeping (as assigned by the Captain):
• Stand navigation watch duties.
• Maintain accurate navigation charts, publications, and equipment on the bridge.
• Assist the Captain with vessel manoeuvring and positioning operations, including vessel manoeuvring during rig moves.
• Monitor weather conditions and maintain situational awareness at all times.

Communication and Coordination:
• Maintain clear and concise communication with the Captain, shore personnel, and other vessels in the vicinity.
• Liaise with service companies and vendors to ensure proper equipment handling and operations.
• Prepare reports and documentation on deck activities and operational performance.
• Ensure subordinates know, understand, and follow the guidelines of the QHSE manual, OFS standards, and other general operating policies and procedures.
• Maintain good communication of information and assist the Captain with reports.

Additional Responsibilities:
• Assist and prepare the rig for various ABS and other surveys on board.
• Read blueprints, instruction manuals, and navigational charts.
• Perform calculations such as stability, safe working loads, etc.
• Demonstrate full knowledge of navigation and shipboard management.
• Read and interpret various gauges, meters, and instruments.
• Uses computer to prepare reports.
• Oversees the on-board training of the deck crew and assists in crew evaluation.
• Provide leadership in the Captain’s absence and motivate supervisors and crews.
• Make recommendations to the Captain, such as parts requisitioning, equipment repairs, and alternative procedures.
• Direct the application of preventive and planned maintenance programs for deck equipment.
• Assist in keeping equipment and systems operational by setting priorities on equipment repair.
• Assist in monitoring rig equipment and systems usage to ensure operational parameters and limits are observed.
• Perform and supervise all lifting gear inspections, including cranes.
• Assist in supervising activities to ensure rig structural integrity.
• Lead Emergency Team #1 and be in command of Lifeboat #1.
• Be in charge of the Rescue Team in H2S emergencies and act as per Captain’s instructions.

Policies, Systems, Processes & Procedures
• Follow all relevant departmental policies, processes, and procedures so that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner.
• Contribute to cost-efficient usage of all applicable resources to reduce wastage and unnecessary expense.

Health, Safety, & Environment (HSE)
• Adhere to all relevant QHSE procedures, instructions, and controls so that provides a safe, best in class, secure and environmentally responsible service to customers, the public and its own people.

Desired Qualities/Qualifications

Education / Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science or a related maritime field (preferred).
• An equivalent level of competency gained through experience and training may be considered.

Certifications:
• Unlimited Master (Near Coastal) or Chief Mate (Foreign) license with relevant endorsements (required).
• Additional industry-specific certifications (e.g., Dynamic Positioning (DP) Operator, Well Control) a plus.

Years of Experience (Minimum):
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in offshore drilling operations or a related maritime field.

Relevant Experience:
• Strong experience in deck operations, cargo handling, and mooring/anchoring procedures.
• Proven leadership and supervisory skills in a marine environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safety regulations, emergency procedures, and pollution prevention practices.
• Experience working with Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems a plus.
• Familiarity with oil and gas drilling operations and equipment (preferred).

Competencies:
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and in challenging weather conditions.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to safety excellence.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to effectively delegate tasks and motivate crew members.

Skills:
• Proficiency in maritime navigation and watchkeeping procedures.
• Strong understanding of deck equipment operation and maintenance.
• Competency in electronic navigation and chart plotting systems.
• Excellent computer literacy skills and knowledge of relevant software applications.
• Strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) principles.
• Must have completed the company’s modular training and certification requirements.
• Ability to work accurately and with good concentration levels.
• Ability to understand technical plans and drawings.
• Understanding of safe working practices.