OFFSHORE PERSONNEL – ABLE SEAFARER – DECK

Africa Personnel Services, on behalf of its client, is looking for an Offshore Personnel - Able Seafarer - Deck in the oil and gas industry. The Offshore Personnel – Able Seafarer – Deck role emphasizes safety, specialized vessel handling, and complex cargo and lifting operations unique to offshore vessels.

⚓Core Responsibilities

1. Navigation and Watchkeeping (Bridge Duties)

The AS-D is qualified to perform duties as a Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW) and takes on a senior role in bridge operations.

• Helmsman: Steering the vessel and executing rudder orders quickly and accurately, often in close-quarters manoeuvring near rigs or platforms.
• Lookout: Maintaining a continuous and effective visual and auditory lookout, identifying and reporting navigational hazards (vessels, buoys, offshore structures, debris).
• Watch Relief: Standing security and anchor watches as required when the vessel is not underway.
• Log and Record Keeping: Assisting the Officer of the Watch (OOW) with routine checks and logging information regarding position, weather, and traffic.

1. Deck and Rigging Operations

This is the core of the role, requiring high proficiency in traditional seamanship and specialized offshore skills.

• Mooring and Anchoring: Leading or significantly assisting with all mooring/unmooring and anchoring operations, including preparing, handling, and securing mooring lines, wires, and anchors.
• Marlinspike Seamanship: Expertise in rope work, knotting, splicing (wire and fibre), and rigging of various stages, pilot ladders, and gangways.
• Cargo & Equipment Handling:
  • Operating deck machinery safely, including winches, capstans, and offshore cranes (if certified).
  • Assisting in the loading, unloading, and securing of project cargo, pipes, drilling materials, and supplies (bulk and dry cargo) specific to offshore platforms.
• Vessel Stability: Assisting in monitoring and sounding tanks (ballast, fuel, water) to maintain vessel stability and trim, especially critical during heavy lifting or cargo transfers.

1. Maintenance and Upkeep

Responsible for the day-to-day cleanliness, preservation, and operational readiness of the vessel.

• Corrosion Control: Chipping, scraping, cleaning, priming, and painting the vessel's hull, decks, superstructure, and equipment.
• Equipment Maintenance: Routine checks, cleaning, and preventative maintenance on deck equipment (cranes, windlasses, lifeboats, rescue boats) and fire/safety equipment.
• Stores: Managing, receiving, and issuing deck stores, tools, and equipment.

1. Safety, Emergency, and Environmental Response

Due to STCW requirements, the AS-D is a vital first responder in emergencies.

• Survival Craft: Operating and taking charge of a survival craft and rescue boats during drills and actual emergencies (Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats - PSC&RB certification).
• Emergency Response: Active and key roles in fire fighting, damage control, and administering elementary first aid.
• Pollution Prevention: Applying procedures to prevent marine pollution and responding to minor spills in accordance with MARPOL regulations.
• Safety Protocols: Ensuring strict adherence to all company Safety Management System (SMS) procedures, Permit to Work (PTW) systems, and conducting regular safety inspections.

Required STCW Certifications and Skills

The designation Able Seafarer – Deck (AS-D) is defined by the STCW 2010 Manila Amendments and requires:

Certification

Requirement

AS-D CoP

Certificate of Proficiency as Able Seafarer Deck (STCW Reg. II/5).

RFPNW

Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (STCW Reg. II/4).

BST

Basic Safety Training (Personal Survival, Fire Prevention, First Aid, PSSR).

PSC&RB

Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats.

Security

Security Awareness or Designated Security Duties (STCW Reg. VI/6).

Sea Service

Typically 18 months of approved sea service in the Deck Department (or 12 months with approved training).

Offshore Specific Requirements (Commonly Requested)

• BOSIET/FOET: Basic/Further Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training.

• H2S/HUET: Hydrogen Sulfide and Helicopter Underwater Escape Training
• Seamans Book
• Seafarer (STCW) Medical

Must be a Namibian Citizen