Chief Mate

**The Organization**
Brigs is a charitable organization dedicated to building leadership, self-efficacy and self-esteem in youth 13-18. This is accomplished through the peer-to-peer delivery of challenging programs aboard our traditionally-rigged vessel, with a focus on safety and the creation of positive and memorable experiences on board. Brigs also endeavours to foster learning and the development of practical skills, the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices, and an appreciation of the rich marine heritage of the Great Lakes.

**The Program**
Programs are delivered as voyages on board the TS Playfair and STV Pathfinder, both 72’ steel-hulled brigantine-rigged sail training vessels. Playfair and Pathfinder are both purpose-built sail training vessels carrying up to 18 trainees and a crew of 10 each. The vessels are based in Hamilton, ON and operate on the Great Lakes.

The crew is composed of experienced youth volunteers, with the exception of the Captain and Chief
Mate who are adults. The season comprises a spring outfit in preparation for annual inspection by
Transport Canada, a spring season of short voyages and day sails in Lake Ontario, a summer season in the Great Lakes, and a fall season of short voyages and day sails back in Lake Ontario. Summer voyages are between 3 days and 2 weeks long.

**Duties and Responsibilities**
The Chief Mate will:
1. Maintain a safe, tidy and organized environment on board the vessel and in the shop in accordance with standards set out by the Captain and Brigs Youth Sail Training.

2. Ensure maintenance of the vessel is carried out in such a manner that the vessel can be certified by Transport Canada for sail training, and maintain this level of upkeep throughout the vessel’s operational season.

3. Professionally represent the organization to partners and the public.

Technical
❏ Operate the vessel in accordance with the Shipping Act, Marine Personnel Regulations, TP

13313 “Standards Relating to the Design, Construction and Operation of Sail Training Vessels”,
Brigs’ Standing Orders, vessel Safety Management System and all other applicable law and policy and ensure compliance is maintained at all times.

❏ Assist Captain to ensure the vessel is fit to pass Transport Canada inspections as required.
❏ Assist Captain in planning safe, timely and realistic passages ensuring varied programming, maintaining crew morale and keeping to the schedule.
❏ Maintain a safe and organized work environment on board the vessel and in the workshop.
❏ Oversee vessel maintenance including engineering, safety, structure and rigging.
❏ Ensure adequate provisioning of tools, consumables, water, fuel and food is maintained on board.
❏ Ensure compliance with all applicable environmental regulations, and satisfy applicable local, provincial and federal guidelines.

Program
❏ Maintain a respectful and inclusive environment on board.
❏ Work with the Captain to deliver the Brigs Youth Sail Training program in line with organisational policies and the Brigs Grade Standards Logbook.
❏ Maintain high standards of safety, hygiene, seamanship, and professionalism on board.
❏ Ensure Crew and Trainees are aware of expectations and are adequately trained to operate and complete their responsibilities in a safe manner.
❏ Foster the personal and professional development of the crew and trainees. Provide the necessary training and opportunities for participants to take on increasing levels of responsibility in operating the vessel. Be patient and versatile when teaching.

❏ Manage groups of young people from a variety of backgrounds and abilities. Maintain a professional and educational role with the youth crew and trainees, lead by example, be able to resolve conflicts within the group, and ensure the well-being of the young people on board.

❏ Manage and communicate with temporary adult volunteer crew when present on board, appreciating these crew are donating their expertise and expect an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Management and Communication
❏ Serve as an ambassador and the publicly visible face of Brigs Youth Sail Training.
❏ Assist Captain with communicating closely with the office, board of directors, and committees.
❏ Promptly raise any vessel, safety, scheduling or personnel concerns with the Captain and, if applicable, other agencies (coastguard, police, health authorities).
❏ Communicate effectively with ports, communities and other vessels to ensure the reputation of Brigs Youth Sail Training is held in high regard.
❏ Perform routine evaluations and feedback sessions for Crew.
❏ Set a high standard of professionalism and courteousness when interacting with trainees, crew, parents, volunteers, board members and members of the public as outlined in the Brigs
Standing Orders. Ensure trainees and crewmaintain these standards.

❏ Maintain and organise work plans for maintenance and communicate these with Crew, volunteers, staf