Job Description

Ocean Shipholdings, Inc. manages ships positioned and sailing worldwide for the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command. The ships are crewed by civilian mariners (non-military) who receive full benefits and paid vacation of 15 days for every 30 days spent on board. The rotations are usually 120 days on board followed by 60 days off paid according to Seafarers International Union (SIU) contract. The full time Medical Department Representative on board receives annual compensation in the range of USD $90,000 (inclusive of base salary, overtime, and vacation pay), depending on amount of time on board and overtime worked, with full benefits in accordance with union contract as a permanent employee while working approximately 8 months annually on board with 4 months vacation at home.

 

Medical Department Representative (MDR) Primary function: Provide Medical support to all embarked personnel. Scope of Duties: Provide support for Health of all embarked personnel aboard the vessel. Act as Masters agent in all aspects of health, including health care, preventative medicine, environmental health, occupational health and medical administration. Perform Emergency Medical Procedures. Utilize Company's medical consultation service provider as needed, Control of medication and maintenance of medical equipment onboard. Responsible to: Master

Medical Training Requirements- The ships MDR is designated to provide medical first aid on board and shall:

• Successfully complete the U.S. Navy Shipboard Pest Management Course (B-322-2320). This course has a periodicity requirement of five (5) years.
• Maintain proficiency in CPR and AED procedures. The ships MDR shall successfully complete HeartSaver AED Instructor certification. This course has a periodicity requirement of two (2) or three (3) years, depending on the manufacturer.
• Successfully complete the U.S. Navy's Water Sanitation Afloat (B-322-2120) course. This course has a periodicity requirement of three (3) years.
• Successfully complete the U.S. Navy's Health Aspects of Marine/Sanitation Devices (B-322-2130) course. This course has a periodicity requirement of three (3) years.
• Successfully complete Respiratory Protection Manager course (COMSCINST 6000.1 and OPNAVINST 5100.19E paragraphs B0609 and B0612). This training has a periodicity requirement of three (3) years.
• Successfully complete Shipboard Non-Tactical ADP Program (SNAP) Automated Medical System (SAMS) course. This course has a periodicity requirement of three (3) years.

 

The Medical Department Representative (MDR) shall: be trained as a professional nurse, physician assistant (PA), or hospital corpsman as noted below:

 

Professional Nurse- The MDR, if a nurse, shall hold a valid license as a Registered Nurse issued by a state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States or District of Columbia; hold a current USCG Certificate of Registry as a professional nurse; have training and experience in emergency medicine; and shall have completed within the past year a United States Coast Guard (USCG)-approved formal course to meet STCW competency standards for seafarers designated to take charge of medical care onboard ship. The course, or its equivalent, shall be repeated approximately every five (5) years. The Government will accept STCW certifications older than one year, but less than the 5-year renewal requirement if the MDR candidate is actively practicing afloat medical care and program management.

 

Physician Assistant (PA)- The MDR, if a PA, shall hold a current valid license as a PA issued by a state, territory, or commonwealth of the United States or District of Columbia, and a certificate from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants; additionally, the individual must have a USCG Certificate of Registry as a maritime physicians assistant; have experience in emergency medicine; and shall have completed within the past year a USCG-approved formal course to meet STCW competency standards for seafarers designated to take charge of medical care onboard ship. The course, or its equivalent, shall be repeated approximately every five (5) years. The Government will accept STCW certifications older than one year, but less than the 5-year renewal requirement if the MDR candidate is actively practicing afloat medical care and program management.

 

Former Hospital Corpsman- The MDR, if a former hospital corpsman, shall be a retired or former active duty Independent Duty Corpsman (IDC) with current USCG Certificate of Registry as a hospital corpsman. The individual shall have successfully held a minimum rate of E-6 for retired or E-5 for former active duty. For former U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard personnel, there must be proof of satisfactory completion of Independent Duty Corpsman Training (8403 Recon IDC, 8494 Dive IDC). For former U.S. Army personnel, there must be proof of completion of Special Operations Medical Training (MOS 68W). The individual shall have experience in emergency medicine and apply for the position no later than one (1) year after retirement or active duty unless manifesting the minimal competency by gainful employment in the health care delivery field and/or continuing education in the field. Former hospital corpsmen shall have completed within the past year a USCG-approved formal course to meet STCW competency standards for seafarers designated to take charge of medical care onboard ship. The course, or its equivalent, shall be repeated approximately every five (5) years. The Government will accept STCW certifications older than one year, but less than the 5-year renewal requirement if the MDR candidate is actively practicing afloat medical care and program management.

 

The MDR, where assigned, shall act as the Master's agent in all aspects of health for all crew members and embarked Sponsor personnel and guests, including health care, preventive medicine, environmental health, occupational health, medical administration and other administrative functions as assigned.

 

He shall conduct sick calls at the time designated by the Master to be the most convenient of for all crew members.

In emergency situations, he shall take what measures are in the best interest of the patient and to minimize disability and/or pain. The Company shall provide access to medical consultative service for the ship.

 

The MDR shall follow MSC and Company policy and procedures for the custody and safekeeping of all medical supplies, equipment and controlled (narcotics, etc.) medical substances.

It is the responsibility of the MDR to ensure that each crew member returns to the MDR any applicable documents given them each time they see a physician. The MDR shall maintain for each crew member;

 

• A listing of all current medical diagnoses
• A listing of all medications currently prescribed and utilized
• International Certificate of Vaccinations and any additional pertinent information on medical care which has been obtained since the crew member's most recent MSC physical examination

 

The MDR shall assist the Chief Steward in preparing and presenting formal and informal sanitation and food-service training programs for Steward Department personnel. The MDR shall ensure this training is conducted on a continuing formal basis by properly certified personnel in accordance with SECNAVINIST 4061.1 (Series), Food Sanitation Training Programs.

Note: Ocean Ships, Inc. provides assistance with obtaining certifications and training as noted in the requirements listed above for potential candidates.

Please submit resumes with your contact information to:

David Nash
david.nash@oceanshipholdings.com