Departments & Positions

• Command Operations (Primary Manifest)

  Command & Operations presides over the strategic management, navigation, and overall coordination of the vessel’s missions. This department ensures smooth functioning across all sectors, providing leadership, tactical decision-making, and real-time mission oversight to adapt to any scenario.
  
  

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  Commander Hybrid Role: Oceanography Strategist		The Commanding Officer / Oceanography Strategist oversees all shipboard operations and mission execution while providing high-level scientific guidance on alien ocean systems. This hybrid role combines traditional command authority with advanced oceanographic analysis, supporting navigation, safety, and research planning through predictive modeling and environmental assessment. Working closely with all departments, the CO/Strategist ensures the USS Heritage operates with precision, adaptability, and informed scientific awareness in complex underwater environments.
  First Officer Hybrid Role: Science Liaison / Xenomarine Botanist		The Executive Officer is the ship’s second-in-command and responsible for day-to-day operations, crew readiness, and interdepartmental coordination. In addition to command duties, the XO serves as the USS Heritage’s Science Liaison, integrating scientific findings into mission decision-making and ensuring that field research aligns with operational safety. The XO’s scientific background is in xenomarine botany, specializing in the study of alien aquatic plant analogues, microflora, and xenophotic ecosystems. While not the head of the Science & Discovery Department, the XO remains deeply involved in scientific discussions, expedition planning, and sample analysis relevant to her expertise.
  Yeoman Hybrid Role: Mission Support Specialist		PNPC only The Mission Support Specialist — often called the Yeoman even in the 30th century — provides essential administrative, logistical, and communications support to the command team. On a small, high-tech underwater research vessel like the USS Heritage, this role bridges the gap between human leadership, AI systems, and day-to-day operational needs.
  Lead Helmsman Hybrid Role: Navigation Scientist /Interface specialist		This dual-position sees the crew member as both the ship’s primary pilot and environmental scientist, responsible for executing precise maneuvers within complex, often alien, underwater landscapes. They leverage cutting-edge, immersive bio-technologies and sensors to navigate safely, while analyzing environmental data to inform route adjustments in real time.
  Secondary Helmsman - Hybrid Role: Navigation Scientist /Interface specialist		PNPC - Optional as a primary character. This dual-position sees the crew member as both the ship’s secondary pilot and environmental scientist, responsible for executing precise maneuvers within complex, often alien, underwater landscapes. They leverage cutting-edge, immersive bio-technologies and sensors to navigate safely, while analyzing environmental data to inform route adjustments in real time.
  Sensors & Communications Lead -Hybrid Role: Environmental Sensor Analyst		Open to PC role Oversees all sensor arrays, long-range communication systems, and cybersecurity. Coordinates with fleet command for strategic data relay and fleet-wide communication. Manages ongoing system upgrades, diagnostics, and security protocols.
  AI Tactical Officer/Lead Hybrid Role: Environmental Hazard Prediction / Mission Analytics		PNPC The Bridge Tactical Officer is responsible for executing tactical operations, strategic maneuvering, and ensuring vessel safety during all underwater missions. Operating within an advanced 30th-century environment, the officer leverages cutting-edge systems to assess environmental conditions, coordinate vessel movements, and respond swiftly to dynamic underwater scenarios. The Tactical Officer works closely with sensor, navigation, and helm officers to maintain mission integrity and vessel security.

• Habitat Management & Resource Sustainability (Primary Manifest)

  Habitat Management & Resource Sustainability oversees environmental systems, life support, and resource recycling for long-term mission sustainability. This department ensures a stable, self-sufficient environment for crew and scientists during extended explorations.
  
  

  • ~ Operations Unit

    Led by the Operations Officer, the Ops Unit handles the ship’s internal logistical and systems coordination functions.

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    Operations Officer (Open to PC role) Hybrid Role: Internal Systems Analyst
    Duty Operations Watch Officer		Permanent Ship NPC, only rped by GM when necessary.

• Planet Outposts (Story Plot NPCs)

  • ~ Deepwave Station

    Island Outpost/Listening Station Deepwave Station is a Federation-operated oceanic research and command hub coordinating Heritage Initiative missions and supporting subsurface exploration within an uncharted ocean system.

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    Deepwave Station Commander
    DS Deputy Director / Operations Officer
    DS Chief Science Officer
    DS Chief Engineer
    DS Chief Signals & Intelligence Officer

  • ~ Abyss Watch

    Underwater Outpost 1 Abyss Watch is a small, permanently staffed deep-ocean listening outpost of unknown origin, maintained by Starfleet as a passive observational node for long-duration acoustic and environmental monitoring beneath an uncharted ocean world.

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    Abyss Watch Commander Hybrid Role: Science (Stewardship)
    AW Exoacoustics & Resonance Specialist
    AW Xenobiologist / Exo-Ecologist
    AW Systems & Structural Engineer
    AW Medical Hybrid Role: Environmental Specialist + Behavioral Health

  • ~ Seabed Sentinel

    Underwater Outpost 2 Seabed Sentinel is a permanently staffed Starfleet subsurface research and listening outpost conducting acoustic monitoring and environmental analysis beneath an uncharted ocean world.

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    Seabed Sentinel Commander Hybrid Role: Exo-Oceanography
    SS Chief Science Specialist		(Acoustics & Xenobiology)
    SS Operations & Engineering Lead
    SS Medical & Environmental Safety Officer

• Engineering & Systems Control (Primary Manifest)

  Engineering & Systems Control maintains the propulsion, power, and habitat systems that keep the vessel operational. This department ensures seamless integration of technologies, rapid repair capabilities, and optimal performance of all onboard systems for extended missions.

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  Chief Engineer (Open to PC role) - Hybrid Role: Computer Systems		(coming) Must be a propulsion specialist.
  Senior Engineer/Specialist		PNPC preferred

• Science & Discovery (Primary Manifest)

  Science & Discovery leads the vessel’s scientific research, environmental analysis, and planetary exploration efforts. Equipped with advanced sensors and analytical tools, this department pushes the boundaries of knowledge, uncovering new phenomena and deepening our understanding of the universe.

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  Xenomarine Ecologist/Science Chief (Open to PC role) - Hybrid Role:		PC position. Ship NPC until filled.
  Xenomarine Bontanist/Science Liaison		coming
  Xenomarine biologist - Hybrid Role: Veterinarian		A Xenomarine Biologist/Veterinarian dual expertise is crucial in studying and maintaining the health of diverse alien aquatic species. This role ensures the well-being of native marine lifeforms and aids in understanding their disease processes, symbioses, and ecological roles within xenooceans.
  Ocean Geoscientist		coming
  Marine Environmental & Energy Scientist		The Environmental & Energy Scientist analyzes alien oceanic, atmospheric, and bio-energy systems to understand large-scale environmental dynamics. They model climate patterns, assess water chemistry, and evaluate energy signatures—both geological and biological—to forecast hazards, guide safe exploration, and identify scientific or resource opportunities. Their work supports mission planning, hydrocraft field teams, and cross-disciplinary research into complex aquatic ecosystems.
  Marine Archaeologist / Xenohistorian		The Marine Archaeologist / Xenohistorian specializes in discovering and analyzing ancient extraterrestrial or alien civilizations beneath the oceans of unexplored worlds. Their work involves investigating submerged ruins, interpreting alien artifacts, and enhancing the broader scientific understanding of the planet's history and cultural evolution. This role combines archaeological skills with xenobiological insights, offering essential context for understanding alien ecosystems and architecture.
  Field Science Specialist		PNPC only
  AI Systems Specialist (PC Possible)		The AI Core Systems Specialist maintains, calibrates, and regulates the multiple artificial intelligence systems aboard the USS Heritage. This includes the ship’s non-sentient Main Systems AI, the Navigation AI with its customizable personality interface layer (HIPL), and the integration framework supporting the sentient Tactical AI officer. The Specialist ensures that all systems remain secure, compliant with Starfleet regulations, and function harmoniously with both human officers and automated control systems. This role requires expertise in quantum computing, AI safety protocols, neurally-adaptive interfaces, and ethical AI partitioning. The Specialist acts as both technician and overseer, ensuring non-sentient AIs remain within their operational boundaries while also supporting the unique needs of a sentient AI officer functioning as part of the crew.

• Exploration & Mapping (Primary Manifest)

  Exploration & Mapping is dedicated to charting unknown terrains, conducting environmental scans, and providing detailed topographical data. Utilizing cutting-edge survey technology, this department guides our voyage into uncharted regions of space and water, ensuring safe navigation and scientific accuracy.
  
  

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  Exploration & Mapping Lead

  The lead specialist responsible for charting unknown regions, conducting environmental surveys, and creating detailed maps of the seafloor and surrounding waters. They operate advanced sonar, imaging, and mapping systems, guiding exploration missions with precision. Their insights enable safe navigation through uncharted territories and support scientific discoveries. Supporting roles also within the department: Exploration Specialist, Cartographer/Mapper, and Sensor & Scanning Technician, exist as NPC-only background positions.

• Medical & Biosciences (Primary Manifest)

  Medical & Biosciences ensures crew health and well-being through advanced medical care, biotechnological research, and the study of alien biology and environmental health factors. This department oversees emergency response, surgical intervention, disease control, and the biological sciences relevant to deep-sea and planetary exploration.
  
  

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  Chief Medical Officer (Open to PC role) - Hybrid Role: Biosciences Analyst		The Chief Medical Officer is responsible for the physical health of the entire crew, but does more than patch up injured crew members. His/her function is to ensure that they do not get sick or injured to begin with, and to this end monitors their health and conditioning with regular check ups. If necessary, the Chief Medical Officer can remove anyone from duty, even a Commanding Officer. Besides this s/he is available to provide medical advice to any individual who requests it. Additionally the Chief is also responsible for all aspect of the medical deck, such as the Medical labs, Surgical suites and Dentistry labs. S/he also is a department head and a member of the Senior Staff and responsible for all the crew members in her/his department and duty rosters.
  Counselor		The Counselor / Morale Officer supports the psychological well-being, emotional resilience, and social cohesion of the USS Heritage crew during long-duration underwater missions. This role focuses on prevention rather than crisis response, helping identify stress patterns early and advising command on morale trends that may affect performance or safety. This position is advisory and supportive in nature and does not carry command authority. Must be a commissioned officer, medical-adjacent, not command-adjacent. Rank will be decided based on age and experience of character.

• Hydrocraft Operations (Primary Manifest)

  Hydrocraft Operations is the vessel’s specialized division responsible for the maintenance, deployment, and management of all water-based exploration vehicles, including aqua-shuttles, submersibles, and auxiliary aquatic craft. Equipped with state-of-the-art hangars, repair bays, and docking systems, this department ensures rapid response capabilities for deep-sea and aquatic exploration, environmental reconnaissance, and tactical water operations — both in routine operations and emergency situations.

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  Hydrocraft Operations Lead Hybrid Role: Marine Archaeologist / Xenohistorian		The senior officer responsible for the overall management of the department, ensuring that all shuttle maintenance, deployment, and retrieval operations run smoothly and safely. This role includes strategic planning, coordinating team efforts, overseeing personnel, and acting as the primary decision-maker during mission-critical situations or emergencies. The Supervisor also liaises with other command departments to align operations with overall mission objectives.
  Hydrocraft Pilot / Navigator		This role involves the skilled operation of aqua-shuttles and underwater vehicles. The pilot navigates complex aquatic environments, ensuring precise control during launch, underwater exploration, and surface transit. They are responsible for mission safety, navigation accuracy, and quick response to unexpected obstacles or environmental hazards. They often work closely with Sensor & Communications teams to receive real-time environmental data.
  Maintenance & Repair Technician		his technician conducts routine inspections and performs repairs on all aquatic craft and their related systems, such as propulsion, navigation, and life support modules. They diagnose technical issues, replace faulty components, and perform upgrades to ensure the vehicles stay in peak condition. Their expertise helps minimize downtime during critical mission phases.

• Defense & Security (Primary Manifest)

  The department is focused on internal security, threat detection through organic sensors, and physical defense measures. The ship’s advanced organic sensors, holographic controls, and autonomous defense capabilities support rapid threat assessment and response, reducing the need for a specialized cybersecurity officer within the team.

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  Chief of Security & Defense Hybrid Role: K-9 Handler / Dive Rescue Specialist		Overall command of security operations. Interprets organic sensor data and holographic interface outputs. Coordinates threat assessment and response strategies. Oversees emergency protocols and liaises with the bridge and autonomous systems. Periodically updates security procedures based on situational needs.
  Deputy Security Officer / Security Operations Specialist		Status: PNPC — Operational Support (Transitional to PC Possible) Department: Security The Deputy Security Officer serves as the USS Heritage’s primary operational lead for shipboard security. Working directly under the Chief of Security, this position is responsible for the execution and coordination of day-to-day security functions aboard the vessel. On a small-crew ship such as Heritage, the Deputy combines traditional security leadership with technical oversight, ensuring that personnel, defensive protocols, and security-related systems operate as a cohesive whole. Responsibilities include: Coordinating security watches and internal responses Acting as the operational lead during incidents and alerts Serving as away-team security lead when required Managing readiness, drills, and procedural compliance Advising the Chief of Security on sensor-integrated and defensive system status In the absence of the Chief of Security, the Deputy assumes operational control of the Security department, while strategic authority remains with Command. This role does not replace departmental leadership, issue ship-wide orders, or supersede Command authority.
  Seaman's K-9
  Internal Security & Patrol Member		Performs routine internal patrols using organic sensors and holographic controls. Checks access points and secured areas, verifying personnel and securing sensitive zones. Responds immediately to breaches or suspicious activity. Assists with emergency procedures and drills.
  Support / Auxiliary Security Member		Provides backup during high-threat situations. Supports logistical security tasks. Assists in emergency drills, equipment checks, and documentation. Does a rotation with other security positions.