Science Party Positions
Chief Scientist
The Chief Scientist is the primary liaison between science personnel
and the Master and is responsible for the organization and execution of
the scientific program. The Chief Scientist is responsible for the
safety of science operations. The Master and Chief Scientist will
jointly consider decisions affecting the safety and science. In
general, they will choose a course of action together. In those
situations where they do not agree, the Master's decision will take
precedence.
In planning for the cruise, the Chief Scientist should make sure
that the science complement aboard is adequate to accomplish the
program. S/He may ask any member of the science party to help with
other programs as long as this does not interfere with the person's
primary job.
At sea it is the responsibility of the Chief Scientist to see that
the scientific program runs safely and smoothly. The Chief Scientist
should be informed of any difficulty, whether of a scientific or a
personal nature.
Science Personnel
The smooth operation of the science program requires continuing good
communications between science and the ship's personnel. If the Chief
Scientist has delegated authority to you to work directly with the
bridge, have the following in mind: keep the watch informed. Give the
bridge as much advance notice as possible on work site coordinates. If
the Mate and the Engineer are not advised of your intentions well in
advance, the watch may have to keep you waiting while they prepare for
the next maneuver. If you are looking for a good work site or are
waiting for the results of your last experiment before you make your
next move, tell the bridge what is happening
NEVER put any gear over the side without first consulting the bridge.
If a problem having to do with the scientific program arises during
your watch, no matter what the hour, call the Chief Scientist or
whomever has been designated as in charge.
When you are on watch and your relief arrives, explain everything in
sufficient detail so the relief will know exactly what the situation is
and can continue the routine without a break.
Keep your equipment secured to the bench or deck at all times in case of unexpected foul weather or abrupt ship maneuvers.