MRAG are currently recruiting Scientific fisheries observers to work on krill trawling vessels in the Southern Ocean. Initial deployments will be on vessels operating around South Georgia, in the South Atlantic (exact dates are dependent on vessel schedules) and deployments are typically up to two months. The next training session is planned for early September 2023, with deployments from October onwards.
The Antarctic krill fishery is managed and regulated by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and within South Georgia further management measures are applied by the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI). As an observer you will provide a vital role in collecting data to contribute towards the sustainable management of the fishery, by providing independent reports from commercial fishing vessels.
Duties include:
- Reporting on general vessel operations
- Collection of biometric data on target species
- Collection of biometric data on bycatch
- Collection of data on marine mammal and seabird observations including any interactions with the vessels
- Reporting on marine debris and general vessel waste management procedures
- Other ad-hoc tasking associated with additional programs
Due to the requirements of the program, only British passport holders can be considered at this time.
A training session for krill observers will be held prior to the start of the season. This is currently scheduled for the beginning of September, possibly with another held in January if needed.
Qualifications
Candidates should have a background in marine biology or fisheries and with relevant experience, specifically:
- Degree in marine biology or other relevant discipline, or equivalent relevant work experience
- Previous at sea experience (>30 days) such as a fisheries observer, a fisheries officer, participation in research cruises or surveys is desirable
Prior to deployment, the following certificates must be obtained:
- A Personal Survival Techniques or Basic Sea Survival certificate recognized by the International Convention on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95), or a national equivalent, awarded by an accredited organization
- An ENG-1 or equivalent seafarer’s medical certificate, awarded by an accredited physician
- Possession of a Seaman’s Book is preferable. However, MRAG may be able to support applications for a Seaman’s Book for candidates who lack one
Sea survival certificate validity is 5 years of issue date or the before the expiry date, whichever is sooner. Seafarer’s medical validity is within 2 years of issue date or before the expiry date, whichever is sooner. Certificates exceeding the above minimum standards, such as BOSIET sea survival or UKOOA Offshore Medical certificates, will also be accepted.
