Shipboard Administration

Crew

R/V Urraca is manned by the Master, Mate, Chief Engineer, Assistant Engineer/Seaman and the Cook/Seaman. When required, a third Seaman will be added.

The Master, by law, has ultimate authority over the operation of the vessel. The safety of the vessel and its personnel form part of his primary responsibilities. The master will make every reasonable effort to guarantee successful completion of the scientific mission. The master is vested with the authority to take whatever action he deems necessary to preserve and maintain the safety and integrity of the vessel and all embarked personnel.

Chief Scientist

One of the members of the Scientific Party (normally the Principal Investigator) will act as the Chief Scientist for the cruise. The Chief Scientist is the liaison between the scientific party and the crew, and is expected to work and communicate on a daily basis with the Master and the Diving Supervisor to coordinate activities on the cruise and solve any problems that arise. The Chief Scientist's responsibilities at sea include:

• Supervision of the work and safety of the scientific party.
• Oversight of the laboratory coordinator (nominated from the scientific party) who ensures safe working conditions relating to any use of hazardous chemicals.
• Providing the Master with information relating to use of hazardous chemicals by the scientific party to the Master and providing any personal safety equipment needed for such usage.
• Conducting a pre-cruise briefing for the Master that covers cruise objectives and procedures and amplifies the cruise plan as needed.
• Providing a "Plan of the Day" to the Master in a timely manner, usually on the preceding evening.
• Assigning bunks for the scientific party.
• Ensuring that members of the scientific party are aware of and comply with shipboard regulations.
• Consulting with the Diving Supervisor concerning progress of work, dive plan, problems and safety issues.
• Oversight of storage of the scientific party's equipment and personal gear.
• Ensuring cleanliness of the scientific party's accommodations and work areas.
• Prompt reporting of all accidents, injuries, and damage to the Master.
• Coordinating the use of any of the ship's equipment (e.g. small boats) by the scientific party with the Master.