Scientific Fisheries Observer

MRAG is 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 from approximately mid-May to September (exact 
dates are dependent on vessel schedules), and deployments are typically between 60 
and 90 days.

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 play 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 
  vessel interactions;
• reporting on marine debris and general vessel waste management procedures; 
  and,
• other ad-hoc tasking associated with additional programmes.

Due to the requirements of the programme, only British passport holders can 
be considered at this time.

A training session for krill observers will be held before the start of the season,
currently scheduled for late April.

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;

Before deployment, the following certificates must be held or obtained:

• An in-date Personal Survival Techniques or Basic Sea Survival certificate 
  recognised by the International Convention on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95) or a national equivalent awarded by 
  an accredited organisation;
• An in-date 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.

More information on national STCW providers can be found here.
RYA sea survival courses are also recognised: Sea Survival | Specialist Short 
Courses | Courses | Courses & Training | RYA - Royal Yachting Association

Before deployment, the following immunisations must be obtained or in date:

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP or Revaxis Polio)
• Meningitis ACWY
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
• Tuberculosis
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• COVID-19 vaccination
• Please note that these are required for international travel and entry into specific countries ports upon embarkation and disembarkation.

Still Interested in this post? Here is how you can get involved: Complete The MRAG Observer Recruitment Online Form

Applicants accepted for training will need to provide copies of relevant qualifications 
upon request. Copies of your Sea Survival and Medical certificates must be provided 
before deployment.

All applications should be submitted electronically. Please note that incomplete 
applications will not be considered. Please send any queries to observer_reg@mrag.co.uk