Observers collect biological data while onboard commercial fishing vessels or at shore plants. The information they collect includes species identification, weight, length, and sex; fishing location and depth, and total catch estimates. Data is recorded and relayed--via fax, radio or the internet to the appropriate management agency. This data is used to monitor fish populations, set catch limits, and monitor interactions with protected seabirds and marine mammals.
Working conditions onboard fishing boats vary widely but are almost always strenuous. Biologists typically work out on an open deck and may spend hours at a time in cold or wet weather. Observers must be flexible and resourceful in establishing a sampling station and sampling methods. Sampling and paperwork require observers to work long and odd hours, seven days a week. Observers determine their own workday depending on the vessels fishing schedule and sampling protocols. It is common to work odd shifts, ranging from 5 to 15 hours a day, and rarely sleep uninterrupted for eight hours. Trip lengths vary from as little as 12 hours to as long as 6 or, very rarely, 8 weeks at sea.
Adapting to life onboard a boat requires flexibility and an ability to get along with different types of people. Accommodations onboard range from spartan bunkrooms to plush staterooms, but observers typically share a bunkroom with one to six crewmembers. Food is always provided and most boats have one crewmember designated to cook. Both men and women share toilet facilities. Vessels are rarely a smoke free environment.
Because the objectives of the observer and the crew are different, shipboard life can be stressful. The most important trait we look for in an observer is maturity, which includes adaptability, common sense, tolerance, patience, the ability to listen and understand people with different viewpoints, and thinking before acting. Successful observers are tactful, self confident, and good communicators. A flexible attitude and the ability to adjust easily to unanticipated change are important.
Alaska waters are known for being rough and seasickness is a very real possibility. We recommend that observers be prepared with seasick medicine, either over-the-counter or prescription medications prior to their deployment. We recommend observers leave port with at least two different seasick medications.
The working conditions of observers are inherently hazardous, and Saltwater cannot guarantee the safety of all of our observers all of the time. That said, we are proud to say that despite thousands of hours at sea, our observers have had very few serious injuries.
The weather in Alaska, like anywhere, is unpredictable. Temperatures on the ocean range from 55F degrees in the summer to -20F in the winter. Powerful winter storms have been known to produce winds of 140 mph and swells of 40 feet or greater. While captains constantly monitor the weather forecasts and make every effort to avoid traveling in a storm, weather systems can develop very quickly. Due to the nature of the industry, boats may be as far as 2-3 days from a safe harbor, so vessels are sometimes caught out in extreme weather.
In order to minimize the risks of this work, every observer is required to pass a certification course that involves extensive safety education and hands on training with safety equipment. To ensure that the applicant is healthy and physically capable of performing the job safely, Saltwater requires a pre-employment physical exam. Before being deployed to the field, Saltwater issues every observer a personal locator beacon to pinpoint his or her location and facilitate rescue in the event of an emergency. Every boat is inspected bi-annually by the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure that all required safety equipment is present and service is up to date. Saltwater never asks observers to board a vessel that they feel, for any reason, is unsafe.
We ask our observers to contact the Saltwater office immediately following an injury or other type of emergency. Saltwater staff can be reached 24/7 and are always ready to respond. Regardless of what type of vessel the observer is deployed on, they will always have access to some sort of communication equipment, either satellite phone, e-mail or radio. Even with rapid communications, emergency evacuations from a vessel at sea, even in good weather, can take several hours and then several more hours for them to reach a hospital. In severe weather, emergency evacuations may not be possible.
All observers are asked to complete an emergency contact sheet before they are deployed. If an emergency does arise, Saltwater will contact the appropriate individuals as soon as any information is available. Our intent is to share whatever information is known to us, though we try to make everyone aware that information is sometimes delayed or inaccurate.
If you interested in applying for a position as an observer with Saltwater, please see the general requirements listed above (and additional requirements for each program) and then click on How Do I Apply? If you have any questions, either before applying or pre-deployment please feel free to contact us. We are more than happy to answer any questions and help explain what observer work is like, and what you can expect from Saltwater.
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| 2011 Saltwater Inc. All rights reserved. Updated Feb. 2012 |