Duties of captain and scientific cruise leader
(Excerpt from the ship management agreement; attachment 9)
The cruise leader of RV POLARSTERN is responsible for the preparation and execution of scientific projects during a part of the journey. He has to create the conditions for the conduction of the requested works in cooperation with the AWI logistics in the preparation time and during the expedition. He prepares an expedition plan on the basis of the requests of the participants and the agreements of the planning meetings and represents the interests of AWI onboard.
The captain has the responsiblity for ship operation within the framework of rules and regulations for German ships. Here we will only refer to special duties and functions which result from the operation of a research vessel and the presence of a scientific cruise leader.
The cruise leader ensures a successful journey by a close cooperation with the captain. The captain is committed to provide enough crew members for research operations within the context of legal regulations and the collective bargaining laws.
The captain has the right to deviate from the expedition plan or the orders of the cruise leader if it is required by the ship's security, legal regulations or regulations from the ship management contract. Such deviations have to be announced to the cruise leader at an early time stage.
The cruise leader represents RV POLARSTERN on behalf of AWI towards scientific institutions and together with the captain towards authorities during stays in foreign harbours. The captain receives the correct protocol procedures for receptions from AWI. Otherwise captain and cruise leader will agree on the organizational procedures.
The captain is authorized to issue invitations for members of the port authorities and other persons involved in vessel handling after prior consultation with the cruise leader. If there are receptions by AWI or the cruise leader, the captain may advise to issue further invitations that are in the interest of ship operation. Moreover, captain and cruise leader should issue collective invitations where possible.
The cruise leader prepares a working programme in agreement with the captain and the participants. The programme will be distribute electronically. Additionally, the cruise leader informs the participants in meetings and coordinates the demands on the crew. The cruise leader also organizes social events such as presentations or the farewell event at the end of the journey.
Few days before the beginning of a new Arctic or Antarctic season the captains and the cruise leaders of the different parts of the journey will meet with members of the AWI logistics and the ship operator and the scientific coordinator of RV Polarstern. The course of the journey and critical questions will be discussed during the meeting. The invitations will be issued by the AWI logistics.
