Duties of captain and scientific cruise leader
(Excerpt from the ship management agreement; attachment 9)
The chief scientist of RV POLARSTERN is responsible for the preparation and execution of scientific projects during a part of the journey. The chief scientist 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/she 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 chief scientist.
The chief scientist 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 chief scientist 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 chief scientist at an early time stage.
The chief scientist 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 chief scientist 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 chief scientist. If there are receptions by AWI or the chief scientist, the captain may advise to issue further invitations that are in the interest of ship operation. Moreover, captain and chief scientist should issue collective invitations where possible.
The chief scientist prepares a working programme in agreement with the captain and the participants. The programme will be distribute electronically. Additionally, the chief scientist informs the participants in meetings and coordinates the demands on the crew. He/she 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 chief scientists 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.
