The following information provides answers to the most commonly asked questions about the program. A cooperator is a either an educator, college student, scientist, fisherman, or concerned citizen who participates, without pay, in a research cruise assisting scientists in collection of biological, chemical, and physical oceanographic data. A cooperator must be at least 18 years of age and in good health. Individuals planning a career or active in the ocean sciences field will take precedence over others when space aboard ship is limited. The cruises are conducted for the purpose of monitoring marine resources in the Gulf of Mexico, southwestern North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Cooperators assist scientists in collection of specimens and data.
Cooperators are assigned to a watch schedule while aboard. Typically, during a 24 hour period, a cooperator will work for 4 hours on watch and then be off duty for 8 hours, work another 4 hours and then be off duty 8 hours. This work schedule will usually be consistent throughout the cruise period. Contact the Cruise Coordinator, Perry Thompson, who can answer questions and be able to refer interested parties to the Field Party Chief of the specific cruise of interest. Once contact has been made with the Field Party Chief for the cruise dates of interest, a medical history questionnaire form will be sent to you for immediate completion.