"life is like a box of chocolates you never know what you'll get next"
One thing I really enjoy with this job is the amount of variety. Each day offers a new challenge, a new skill to learn or an activity to complete. Usually working in small teams to discuss, collaborate and deliver on the given task allows lots of opportunity to develop communicate, teamwork and problem solving skills.
Unfortunately, during the past three months the windy weather hasn't allow us to be at sea as much as we like despite this we have been more than busy and completed 8 sea patrols (one at night). Read below to see the task I have been undertaking during the past three months.
Rewiring, Soldering the GPS & Text Overlay System
When conducting camera survey work via a drop down sled camera we display the GPS information on top of the video via text overlay unit. The system was outdated and awkward so Pete and I set about redesigning and rewiring the system. This involved soldering of phono cables, video connectors and power sockets. Now the system is conveniently stored out of the way on the wall and simply requires plugging into the camera and laptop.
Patrols and Night Patrol
Every time the sea is fair fishing boats are out at sea collecting there catch. We are out at sea too patrolling our district. We are there to ensure each boat is fishing within the correct areas, has the correct fishing gear and has the correct escape gaps on their pots.
In November the scallop season opened in our district. Three boats have permits to dredge for scallops with two defined boxes within the six mile limit. The season runs from Nov - Mar. Due to the short season and high rewards for scallops boat with often fishing for 3-5 days straight. Fishing over night throughout the three days. Other scallop boats which don't have a permit to fish within the six mile limit will fish for scallops outside the limit. However, in the past unpermitted boats have used the cover of darkness to fish within our district. This caused for a night patrol to ensure the rules in our district are being respected. We set off at 16:00 and returned at 07:00 the following morning. Taking shifts to have a 4 hour energizer throughout the night.
Deck Plates Out RIB in
During the winter months the potting survey work is temporarily halted until the summer. This allows us to change the back deck by removing the deck plates providing space for our boarding RIB to be carried by NEG III. Here some footage of Protector 3 (our RIB) being launched off the back deck.
With this we can board more fishing vessels further off the coast.
With a little push, she is in.
Other Initiatives
Over the last couple of months I have become more confident in my role and the impact I can have at the I-F-C-A. I also feel more appreciated and respect as my colleagues have got to know me and how I work. Therefore, I have been able to introduce so of my own ideas and initiatives. I have started small and pushed some of my environmental agendas. Such as, introducing a recycling bin onboard the vessel and hosting a "veggie tuesday" lunch for the crew.
I feel challenged in this job because everyday offers something new. One thing I've learnt is "communication is key". Currently at N-E-I-F-C-A, there is a structural review. Fingers crossed a full time position will come up as a offshore Enviro Offier. Let's see what the next few months will bring.
