Potential disadvantages include:

• Working with a scientist who is the principal investigator; he or she may direct some or much of the project
• Sharing vessel space with extra people (research scientists) and unfamiliar colleagues.

In an effort to establish the best working relationship possible, it is important to address the following issues:

• Who is Principal Investigator of the research project (fisherman or scientist)?
• Who will handle the grant funds (fisherman, scientist, or another party)?
• What is the invoicing procedure and pay schedule?
• When will funds be released? There may be some lag time between when the research is conducted and when the funds are released.
• Will research be conducted sequentially, or will there be time within the charter timeframe that could potentially be used for normal fishing practice?
• Establish times that are reserved for normal fishing practice only.
• Consider a contigency plan if time allotted for research is postponed due to weather.
• While preparing a final budget, consider lost fishing days. (e.g. if research is planned for three days during a week, the remaining time may not be long enough for a normal fishing trip. Are the remaining days of this week lost fishing days?)
• Identify how many projects your vessel can effectively undertake and complete in a given time period.
• In negotiating initial costs, make sure Hull coverage is enough to cover P&I coverage, with additional scientist parties and equipment onboard (please see document on Marine Insurance for Vessel Owners).
• Determine who pays for the additional insurance needed to cover the scientific crew or additional observers.
• Who will file for the experimental permits (fisheman or scientist)?
• Determine if fish will be retained or discarded when caught for the purpose of the research project.

A contract or other formal written agreement should be considered mandatory, but do not operate under the illusion that you will anticipate and negotiate every pitfall in advance. Every charter or working agreement will produce unexpected surprises that require negotiation. Ultimately, no paper document can replace a good working relationship with the researcher and scientific crew. Make the time well before the start of any project to work through the tough questions outlined above, negotiate a written contract, and develop a clear understanding of each other's sensitivities.