While the success of a mission on a Canadian Coast Guard vessel relies on the strength and resolve of all those on board, the work accomplished by members of the ship’s crew provides the bulk of it. Deckhands and Twinehands operate and maintain heavy machinery; engine room technicians working alongside engineers keep the vessel sailing, and those working on the logistics side of things help keep the vessel’s inventory in order.

Most Coast Guard vessels operate on a rotational crewing system; employees work a scheduled number of days on board, and then enjoy an equal number of paid days off. Rotations vary by vessel and operations. Generally speaking, the smaller the vessel, the shorter the schedule. These range from 7 days on/7 days off, 14 days on/14 days off, or 28 days on/28 days off schedule. Icebreakers in the high Arctic operate on a 42 day on/42 day off schedule.