Duration
Duration
CAREERS
At Tall Ships Adventure
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Employment & Leadership Opporunities
At Tall Ships Adventures, we are committed to building and fostering an environment where our employees, participants, and volunteers feel included, valued, and heard. We believe that a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion ensure that together we can a make better experiences for everyone.
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There's nothing better than spending the summer sailing the Great Lakes with like-minded people whilst pushing yourself and learning what you are truly capable of!
CREW CALL 2025
Interested in joining our crew?
Reach Out Now! Deadline for Application January 3, 2025
THE JOURNEY OF A TYPICAL TRAINEE FROM TALL SHIPS ADVENTURE
YEAR 1
Completed a 5-day camp or voyage. Has earned Ordinary Sailor level in log book.
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YEAR 2
Has completed a 10 -day camp or longer voyage. Has earned their Leading Sailor level in log book.
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YEAR 3
Applied for an Officer-in-Training position on board either ship for a minimum of 3 weeks. Working towards the completion of their Petty Officer level in log book.
YEAR 4
Volunteered as a Junior Crew Member aboard either ship for 1-2 months. Working towards the completion of their Watch Officer level in log book.
YEAR 5
Worked as a paid crew member aboard either ship for 1-2 months. Has completed their Watch Officer level in log book.
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OUR OFFICER TRAINING PROGRAM
Bytown Brigantine Academy offers an Officer-in-Training (OT) program for trainees who are interested in becoming a crew member the following summer aboard one of our tall ships. The program will enable the OT to have more leadership opportunities such as leading the setting and dousing of sails, leading galley clean-up, and other ship activities. The Senior and Intermediate Crew will make large efforts to assist the OT in the completion of their log book levels and will devote time to provide in-depth explanations on shipboard routines. This program accepts 1-2 youth per voyage. Those selected to be an OT will have demonstrated the fundamental qualities required of an Officer. They will receive a discounted rate on the voyage. Trainees who wish to take their officer training on the Black Jack need to participate in two consecutive weeks so as to have enough time to accomplish the training goals.
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The steps for application and selection to the program are as follows:
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1. Complete and submit a CV and Cover Letter and email it to ​registrar@tallshipsadventure.org.
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2. Successful candidates will be sent a formal letter of acceptance to the program. The Academy may request an interview.
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Guidelines for your Application:
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In your cover letter, outline what experience you have with sail training, what attracted you to the OT program, tell us about your future goals, and the experiences and skills you hope to take away.
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This may be the first time you have written a CV/resume. We know you may not have work experience so consider any volunteer work you have done, special projects, or awards from school, interests, and skills which are applicable to this program.
BECOMING A JUNIOR CREW MEMBER!
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Tall Ships Adventure hires volunteer Junior Crew to work on both the Fair Jeanne and Black Jack. The position of a Junior Crew Member acts as a transitional role from trainee to paid crew. Usually, our Junior Crew were OTs the previous summer and are looking to become paid crew the following year.
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It is recommended that the candidates applying for a Junior Crew position have completed/are close to completing their Petty Officer level in the Bytown Brigantine log book as a thorough knowledge of tall ship sailing is necessary to be considered for a Junior Crew position. Below is a list of possible positions to apply for to secure a volunteer position aboard our ships:
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Assistant Watch Leader
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Assistant Cook
GET YOUR HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEER HOURS
Volunteering with Tall Ships Adventure is a great way to earn a surplus of high school volunteer hours. Many of our alumni have received a volunteer award from their school due to the number of hours they've completed over the years with us. This can also open doors for scholarships from different universities that recognize a certain number of volunteer hours.
SUMMER HIGH SCHOOL CO-OP CREDITS
Tall Ships Adventure works with schools in providing a summer co-op opportunity for the Junior Crew aboard our ships. This is not a mandatory credit An opportunity is there for crew to pursue this if there is an interest. For more information reach out to ed@tallshipsadventure.org.
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If a Junior Crew Member is working for both months, you can enroll in our high school credit offerings. Our teachers would be responsible for the midterm and final marks of the crew members.
QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO BE JUNIOR CREW
Junior Crew members need their Petty Officer certification in the log book and to obtain several certifications as well. If the candidate does not obtain all of the required certifications when applying in December, that is okay as long as they complete the courses required a month prior to stepping on board for the summer. Here is a list of the required certifications:
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VHF Radio Operators Certificate (ROC-M)
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Standard First Aid
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Pleasure Craft Operators Card
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Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
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Food Handlers Certificate
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BECOMING A PAID CREW MEMBER ABOARD ONE OF OUR SHIPS
Tall Ships Adventure also hires Intermediate Crew on Fair Jeanne and Black Jack. This position of Crew is often filled by youth who were previously Junior Crew and who are between the ages of 16-21.
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It is recommended that our crew (with the exception of the cook) have completed/are close to completing their Watch Officer level in Bytown Brigantine's log book. Our crew are involved in the delivery of our sail training program, involved in the teaching and may also be responsible for managing a watch.
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Intermediate Crew qualifications are age-dependent:
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Watch Leader on Fair Jeanne (16+)
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Watch leader on Black Jack (16+)
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Engineer on Fair Jeanne (18+)
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XO on Black Jack (18+)
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Bosun on Fair Jeanne (16+)
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Cook on Fair Jeanne (16+)
WATCH LEADER ON FAIR JEANNE OR BLACK JACK
Watch Leaders are required to be at least 16 years of age and require a Transport Canada certification in Marine Emergency Duties (MEDs).
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The Watch Leader manages the watch when the Officer of the Watch (the Captain or First Mate) is unavailable. They are in charge of navigation, log keeping, and the setting and dousing of sails. They will always be accompanied by an Assistant Watch Leader to assist them. If the candidate does not obtain all of the required certifications when applying in December, participating in our winter program is recommended. The qualifications required of a candidate for a Watch Leader position are as follows:
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Basic Marine First-Aid
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Marine Emergency Duties (MEDs)
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VHF Radio Operators Certificate (ROC-M)
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Workplace Hazardous materials Information System (WHMIS)
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Pleasure Craft Operators Card
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Food Handlers Certificate
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Marine Medical
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Discharge Book and Canadian Document Number (CDN)
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Police Records Check (If 18 years old or older)
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Engineer ON FAIR JEANNE
SVMO stands for Small Vessel Machinery Operator and can only be filled by a candidate who is 18 years old or older. The role of the SVMO is to maintain and operate the ship's machinery including the main engine, generators, pumps, and fire fighting equipment. If the candidate does not obtain all of the required certifications when applying in December, that is okay as long as they complete the courses required one month prior to stepping on board for the summer. The certifications are as follows:
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Small Vessel Machinery Operator Certificate
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Basic Marine First-Aid
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Marine Emergency Duties (MEDs)
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VHF Radio Operators Certificate (ROC-M)
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Workplace Hazardous materials Information System (WHMIS)
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Pleasure Craft Operators Card
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Marine Medical
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Discharge Book and Canadian Document Number (CDN)
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Police Records Check (18+)
COOK
The cook role is key role in the operation of our tall ship sailing experience. The cook is responsible for menu planning and working with the Captain to manage the purchase of food for voyages based on the budget. During the programing, they will prepare all meals, ensure following all health & safety protocols & cleanliness of the galley and freezer/fridge.
The cook will be assisted in the galley by one or two trainees. The cook instructs the trainees about the importance of personal cleanliness in food handling, cleanliness of cooking implements, and the preparation spaces. If the candidate does not obtain all of the required certifications when applying in December, that is okay as long as they complete the courses required one month prior to stepping on board for the summer. The certifications are as follows:
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Standard First Aid Certificate
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Food Handlers Certificate
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Police Records Check (if older than 18)
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BOSUN
The bosun is responsible for the maintenance of the running and standing rigging, the appearance of the upper deck, and maintenance of all upper deck equipment. If the candidate does not obtain all of the required certifications when applying in December, that is okay as long as they complete the courses required one month prior to stepping on board for the summer. The certifications are as follows:
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VHF Radio Operators Certificate (ROC-M)
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Workplace Hazardous materials Information System (WHMIS)
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Pleasure Craft Operators Card
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Food Handlers Certificate
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Marine Medical
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Discharge Book and Canadian Document Number (CDN)
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Police Records Check (18+)
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BECOMING RE-FIT AND DE-RIG CREW ABOARD ONE OF OUR SHIPS
Re-fit and de-rig crews are work April-June (re-fit) and September-October (de-rig).
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The positions require the crew members to put up or take down the rigging on both tall ships, winterize and de-winterize the vessels as well as get "everything else" ready for the programs to begin and close the ships for the season.
Many crew members in high school often volunteer during work parties to assist with the re-fit and de-rig.
CAPTAIN (MASTER)
SENIOR CREW ABOARD ONE OF OUR SHIPS
The Captain of Black Jack is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a vessel. Their duties include safe navigation, crew management, and ensuring that the vessel complies with the local and international laws as well as company policies. The Master is responsible for maintaining all documentation and onboard certificates.
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The Master of Fair Jeanne is required to hold a minimum of Master 150 Gross Tonnage Certificate of Competency from Transport Canada while the Master of Black jack needs to hold a minimum of Master 60 Gross Tonnage Certificate. Seatime must be approved by Transport Canada. All exams are administered by Transport Canada.
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Required Certifications of a Black Jack Captain:
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Master - less than 60GT written examination
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Basic Marine first-Aid
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Marine Emergency Duties (MEDs)
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VHF Radio Operators Certificate (ROC-M)
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Workplace Hazardous materials Information System (WHMIS)
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Food Handlers Certificate
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Marine Medical
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Discharge Book and Canadian Document Number (CDN)
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Police Records Check
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Vulnerable Sector Police Records Check
Required Certifications of a Fair Jeanne Captain:
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Master - less than 60GT written examination
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Small Vessel Machinery Operator Certificate
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Basic Marine first-Aid
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Marine Emergency Duties (MEDs)
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VHF Radio Operators Certificate (ROC-M)
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Workplace Hazardous materials Information System (WHMIS)
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Food Handlers Certificate
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Marine Medical
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Discharge Book and Canadian Document Number (CDN)
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Police Records Check
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Tall Ships Adventure typically hires 3 Senior Crew per season (Master and Mate on Fair Jeanne and Master on Black Jack). If the candidate does not obtain all of the required certifications when applying in December, that is okay as long as they complete the courses required prior to stepping on board for the summer.
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FIRST MATE/EXECUTIVE OFFICER (XO) OF FAIR JEANNE
CAPTAIN (MASTER) OF FAIR JEANNE
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Required Certifications of a Fair Jeanne Captain:
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STCW Basic Safety Training (MED A1 + B2 Practical)
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STCW Proficiency In Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Other than Fast Rescue Boats (MED B1)
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STCW Advanced Fire Fighting
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SEN Limited - Simulated Electronic Navigation Limited
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First Aid - Marine Advanced
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Small Vessel Machinery Operator Certificate
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Marine Emergency Duties (MEDs)
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Restricted Operator's Certificat - Maritime Commercial (ROC-MC)
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Workplace Hazardous materials Information System (WHMIS)
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Meteorology - Level 1
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Chartwork and Pilotage - Level 2
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Navigation Safety - Level 1
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Ship Construction and Stability - Level 3
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General Ship Knowledge - Level 3
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General Seamanship (oral & practical examination)
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Marine Medical
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Discharge Book and Canadian Document Number (CDN)
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Police Records Check
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The Mate or Executive Officer (XO) is second-in-command on board the vessel and is responsible to the Master for the safety and security of the ship. The mate is required to be licensed by Transport Canada and is considered an Officer of the Watch (OOW). Thy act as a manager on board the vessel and is considered to be the head of the deck department ensuring the safety of the ship, the quality of training of the crew, and teaches advanced concepts to the ship's officers and crew from time to time. The Mate must ensure that the work carried out by the ship's crew is completed safely and correctly. They will have a solid understanding of navigation, the Collision Regulations, and of all onboard equipment.
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Tall Ships Adventure Watch Officers who are 18 years of age or older have their sea time approved by Transport Canada for the Master and/or Mate Certificates of Competency which are recognized in the commercial marine industry. The exams are both generic and vessel specific and require practical knowledge of the systems and equipment on board the vessel.
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Required Certifications of a Fair Jeanne Mate:
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STCW Basic Safety Training (MED A1 + B2 Practical)
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STCW Proficiency In Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Other than Fast Rescue Boats (MED B1)
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STCW Advanced Fire Fighting
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SEN Limited - Simulated Electronic Navigation Limited
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First Aid - Marine Advanced
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Small Vessel Machinery Operator Certificate
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Marine Emergency Duties (MEDs)
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Restricted Operator's Certificat - Maritime Commercial (ROC-MC)
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Workplace Hazardous materials Information System (WHMIS)
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Chartwork and Pilotage - Level 1
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Navigation Safety - Level 1
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General Seamanship (oral & practical examination)
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Marine Medical
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Discharge Book and Canadian Document Number (CDN)
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Police Records Check
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