R/V WECOMA
CRUISE PLANNING MANUAL

Revised Oct 2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 SECTION I:  SHIP AND SHIP'S EQUIPMENT
                                                
        Ship Characteristics
                Range, Speed and Endurance
                Electrical Service
                Salt Water
                Fresh Water
                Compressed Air
                Hydraulic Power

        Ship's Equipment
                Cranes
                        Main Crane
                        Articulating Crane
                A-Frames
                        Stern
                        Hydro A-Frame
                Winches
                        Hydrographic
                        Deep Sea
                        Trawl
                        Portable CTD Winch
                Other Deck Equipment
                        Portable Capstan
                        Hydro Platform
                        Rosette/CTD Rail
                        Air Tuggers
                        Anchor Windlass
                        Work Boats
                        Bulwarks
                        Bow Davit
                        Blocks
                Navigation
                Communications
                Scientific Work Spaces
                        Dry Laboratory
                        Wet Laboratory
                        Electronics Laboratory
                Vans
                        Laboratory ("Rad Van")
                        Storage Van
                        New Radiation Laboratory Van
                        Use of Science Party Supplied Vans
                Scientific Berthing
                Scientific Instrumentation & Equipment

 SECTION II:            SHARED-USE EQUIPMENT
        
        Standard Ship's Outfit
        Transient Equipment
        Specialized Instrumentation Facilities

 SECTION III:   PRE-CRUISE PLANNING

        Contacts
        Scheduling
        Cruise Plan
        Special Operations
                Foreign Operations
                Radioisotope Work
                Explosives
                Hazardous Materials
                Diving Operations
                Reporting of Surface & Subsurface Obstacles
                Compressed Gas Cylinders
        Personnel
        Passports
        Clearance Forms
        Medical Information
        Scientific Berthing
        Loading
        Logistics in Newport 
        Logistics Away From Newport

SECTION IV:     DURING THE CRUISE

        Responsibilities, Authorities and Interactions
                Master
                Chief Scientist
                Marine Technician
        Prohibited Items
        Smoking Policy
        Reporting of Injuries or Illness
        Sexual Harassment and Discrimination
        Arrivals and Departures
        Messing Facilities
        Refuse Disposal
        Sanitary System
        Shipboard Clothing and Personal Items
        Potable Water
        Emergency Drills
        Safety
        Communications

 SECTION V:             POST CRUISE OBLIGATIONS

        Shipboard Clean-Up
        Off-Loading
        Post Cruise Reporting
                UNOLS Research Vessel Cruise Assessment
                Cruise Summary Report (ROSCOP)
                UNOLS Cruise Report/Ship Utilization Data Form
                Preliminary Cruise Report (U.S. State Department)

APPENDICES
 

SECTION I: SHIP AND SHIP'S EQUIPMENT

SHIP CHARACTERISTICS

Range, Speed and Endurance

WECOMA is powered by an EMD 16 645 E7 diesel engine driving a single, controllable pitch propeller through a clutch and reduction gear. The main engine develops a maximum of approximately 3,000 horsepower. The 350 horsepower omni-directional bow thruster is driven by an electric motor powered either from a generator driven off the reduction gear (normal operating mode) or from one of the ship's service generators (emergency mode).

WECOMA's normal cruise speed is 12 knots. Speeds in excess of this substantially increase fuel consumption and, except in emergency, require the prior approval of the Marine Superintendent. The ship's maximum speed is approximately 14 knots which nearly doubles the daily fuel consumption from that for the 12 knot speed. The following table provides some range and endurance values based on a speed of 12 knots in moderate sea conditions:
 

Electrical Service

WECOMA has two 300 kW, diesel-driven ship's service generators with electronic governors and solid state regulators to provide relatively stable frequency and voltage control. Normally one generator is operated at a time to provide all necessary ship and scientific electrical power. However, the generators may be paralleled for heavy load applications.

Scientific power at 117 Vac, 60 Hz is provided through an isolation transformer and "Transtector" providing spike and surge suppression. A total of 30 kVA is available in the Dry Lab and an additional 30 kVA is shared between the Wet Lab and Electronics Lab. The outlets in the Wet Lab are ground fault protected. Clean power circuits are marked with a "CP" prefix on the receptacle identification plate. Regular power circuits have a "P" prefix.

NOTE ON THE USE OF UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLIES (UPS). WECOMA does not provide UPS for scientific parties. Ship users are expected to provide for their own UPS needs, if required. Shipboard power is not "grounded" (i.e., there is no "neutral" wire connected to ground). Some commonly available UPS units intended for household or office use require a grounded neutral in order to function properly. In our experience, most of these units will work properly onboard ship, although they will show a fault (usually a "site wiring fault"). Some units will not work at all (no output). You should be sure that the UPS you bring to the ship will work in the absence of a ground on the third wire.

Special power circuits:

Note: Special power circuits are not isolated/surge suppressed.
 

WECOMA is capable of supplying approximately 50 kW for scientific use without paralleling generators. If total power requirements will exceed this level the Port Engineer or Marine Superintendent should be consulted well in advance of the cruise.

Salt Water

Uncontaminated Supplies

A 25 gpm supply from an intake located in the starboard sea chest, 48 ft from the bow at 4-5 meters depth, is provided to the Wet Lab. The sea water passes through a steel shutoff valve, a two foot section of steel pipe, a stainless steel pump and 1-½ in PVC pipe to the 1-½ in PVC valve over the forward sink in the Wet Lab. This supply can be used with constant flow equipment.

A 50 gpm supply from an intake located near the bow at 2-3 meters below the water line is also provided to the Wet Lab. This sea water passes through a two foot section of 3 in diameter steel pipe, a steel shut off valve, a stainless steel pump and 1 in PVC pipe to the 1 in PVC valve over the forward sink in the Wet Lab. This supply may not be suitable for constant flow equipment due to pressure variations as the ship pitches in a seaway.

The Wet Lab sink drains cannot accommodate the continuous, simultaneous output from both pumps. Direct overboard discharge piping is available. Consult with the Marine Technician for the cruise for best saltwater flow arrangements.

Open Deck Saltwater Supply

1-½ in hose connections capable of supplying raw salt water from the ship's General Service supply at up to 25 gpm are available on both the fantail and forecastle and a standard ¾ in hose bib on the fantail. If larger amounts of raw seawater are required, the Port Engineer should be consulted well in advance of the cruise.

Fresh Water

Fresh water is available throughout the ship. It should be conserved since the ship's capacity to make fresh water is limited and the costs, in fuel, are high.

Compressed Air

Compressed air from the ship's service air compressors is available in limited quantity at 120 psi on the fantail in two places on the starboard side of the whaleback deck and in both the Dry and Wet Laboratories. This air is not suitable for breathing applications.

Hydraulic Power

Two sources of hydraulic power are available for scientific use:

Morgan Crane Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU): This source is capable of 2,500 psi at 18 gpm. It may not be used at the same time as the portable Morgan Crane when placed on the vessel. This HPU does not have a "case drain" return and has 1" "quick relase hookups." The hookups are located on the starboard side of the main deck aft about 20' forward of the stern.

A-frame HPU: This source is capable of 1,500 psi at 30 gpm and is the normal supply for the main and hydro A-frame as well as the small, hydraulic "tugger" on the A-frame. The A-frames cannot be operated at the same time as any other equipment connected to this source. Connections are on the forward side of the crane trunk, are 1" and include a case drain.

SHIP'S EQUIPMENT

Cranes

Main Crane

WECOMA is equipped with a large marine telescoping boom crane mounted on the centerline at the after side of the 01 deck. The boom extends to 65 ft and will cover all of the working areas of the 01 deck and the fantail. The crane will also extend 15 ft aft of the A-frame at 0° elevation and well over the side. It can be used for towing small equipment when resting in a notch on top of the stern A-frame or in a "crutch" which can be mounted in various places on the fantail.

The rated capacity of the crane depends on the boom angle, boom extension, rigging wire and lifting block on the crane and the loading and stability of the ship. The normal capacity of the crane is a maximum of 12,000 lbs for lifting vans and other equipment from trucks on the dock close to the ship. Arrangements for heavy lifts should be discussed with the Marine Superintendent well before the cruise.

The crane is operated only by members of the ship's crew from controls mounted on the crane and in the After Control Station.

Articulating Crane

WECOMA can, on request, be equipped with one or both of the small articulating cranes that can be mounted in various locations on the fantail, 01 deck or foredeck (requires advance arrangements for a shore-based crane to lift in place and remove). The crane will be load tested to 125% of the planned maximum load after bolting in place on the deck – time must be allowed in the loading plan for this. Specific applications of either crane should be discussed well in advance with the Marine Superintendent and/or Marine Technician Superintendent.

The Wemco crane has a boom that can extend to a maximum radius of 24 ft with a lift capacity of 1,450 lbs or 20 ft with 2,500 lbs. This crane is well suited for deploying equipment over the side but may not be used for towing equipment which would result in a side pull on the crane's boom. Members of the scientific party may operate this crane.

The Morgan crane is an articulating crane with a 3,000 lb capacity at maximum radius of 26.5 ft. As with the Wemco crane, side loads such as towing equipment, are not allowed. This is an articulated crane and is more difficult to operate than the Wemco crane. Crane operation will be limited to ship's crew and qualified marine technicians

A-Frames

Stern
 
 

The stern A-frame has a working capacity of 15,000 lbs, a clearance height of 17 ft and a clearance width of 11 ft. The A-frame is hydraulic and swings from 5 ft inboard to 10-1/2 ft outboard which gives a 5-1/2 ft clearance over the stern. It can be used with either the trawl or deep sea winches. The A-frame has mounting pads for "air tuggers" (see below) and is equipped with lights, ladder rungs, various padeyes, etc. The A-frame and associated equipment can be removed to provide a clean stern area for projects with unique equipment. If this is desired arrangements should be made with the Marine Superintendent well in advance.

Hydro A-Frame

The hydrographic A-frame has a working capacity of 7,000 lbs, a clearance height of 12 ft and a clearance width of 8 ft. The A-frame is hydraulic and swings from 5 ft inboard to 7 ft outboard of the starboard side. The A-frame is mounted to the upper deck outboard of the hydro winch and is only used with that winch.

Winches (See Appendix 9 for additional information on available wire)

NOTE: EM wire terminations are supplied for use with OSU-owned, shared-use equipment. EM terminations for user-furnished equipment are not routinely supplied. The user is responsible for EM terminations for user-furnished equipment.

Hydrographic

The Markey DESH-5 hydrographic winch is capable of approximately 7,000 lbs of line pull at 60 m/minute. Two drums are available; one with 10,000 m of 0.322 in diameter, 3 conductor electro-mechanical cable and the other with 9,150 m of ¼ in diameter 3 x 19 wire rope. Drums must be changed while the ship is at the dock. The wire is normally deployed over the starboard A-frame though can be lead aft through a block on the crane for light loads. The winch is equipped with slip rings and a full line monitoring system. No additional drums are available for project specific wire.

Deep Sea

A new Dynacon deep sea traction winch was installed during the winter of 1997-98. This winch is capable of 20,000 pound line pull (the capacity is limited by the strength of the A-frame) and line speeds of up to 90 m/minute (at light load). Two drums are available; one with about 6,000 m of 9/16 in 3 x 19 wire rope and the other with 0.680 in coaxial cable. The drums on this winch are interchangeable with those used by Scripps so wire may be borrowed between projects and institutions. Any need for this winch should be identified well in advance so arrangements may be made to have the appropriate drum/wire available and to schedule a shore based crane to exchange the wire. The traction unit is "removable" (on extended cruises away from Newport, the traction unit is to be considered a fixed piece of equipment unless arrangements have been made for storage and retrieval of the unit during the cruise) and located on the fantail deck just aft of the crane trunk when the winch is needed; the rest of the winch system is permanently installed in the below decks winch room. The winch is equipped with slip rings and a full line monitoring system. No additional drums are available for project specific wire.

Trawl

The Markey DESH-6 trawl winch is a general purpose winch located on the 01 deck, port side. It may be oriented in various directions but is normally used over a block on the main A-frame. The winch is capable of a 5,000 pound line pull at 45 m/minute and a maximum pull of 7,000 lbs. Several drums of different wire are available. At present drum "T1" has 6,000 m of 3/8 in 3 x 19 wire rope; "T2L" has 7,000 m of 7/32 in diameter, single conductor electro-mechanical cable; "T3L" has 6,000 m of 0.322 in diameter, 3 conductor, electro-mechanical cable; "T4L" has approximately 200 m of 0.322 in diameter, 7 conductor electro-mechanical cable and an unmarked drum is bare but is often provided with about 150 ft of ½ in diameter 3 x 19 for mooring work. Drums must be changed while at the dock. The empty drum can be used for project specific work but the Chief Scientist is responsible for the costs of spooling and unspooling the wire which, in general, will require the services of a wire rope company truck and spooling/tension machine. The winch is equipped with slip rings and a full line monitoring system.

Portable CTD Winch

A portable winch is available on request for shallow (up to 500 m) CTD work. The winch can be bolted in place on the fantail near the centerline for work through the A-frame or in other locations. Line pull is 1,700 lbs at 60 m/minute (speeds and line pull are limited by the ship's hydraulic pump). The winch has 2,300 m of ¼ in diameter, single conductor electro-mechanical cable. The winch is equipped with slip rings and a remote reading metering block is available.

Note: Portable CTD Winch and Stern A-Frame can not be run simultaneously.

Other Deck Equipment

Portable Capstan: An electrically powered capstan with an 18 inch diameter head rated for continuous operations at 20 ft/minute (6 m/minute) at 10,000 lbs pull and 40 ft/minute (12 m/minute) at 5,000 lbs may be bolted to the fantail deck in several locations. This capstan is often used for instrument mooring work but has a tapered barrel which is a handicap when deploying moorings as the line rides up the barrel to the top and develops overriding wraps.

Hydro Platform : A 36 in by 38-1/2 in hydro platform which extends over the side at the Main deck under the hydro A-frame is available. This platform is not normally carried and must be requested well in advance (it has not been used since WECOMA's '94 mid-life and may need modification).

Rosette/CTD Rail : Extends by means of a hydraulic ram 6 ft from inside the Wet Lab through a 6 ft wide by 8 ft high double, watertight door to a point 3-1/2 ft outside of the door. The rail is fitted with a trolley and a 1,000 pound capacity air hoist. This rail in permanently installed.

Air Tuggers : Two "small," pneumatic air tuggers with a line pull of about 1,000 lbs and two "large," pneumatic air tuggers with a line pull of over 2,000 lbs are available. Two deckstands are also available. These tuggers may be mounted on the stands, on plates located on the A-frame or on scientific equipment. They must be requested in advance. These air tuggers, particularly the larger ones, may be used only intermitently because of the ship's limited air supply.

Anchor Windlass : The ship is equipped with a New England TrawlÒ 15 HP anchor winch and two 1,500 lb anchors with 6 shots (90 fathoms) of 1 in chain on the port and 7 shots on the starboard. The windlass is equipped with 15 in diameter heads rated for 10,000 lbs of line pull at either 20 or 40 ft/minute.

Work Boats : WECOMA is equipped with the following boats:

1. A Zodiac Model 530 "Hurricane" Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) with a 48 HP outboard motor is carried at all times and is the designated rescue boat. The boat is 18 ft in length and has a capacity of 2,500 lbs or 9 persons.
2. A Boston Whaler with the 15 HP motor noted above can be carried on request. The boat is 13 ft long and can carry three persons or 700 lbs. Its use is limited to near ideal sea and weather conditions.

Bow Davit: WECOMA can, on request, be equipped with a rotating bow davit that mounts on the port side bulwark well forward. The davit has about an 8 ft reach, extends about 6 ft above the bulwark and can handle a load up to 1,000 lbs. The davit has been used for deploying instrument strings and acoustic transducers over the bow while the ship was dead in the water. It is not suitable for towing. All operations (rotating, lowering and raising equipment) must be done by hand or with the aid of a line to the anchor windlass. The davit will be load tested to 125% of the planned maximum load after bolting in place on the deck— time must be allowed in the loading plan for this.

Blocks: The following blocks are available for use on WECOMA (specific needs should be identified in advance since not all of these blocks are carried on WECOMA):
 

Navigation

WECOMA is provided with the following electronic navigation equipment:

• GPS - Northstar 951XDW receiver in the pilothouse and a remote display in the Dry Lab. Differential correctors from either the USCG beacons or WAAS are available when the ship is within range of the signals. Integrated with XMIDAS and ECDIS (see below).
• GPS "P-Code" Receiver - Trimble Tasman. Integrated with XMIDAS and ECDIS (see below).
• Ship's gyroscopic compasses - two Sperry MK 37 compasses interfaced with XMIDAS, ECDIS and ship's Sperry autopilot.
• EDO 250 kHz dual axis speed logs with readouts on bridge, in the Dry Lab, Electronics Lab and aft control station. Integrated with XMIDAS.
• Furuno X and S band digital radars.
• Furuno FCV-292 color echo sounder. Depth data is interfaced with XMIDAS..
• A Transas Marine Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) in the pilothouse.
• A variety of Weather Fax receivers, Navtex receivers, a VHF radio direction finder, etc.

WECOMA is provided with communications equipment including:

• Medium Frequency/High Frequency (MF/HF), single side band (SSB), 1,000 watt Harris RF3200 transceiver with Necode decoder and SITOR (commercial packet radio) capability.
• Two VHF/FM marine band transceivers.
• Inmarsat B, ABB Nera B with voice, fax, telex, data capability.
• Inmarsat M, ABB Nera Saturn M with voice and fax capability.
• Cellular, two Motorola MC 310 with voice, fax and data capabilities. One unit in Electronics Lab and other on bridge.
• The Inmarsat B and M as well as the cellular phones are accessed through the ship's PABX which tracks usage by assigned Personal Identification Numb
• A complete Global Marine Distress Signaling System (GMDSS) including the following Furuno equipment:

Scientific Work Spaces

Dry Laboratory

• The Dry Lab is on the port side of the main deck and is approximately 36 ft (11 m) by 19 ft (5.8 m) with nearly 700 ft2 (65 m2) of deck space.
• The deck is equipped with 3/8 in diameter deck sockets on 2 foot centers.
• Unistrut channels on bulkhead and overhead on 2-foot spacing.
• Air conditioned.
• A variety of electrical power is available (see previous section).
• Compressed air.
• Permanent Instrumentation Center on port side, includes bathymetric systems and data system displays. Winch system displays. Winch control for the deep sea winch can be provided by arrangement.
• Intercom systems to pilot house, winches, after deck, etc.
• Portable laboratory cabinets and benches available on request.

• The Wet Lab is on the starboard side of the main deck and is approximately 30 ft (9 m) by 13 ft (4 m) with nearly 400 ft2 (36 m2) of deck space.
• An additional 8 ft (3 m) by 7 ft (2m) CTD space is at the aft end of the Wet Laboratory.
• The deck is equipped with 1 in diameter deck sockets on 2 ft centers.
• Unistrut channels on bulkhead and overhead.
• A variety of lab benches, a fume hood and portable sinks can be configured as desired.
• A variety of electrical power is available (see previous section).
• Compressed air (120 psi).
• Ship's service salt water, uncontaminated sea water, fresh water available.
• Intercom systems to pilot house.

• Starboard side of the main deck forward of the Wet Lab, approximately 16 ft (5 m) by 13 ft (4 m) with a little over 200 ft2 (15 m2) of deck space.
• Bench/plotting table for scientific use.
• Serves as dedicated ship's instrumentation room and repair space.
• Contains most permanently installed ship's science facilities (XMIDAS computers, ADCP's, data loggers, network hubs, video TV system, winch instrumentation equipment, etc.)
• Air conditioned for Salinometers.
• Intercom system.
• Telephone connected to Cellular and satellite communications system by PABX.

A variety of vans are available for use on WECOMA. Some, described below, are owned by OSU and used primarily on WECOMA. Others are part of the NSF/UNOLS West Coast Van Pool and are described at: http://www.shipops.oregonstate.edu/ops/vans/NSF_Van_Pool_HomePage.html .

Storage Van

• Intended only for storage. Large double doors on after end only.
• Electric lights.
• Approximately 8 x 10 ft and 7 ft high.
• Will fit under the 01 deck overhang on the port side of the fantail.

• Intended primarily for radioisotope use but may be used for other tasks.
• Air conditioned.
• Single count scintillation counter for counting wipes.
• Fume hood, sink, hot and cold fresh water, 117 Vac electrical outlets.
• Refrigerator and Freezer (may not be used for radioactive materials).
• Personnel door on side, large double doors on end.
• Meets current RVOC safety standards.
• May be put in place with WECOMA's crane.

WECOMA can accommodate a variety of vans on both the main deck and 01 deck. Two sets of "Peck & Hail" fittings for standard 20 ft containers are available. Any laboratory vans brought aboard should meet the following minimal safety criteria:

• Have an emergency exit in addition to the normal personnel door.
• Have an electrical system capable of operating from either the ship's ungrounded 480 Vac, 3 phase supply or, for light loads, the ship's ungrounded 117 Vac circuits. In general, vans with 480 Vac transformers are best suited for shipboard electrical systems. The van should include a grounding conductor to electrically bond the van's structure to the ship. (Any questions should be referred to the Marine Superintendent or Port Engineer.)
• Be provided with fire extinguishers and other necessary safety equipment.

Scientific Berthing

WECOMA can berth up to 18 scientists, including the member of the Marine Technician Group assigned to the ship. Berthing is further discussed in Section III of this manual and a berthing diagram is included in the Appendices.

Scientific Instrumentation and Equipment

A wide variety of scientific equipment is available through the Marine Technician Group and is described under "Shared-Use Equipment" in Section II of this manual. The ship has a shipboard underway data acquisition system (SUDS) which is also described in Section II.

WECOMA maintains a pool of shared-use equipment which is available for use by embarked scientists on WECOMA. Details on any of these systems are available from the Marine Technicians. Pool equipment is divided into three categories: 1) Standard Ship's Outfit, 2) Transient Equipment, and 3) Specialized Instrumentation. Information on all equipment listed can be obtained from the Marine Technicians. Please note that scientific parties are expected to provide sufficient personnel to undertake the scientific program intended.

Users are strongly encouraged to submit a Shared-Use Equipment Request form well in advance of their cruise. The form can be downloaded in Appendix_08.pdf.

Most of the following equipment (with the exception of Specialized Instrumentation Facilities) is made available to all ship users at no additional cost, beyond the Technicians daily rate for WECOMA users. Extraordinary usage, unusual requests, and interfacing costs beyond the norm may require additional costs to users. Under most circumstances, no additional costs are charged. Additional costs, if any, are noted below.

Further information can be obtained from the Marine Technician Group:

• 5 liter Niskin bottles are standard - 10 liter external spring Niskin bottles available on request. SeaBird carousel can accommodate most user-supplied bottles up to 10 liters.
• All sensors calibrated yearly. Additional calibrations can be arranged on request, but will be charged directly to requestor.
• Depth limits:
• CTD fish, sensors and carousel: 6800 m
• Oxygen sensor: 6800 m
• PAR Sensor: 1500 m
• Transmissometer: 6000 m
• Fluorometer: 3000 m
• Altimeter: 6000 m
• Bottom Trip Switch: 10000 m
• CTD Operations are conducted from a permanent rack and bench in the Dry Lab, where computers, deck units, printers, monitors and navigation readouts are located.

Benthos model 2216 pinger with miss-ping/double-ping capability. 10000 m depth limit. Complete spares and batteries carried onboard - spare pinger can be provided on request.

Shipboard echosounder: Knudsen 320B/R dual-frequency digital echosounder (12 kHz and 3.5 kHz), echogram displays on PC screen, data recorded on CD-R, EPC 9801 recorder available for hard copy. 12 kHz transducer is a single EDO 323B, 3.5 kHz is an array of sixteen ORE 137D transducers in a 4x4 configuration

Shipboard Underway Data Acquisition System (DAS): Developed in-house. Data is recorded in ASCII format on CD-R. Data is readable by UNIX, PC and MAC platforms. Data displayed locally in Electronics Lab, and remotely on a workstation in the Dry Lab. Computers on the shipboard network can access onboard data display web page. Data is available over the shipboard network during the cruise. Contact Marine Technicians for details. Data is acquired at approximately 2 Hz, one minute averages (max, min, mean, n of samples) are stored. Acquires, stores and displays data from the following sensors:

• Navigation systems (DGPS, P-code GPS)
• Ship Heading
• Wind speed and direction (sonic anemometer, approx. 20 m height above waterline)
• Barometric Pressure
• Sea Surface Temperature (5 m)
• Sea Surface Salinity (from thermosalinograph, source at 5 m)
• Flow-through fluorometer (WETLabs WetStar)
• Bottom Depth (from scientific echosounder)
• Air Temperature/Humidity
• PAR Radiation
• Short-wave and Long-wave solar radiation
• Auxiliary wind speed
• GPS Time (from TrueTime time code receiver)
• Capacitive and/or Optical Rain Gauge (on request only)
• Up to 3 user-provided sensors (connections in Wet lab, on request only)

Email and Internet: Email is available to all scientists and crew members. Everyone requesting email access is assigned an user account. A basic level of email service is provided free-of-charge. Any email charges incurred are the responsibility of the Chief Scientist. Access to the internet is available when WECOMA is in Newport. The ship LAN is behind a firewall for security, so some access may not be available. Contact the Marine Technicians for details of email and internet access. Details of methods and costs can be found at http://pigeon.shipops.orst.edu/. WECOMA does not currently have a live connection to the internet when at sea. Future plans include this capability.

TRANSIENT EQUIPMENT

WECOMA maintains a pool of equipment which is available on the ship only by request. Except where noted (primarily expendables), this equipment is available at no charge to WECOMA users.

Salinometer: Guildline PortaSal Salinometer. Normally, only the instrument is provided. Standard water is usually supplied by the user, but can be supplied at cost by the Marine Technicians. User is expected to provide salinometer operator. Sample bottles (up to 12 dozen) can be provided.

XBT System: Sippican MK-9 launcher and acquisition system. Probes are provided by the user.

-85C freezers: Two SoLow 5 cu. ft. freezers are available. These freezers are quite large and heavy for a relatively small refrigerated volume. They are in use at OSU for sample storage, so at least 4 months advance notice is required.

MOCNESS: A 1m² MOCNESS system is available. System includes 333 micron nets (21 available), 150 micron nets (4 available), laptop PC with standard acquisition software, CD burner backup, printer, temperature, conductivity, subsurface electronics, landing frame. Full backups. User provides all expendables, including sample bottles, preservative(s), and sample processing.

Bioacoustics Sonar: Hydroacoustic Technology Inc. Split-beam digital echosounder system (38, 120, 200, 420 kHz transducers), underwater and deck electronics, towfish, tow and telemetry cables, acquisition PC, DAT tape and CD backup. Requires use of crane for towing, user supplies expendables (DAT tapes, CD-R media) and data quality control.

Automated dissolved oxygen titrator: Administered by Joe Jennings (jenningj@coas.oregonstate.edu, 541-737-2895).

Nutrient Autoanalysis Facility: Nutrient autoanalysis services are provided through a shared-use facility supported by the NSF Technicians Program. Questions on capabilities, scheduling, charges, etc. can be directed to Joe Jennings (jenningj@coas.oregonstate.edu, 541-737-2895).

Geological Samplers: A variety of small samplers (gravity corers, box corers, dredges) are available for use on WECOMA. Please contact the Marine Technicians for details and scheduling. This equipment is made available through the NORCOR Coring Facility, and is subject to scheduling and budget constraints - early requests are strongly advised.

SPECIALIZED INSTRUMENTATION FACILITIES

OSU maintains two NSF-supported national Specialized Instrumentation Facilities; a SeaSoar towed vehicle facility, and the NORCOR Piston Coring Facility. Use of these facilities and equipment are subject to scheduling and funding similar to that for ships. Specialized Instrumentation is usually scheduled at least one year in advance. In particular, the following procedures are required for use of these facilities:

• Projects and Scientists planning use of either of these facilities must contact the facility manager prior to proposal submission to ensure availability. This is required so that user projects can be included in the annual support proposal for each facility. Users should have information on vessel requested, time and duration of proposed cruise, and projected ports of call.
• At the time of proposal submission, a note should be included in the proposal that use of the particular facility has been discussed and scheduled with the facility manager.
• When the fate of the proposal is known, users should immediately notify the facility manager of success or failure of the proposal.
• NSF-sponsored programs will bear no direct costs for use of these facilities. This includes technician travel, per diems, salaries, expendables, etc. Non-NSF programs should include costs for use at the projected daily rate for the particular facility. The facility manager can provide a projected daily rate for budget purposes. When the final budget is negotiated, the user should contact the facility manager for an updated daily rate. The daily rate for non-NSF programs will include all travel, salaries, shipping, etc. unless otherwise negotiated with the facility manager.
• Unless these procedures are followed, equipment and/or technicians may not be available for your project. Last-minute requests cannot usually be accommodated.
• Points of contact:
• SeaSoar Towed Vehicle Facility: Marc Willis, 541-737-4622, willis@coas.oregonstate.edu
• NORCOR Coring Facility: Dr. Nick Pisias, 541-737-5213, npisias@coas.oregonstate.edu

The designated Chief Scientist is responsible for coordinating all planning and reporting for his/her cruise. After a preliminary ship's schedule for WECOMA has been prepared (these schedules are generally available in September for the following year) a Cruise Planning Manual and Form will be sent to the Chief Scientist (if they haven't recently sailed on WECOMA). Once returned to the Marine Superintendent, the Cruise Planning Form will be distributed to appropriate persons including the Marine Technician Group and the ship. An early return of the Cruise Planning Form is encouraged.

CONTACTS

Scheduling
Ship Time Requests
Cruise Planning
Logistics

Ship Systems
Vans
Winches 
Ship Repair 

Communications
Reports
Cruise Plans
Foreign Clearances
Logistics 

Shared Use Equipment
Logistics
Ship Computing
Shop Services
Information Storage
Scientific Support
Scientific Electronics
Communications 

Logistics
Shop Services
Information Storage
Scientific Support
Scientific Electronics

Radiation Safety
Waste Disposal
Approval for Shipboard Use
Isotope Receiving
Storage 

IN NEWPORT

MESS DECK                     541-867-0252
SWITCHBOARD                   541-867-0253

AT SEA

CELLULAR:                     (PIN Required)
      Voice:                  541-961-1417       (at message, enter ext.)
      Fax:                    541-961-1417       (at message, press start)

INMARSAT-B:     
      Switchboard:            011-872-333898112  (at message, enter ext.)
      Bridge:                 011-872-333898111  (direct to bridge phone)
      Fax:                    011-872-333898114  (direct to fax machine)

EXTENSION NUMBERS:            11    Bridge
                              15    Electronics Lab
                              16    Mess Deck

*All calls to the "At Sea" numbers as well as the 7-0253 extension in port will go 
to the ship's PABX.  Callers must be assigned a PIN to use the cellular phone. 

See Appendix 13 (WECOMA Communications) for additional information including e-mail.

Scheduling of R/V WECOMA is done through the NSF/UNOLS scheduling process and is done on an annual basis. Generally, Ship Time Requests should be submitted by May 1 for a research project planned for the following calendar year. Scheduling is done by the Marine Superintendent and submitted for review at the annual NSF/UNOLS Ship Scheduling meeting in September. Ship Time Requests can be submitted electronically by going to the UNOLS Shiptime Request World Wide Web Page at http://www.gso.uri.edu/unols/ship/mainmenu.html.

Ship cost data for use in research proposals or other budgeting needs can be obtained from the Marine Superintendent. Daily rates for the ship and marine technician support are negotiated each year with NSF-the same rate is charged to all users (some additional charges may be incurred by non-NSF funded users in unusual circumstances).

CRUISE PLAN

A Cruise Plan (Appendix 2 and available electronically) is required well in advance of the cruise. The form is the key document used to assure that the ship's equipment and personnel needed for a particular cruise will be available. The following should be considered when completing the form:

• The "Purpose" section of the Cruise Plan may be provided to the Newport News-Times or other members of the press in response to inquiries as to WECOMA's operations. It is also posted in the WECOMA display area of the Hatfield Marine Science Center's public wing. A short, nontechnical description is best understood by the general public.
• A detailed "Itinerary," complete with positions and estimated times of arrival and departure, is very useful even if it must be modified during the course of the cruise because of weather, scientific findings, or other unanticipated events. In our experience there is a high correlation between detailed planning and successful operations.
• The "Equipment Required" section should include both ship's equipment (winches, cranes, capstan, etc. -- detailed in Section I of this manual) and "Shared-Use Equipment" (scientific equipment -- detailed in Section II of this manual) needed for the cruise.
• The designated "Scientist in Charge" will have all the responsibilities defined as those of the "Chief Scientist" in this manual.
• "User Supplied Equipment" must include the actual weights of any heavy objects such as vans or user supplied winches. The weights are critical in determining the trim and stability of the ship as well as the ability of the ship's equipment to handle them.
• "Other Bulky Heavy Items" should include items such as large objects to be towed (side scan sonar, camera sled, etc.) or deployed (buoys, instruments). Weights, as above, are critical. Heavy objects to be moved at sea should be securely assembled and equipped with adequate lifting points as well as points for attaching tag lines to keep the weight from swinging when lifted. (Stacks of railroad wheels should have three sections of round stock welded vertically holding the individual wheel in place and pear links or padeyes welded on for tag lines.)

The operations identified below should be identified in the Ship Time Request Form and Cruise Planning Form and should be coordinated well in advance:

Foreign Operations

Clearances: Any operations in the exclusive economic zones (generally within 200 nm of a foreign coast) or requiring port calls outside of the United States will require clearances. Depending on the country, these clearances must be obtained many months (6 months is common) in advance through the U.S. State Department. Chief Scientists should refer to the applicable U.S. Department of State Notice to Research Vessel Operators for additional information.

Please refer to the "Personnel" section for passport requirements.

Customs and Immigration: Foreign port calls will require all scientists embarked, meeting or leaving the ship to go through Customs and Immigration. Individuals are responsible for meeting U.S. and foreign nation customs, immigration and immunization regulations. OSU Ship Operations will not make arrangements for members of the science party or scientific equipment being shipped into or out of a foreign country.

Foreign Agents: WECOMA will, in general, have an agent in a foreign port which may be used, at their expense, by members of the scientific party (A Request for Port Services form is included in Appendix 4). The name of the agent and additional details will be available from the Marine Superintendent.

Radioisotope Work

Any cruise requiring the use of radioisotopes must be coordinated with the Marine Superintendent well in advance, requires approval by the OSU Radiation Safety Committee and will be monitored by the OSU Radiation Safety Officer. OSU's Policy On Radioisotopes Onboard OSU Vessels is included in Appendix 11 of this manual. Radioisotope work is confined to either the ship's radiation laboratory van or vans supplied by the science party. Radiation Safety Center

Explosives

The transport, loading and use of explosives is strictly regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard. Any use of explosives must be coordinated well in advance with the Marine Superintendent.

Hazardous Materials

Programs using hazardous materials shall be coordinated well in advance with the Marine Superintendent. The Chief Scientist is responsible for the safe use, storage and disposal of all hazardous materials brought on WECOMA. The Chief Scientist shall assure that Material Safety Data Sheets for all materials are brought onboard and made available to the ship's Master. The Chief Scientist will also assure that adequate containment materials, neutralizing agents, etc., are available on the ship to deal with spills or other accidents. In general, hazardous materials (e.g., formalin) are not to be used in the ship's laboratories and must be confined to laboratory vans or open decks.

Diving Operations

Diving operations from WECOMA are subject to OSU Diving Policy (Appendix 10) and the UNOLS Research Vessel Safety Standards. Projects with diving operations should contact the Marine Superintendent well in advance.

Reporting of Surface and Subsurface Obstacles

Surface and subsurface moorings and bottom mounted instrument packages can present hazards to navigation to surface vessels or submarines and can damage, or be damaged by, fishing vessels. The Principal Investigator/Chief Scientist is responsible of obtaining any necessary permits from appropriate regulatory bodies (e.g., USCG and USA-COE for designated navigation channels, traffic schemes, etc.; NOAA Sanctuary Managers for designated marine sanctuaries, etc.) and for reporting the establishment and disestablishment on any surface or subsurface obstacles. Information on designated areas is available from the latest nautical charts for the operating area, the Coast Pilot or Sailing Directions for the area and the UNOLS web site (www.unols.org). The Ship Operations Office can provide assistance and WECOMA can send messages regarding deployment or recovery but the responsibility remains with the PI/Chief Scientist.

Compressed Gas Cylinders

Compressed gas cylinders must be secured at all times on board WECOMA. Portable racks are available for a limited number of bottles. Projects using a large number of bottles should provide racks or pallets. Bottles not in use are to be stowed upright with the caps in place. Flammable gasses must be stowed on the weather decks.

PERSONNEL

All personnel on a cruise who are not explicitly members of the ship's crew or an assigned OSU Marine Technician are considered to be members of the scientific party and, as such, under the direction of the Chief Scientist. The Chief Scientist has the authority to determine the makeup of the science party and the responsibility to assure compliance with institution policy. Clearance forms and medical information will be required of all scientific party members.

PASSPORTS

Voyages on the WECOMA that remain entirely within the jurisdiction of the USCG Captain of the Port Zones do not require the science party to have passports.  For any voyages that go into foreign waters (subchapter U of 46 CFR, the USCG treats voyages between the continental United States, Hawaii and Alaska as international voyages.), current passports will be required for all personnel onboard and the passports must be valid for the duration of the voyage.   Persons must have in hand all passports, visas, etc. at the time of embarkation.

Holders of non-US passports must generally hold permanent resident ("green card") status or a multiple-entry visa, in either case also valid for the voyage duration.  The only exceptions regarding reentry to the US known to us at this time are:

1. Holders of J1 (student) visas valid for the duration of the voyage may use this visa provided that their home institution supplies an official letter stating that the intended voyage is a legitimate part of their student activities and provided that the I94 form in the passport remains intact - DO NOT allow the I94 card (normally surrendered upon leaving the US) to be detached prior to sailing.   
2. Persons who have entered the US initially under the visa waiver program (VWP). Provided that (i) the person is sailing for a purpose that is consonant with the original VWP entry, (ii) the initial entry was via a commercial carrier empowered to administer the VWP,  (iii) the duration of the permitted VWP visit extends past the return to the US on the voyage, and (iv) the person retains the I94W card (the VWP equivalent of the I94 card - DO NOT allow the I94W to be detached prior to sailing), the person's passport and VWP status will suffice.

This information is general in nature and may be subject to change -- it is the responsibility of the Chief Scientist and individual embarking to assure that all U.S. and applicable foreign country requirements are met.

CLEARANCE FORMS

A Confidential Release and Consent Form (Appendix 3) will be required for each scientist. Note that a portion applies only to foreign cruises. This form will normally be e-mailed to the Chief Scientist for forwarding and completion by all member of the science party. The completed form can be e-mailed back to Ship Operations and a printed copy will be available on the ship for signature. This procedure saves time and confusion during loading of the ship.

MEDICAL INFORMATION

Virtually all crew members of WECOMA are trained in CPR and First Aid and several have advanced first aid such as that provided by Maritime Health Services (MHS) or Medical Advisory Systems (MAS). In addition, the ship has access to a contract medical advisory service (currently MAS at the time this manual was written) which can provide advice in a medical emergency via Inmarsat or other communications methods. The ship carries a supply of medications and medical equipment for emergency use under the direction of MAS. Individuals are responsible for discussing any known medical conditions with the Chief Scientist for the cruise and judging the liability they pose to themselves and the scientific mission. In the case of serious injury or medical emergency scientific work will be terminated and the ship will proceed to evacuate the patient to the nearest competent medical facility. Individuals requiring medication must bring an adequate supply of required medications. Those with a medical condition or on prescription drugs should note the condition and medications on the Confidential Release and Consent form. This information will be used only in case of emergency.

SCIENTIFIC BERTHING

WECOMA has 18 bunks for scientific personnel, all located in the lower deck berthing area. The Chief Scientist is responsible for assigning berthing arrangements for the scientific complement. A berthing plan in included in Appendix 5 but the Chief Scientist should check with Ship Operations before assigning the two bunks shared with crew members to determine their gender.

There is no steward service; scientists are responsible for keeping their quarters clean and orderly. Clean sheets, pillowcases and towels are provided weekly. Upon completion of the cruise, the departing scientists shall give their quarters a thorough cleaning so they will be habitable for the next occupants.

LOADING

In general, two days will be allowed for loading WECOMA prior to a cruise. A crane operator and other members of the deck department will be available during the normal workday (0800-1630) to assist. In Newport a forklift and operator and shoreside crane can also be made available. The Chief Scientist is responsible for arranging for any shoreside support (forklifts, cranes, etc.) required in ports away from Newport. The scientific party is responsible for the arrangement and securing of scientific equipment on deck and in laboratories. WECOMA's crew can assist with heavy equipment on deck and has a limited supply of straps, chain and chain binders for securing equipment. One day is normally allowed for unloading.

LOGISTICS IN NEWPORT

The OSU Ship Operations facility in Newport can provide short-term storage for scientific equipment before and after a scheduled cruise and staging areas for the assembly or disassembly of equipment. Since these facilities may be used by a variety of science groups, their use is limited to a few days before the cruise and the day after. Any planned use must be identified in advance and coordinated with the Marine Superintendent. Additional information is available in our Support Services Manual which is available by request.

Shipping and Receiving

Freight shipments should be addressed to:

and clearly marked with the cruise number and responsible scientist. Shipments not marked may be refused if they can't be identified. No COD shipments will be accepted. Questions regarding shipments should be addressed to the Shipping/Receiving contact listed earlier in this section.

Outgoing shipments will be made but all items must be appropriately packed, clearly marked, and an inventory provided to Shipping/Receiving. We would prefer that the responsible scientist make arrangements with the shipper for pickup and payment but we can ship and then bill the Chief Scientist.

All freight deliveries or pickups, including equipment brought by scientists which will require Ship Operations cranes or forklifts to handle, should be scheduled for the normal workday (0800-1630). Special arrangements can be made when the ship is loading or unloading on a weekend or holiday.

Anything sent U.S. Mail should also be addressed to:

Additional support can be made available by request. Such support includes purchasing compressed gas, chemicals, dry ice, etc.; packing equipment; assisting with "in-water" testing of equipment off the dock; or providing staging space for equipment testing. Arrangements should be coordinated with the Marine Superintendent. Any direct costs, including labor, must be reimbursed.

When WECOMA operates out of U.S. ports other than Newport we are often ‘hosted’ by other UNOLS institutions (San Diego, Seattle, Honolulu, Seward) who are willing and able to provide support services for both the ship and science party and a ship’s agent is not necessary. At other U.S. ports (e.g., San Francisco, Eureka, etc.) an agent has generally not been necessary. In either of these cases the only costs that the Chief Scientist would be responsible for would be extraordinary ones for unusual logistic requirements. Such needs should be identified in the Cruise Plan and discussed well in advance with the Marine Technician for the cruise or the Marine Superintendent.

When WECOMA calls at ports outside of the U.S. a ship’s agent will be retained to provide logistic support. The agent’s services encompass port formalities, arranging for fuel and provisions, handling official shipments to and from the ship, and assisting persons joining and leaving the ship (including procurement of tickets and reservations when required). The Chief Scientist may arrange for a separate billing with the ship’s agent or may make arrangements with another agent.

If this is not possible, the Chief Scientist may be authorized to use the ship’s account with the agent to provide services to the science party by authorizing a purchase order as described below. While agents are normally very friendly and helpful, all individuals in the scientific party should recognize that every action by the agent results in a charge that can be substantial. OSU will charge the appropriate Chief Scientist for costs incurred on behalf of, and directly related to, the science programs. Such services may include:

• Expenses of required foreign observers
• Air fares for unexpected travel
• Taxi fares
• Rental cars
• Debarkation fees in foreign ports
• Shipping and handling charges for science equipment
• Commercial crane or forklift service
• Stevedores
• Purchase of supplies (gases, chemicals, etc.)
• Satellite communication charges
• Medical expenses
• Services for repair of science equipment

In order to facilitate our sorting out of the respective charges to the ship, we provide the vessel Master with forms entitled "Request for Port Services" (see Appendix 4). The Captain will provide the agent with a list of authorized signatories (e.g. the Master, Marine Technician, Chief Engineer, Chief Scientist (note the requirement above for a purchase order), and other scientists if designated by the Chief Scientist). The agent will be instructed that OSU will not pay for any charges made by the ship or science party without a signed authorization. This form must be signed by an authorized ship’s officer and the scientist generating the request. OSU will bill the Chief Scientist for services to the science party when the agent's invoice is received, translated if necessary, and reconciled. This has occasionally taken six or more months after completion of foreign research cruises.

Oregon State University operates the Research Vessel WECOMA to support scientists conducting oceanographic research and education. A clear understanding of the roles of the Master and Chief Scientist, and good communication between them, is required to assure both the safety and success of any cruise.

RESPONSIBILITIES, AUTHORITIES AND INTERACTIONS

Master

The Master of a vessel, by law and long-standing tradition, has the full and final responsibility for the ship and all people onboard. In association with this responsibility he has full authority over all operation and personnel, both crew and scientific party. If circumstances require alterations of the scientific operations for safety or legal reasons, the Master shall inform the Chief Scientist and work to resolve the problems at hand. Disagreements between the Master and the Chief Scientist which cannot be resolved onboard shall be expeditiously referred to the Marine Superintendent. However, in all decisions regarding safety or legal matters, the Master's authority is absolute.

Chief Scientist

One member of the scientific party is to be designated, in the Cruise Plan, as the Chief Scientist. This designation is required to provide a clean line of communication between the operating crew and the scientific party. The individual is responsible for all of the projects of all scientists embarked including the scheduling of the work. In addition, the Chief Scientist is responsible for supervising the scientific party in matters of organization, administration, safety, and compliance with shipboard regulations and legal requirements (e.g, occupational safety and health, environmental compliance, etc.).

The Chief Scientist should consult frequently with the Master and Marine Technician regarding the operational details and progress of the cruise. The Chief Scientist has the authority to modify the scope and order of work, cruise track, etc., within the general scope of the Cruise Plan. Deviations from the Cruise Plan are to be discussed with the Master before implementation. The Marine Superintendent shall be notified immediately of any major deviation in program accomplishment, operating area, or schedule.

Marine Technician

Under policies established by funding agencies and OSU-COAS, one Marine Technician is required onboard WECOMA for each cruise. He/she is responsible for scheduling shared-use equipment required for each cruise, for assisting with loading/unloading and setup logistics, and for coordination of shipboard scientific operations. Chief Scientists should contact the assigned Marine Technician to coordinate logistics and planning. The Marine Technician can answer any questions regarding facilities, services and loading/off-loading. If you anticipate unusually complex operations, these should be discussed with the Marine Technician in advance so that the proper deck equipment is onboard.

At sea, the Marine Technician has some responsibilities for operation of certain shipboard equipment (echosounders, data acquisition system, CTD, GPS, shipboard computers, email, etc.). He/she will assist with operation of shared-use equipment and with scientific operations as time permits, but will not be responsible for project-supplied equipment. Duty hours for the Marine Technician at sea will generally be 0700-1900 daily. If you will have specific duties for the Marine Technician outside of this time frame, or have unusual requirements for assistance, please contact the Marine Technician assigned to your cruise well in advance to discuss them. Any questions or problems which arise at sea should be directed to the Marine Technician. The Marine Technician is the primary coordinator between the scientific party and crew. Because of his/her experience and knowledge, the Marine Technician should be kept informed of planned operations and unusual circumstances.

The Marine Technician Group is here to assist you. Please feel free to call with any questions or problems. Contact information can be found in the Section III of this manual.

Under funding agency policies, OSU is able to supply only one Marine Technician under the Technician daily rate for WECOMA. If you have need for an additional technician(s) at sea, please contact the Marine Technician Superintendent in advance concerning charges for additional technicians. If you plan to leave the Marine Technician ashore due to bunk space considerations (there will be no reduction in the day rate charge for use of the vessel), you must contact the Marine Technician Superintendent well in advance. Certain shipboard equipment and systems require a Marine Technician onboard. No shared-use equipment will be released for use on WECOMA when a Marine Technician is not onboard.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

The following items are not permitted onboard the WECOMA or on OSU property:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Narcotics and other controlled substances
• Pets
• Firearms and non-folding sheath knives.

SMOKING POLICY

In accordance with Oregon State law and OSU policy, smoking is prohibited in all interior spaces of WECOMA (laboratories, public areas, berthing areas, etc.) with the exception of well ventilated machinery spaces specifically designated by the Master.

REPORTING OF INJURIES OR ILLNESS

WECOMA has limited medical capabilities onboard as described in the pre-cruise planning section of this manual. Any accidents, injuries or illnesses are to be brought to the attention of the mate on watch or the Master. The Master will see that appropriate treatment is provided to the ability of the ship. In the case of a medical emergency, the Master has the final responsibility and authority for the appropriate course of action including medical evacuation or termination of the cruise.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION

Oregon State University policy prohibits behavior based on another's status that has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment. Status refers to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

In home port and on port calls between cruises away from home port, the oncoming scientific party will normally board the ship by 0800 and the ship will depart at 1000. The oncoming scientific crew can berth onboard the night before departure. Dinner will not be served that evening and meal service will begin with breakfast the next day.

Arrival will generally be by 1000 the last day of the cruise. Lunch will be served but dinner will not be. The scientific party should have the laboratory and berthing spaces clear and cleaned by the end of the day and be off the ship. This policy does not apply to cruises arriving late in the day or evening.

Special circumstances may require modification of these procedures. Cruise planners should consult with the Marine Superintendent in advance.

MESSING FACILITIES

The mess area can accommodate about 14 people at a sitting. Meals are served cafeteria style during hours posted on the bulletin board. The ending time of a meal indicates the time one should finish; not arrive in line. Those finished eating should leave the area so others may be seated. The messdeck should be vacated from after supper until 1900 to allow the cooks to clean the area.

Those with special dietary requirements should make them known to the cook. The galley refrigerator is stocked for snacks and night lunches after the evening meal. The ship's reefers and dry stores are off-limits areas without permission of the cook. Users of the galley and mess deck must properly dispose of all trash and leave the area in an orderly condition for the next meal.

Suitable clothing will be worn at all meals; shoes and shirts are mandatory. Rain gear, coveralls or clothes dirty from work shall not be worn on the mess deck or in the lounge. The ship is the home for scientific personnel and the crew; courtesy dictates that conduct, including wearing apparel, be within acceptable standards.

REFUSE DISPOSAL

WECOMA complies with Annex V of MARPOL 73/78 which forbids the overboard discharge of all plastics and restricts all other overboard disposal. No refuse shall be thrown overboard without the permission of the Master. Separate containers for plastic waste are provided. "Sharps" shall be disposed of in appropriate containers rather than in the general garbage.

SANITARY SYSTEM

WECOMA is provided with an approved Marine Sanitation Device. Please note and comply with the posted restrictions regarding what may be put into the system.

SHIPBOARD CLOTHING AND PERSONAL ITEMS

The ship provides hard hats, work vests (for flotation) and some rain gear. All other items are the responsibility of the individual. Open-toed shoes or sandals are hazardous to the wearer onboard ship and are not to be worn when working. A stout, completely enclosed shoe is required as a minimum. Persons working on deck should consider safety shoes with reinforced toes.

Washers and dryers, with laundry soap are available onboard. A seven-day supply of clothing is recommended for longer cruises since fresh water is limited. The laundry equipment must be used by many people and will not operate in heavy weather (the laundry will be secured).

The ship provides bed linen, soap and towels. Individuals are responsible for shaving gear, toothbrush and paste, etc. Items such as coffee pots, heaters, hot plates, etc., are not permitted in staterooms because of health and safety concerns. Antenna connections for radios and TV's are provided in staterooms — individuals using such equipment should use low volume to avoid disturbing those who may be sleeping.

POTABLE WATER

The potable water supply is limited in both the amount that can be carried onboard when the ship leaves port and the rate at which it can be made at sea. All members of the scientific party are requested to conserve water at all times. This can be done by using water sparingly when showering and laundering only when necessary and with full loads.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

Fire and abandon ship drills are required by federal regulation and are held weekly. An initial drill will occur shortly before or after departure and will include instruction from the Chief Mate. This drill is mandatory for all members of the scientific party. It is the responsibility of the scientific party to become familiar with their assignments for each drill and to know the location of the survival suit, life jacket and emergency breathing apparatus in his/her berthing area. Drills are to be taken seriously as training for survival. All members of the scientific party will attend drills properly attired with hat, jacket, and life jacket as if the ship were to be abandoned.

Members of the scientific party who are on watch or conducting scientific observations which would be jeopardized by participating in a drill after the initial drill may be excused from a specific drill. The Master will insure that all members of the entire complement are accounted for at each drill.

SAFETY

Working and living on a ship at sea is inherently dangerous. Each member of the scientific complement, as well as the crew, must be safety conscious at all times. Any situation or condition that might constitute a safety or fire hazard shall be corrected at once, either by the person observing the condition if it's within their purview or by notifying the watch officer on the bridge for further action.

RVOC Safety Manual

A copy of the "RVOC Safety Training Manual - Chapter 1 Research Party Supplement" is in each stateroom. Individuals who have not read it are strongly encouraged to do so -- it contains much useful information which can help prevent serious injury or even death.

Work Vests, Safety Harnesses, Hard Hats

Work vests and, if required, safety harnesses and life lines are to be worn by everybody on deck for over-the-side operations such as CTD casts, instrument deployment and recovery or mooring work. Hard hats are required for any operations with cranes, A-frames, etc. Life vests or other appropriate flotation devices are to be worn at all times in boats deployed from WECOMA.

Doors, Hatches, Wire Ropes

Stand clear of all wires, ropes and blocks that are under load or moving. Do not get caught between a moving object and a stationary part of the ship. Do not stand in the bight of a line that is under tension. Never wrap a line around your hand or other part of your body so that you can't let go of it immediately if you need to. Keep fingers, hands and feet away from the knife edges of watertight doors and hatches. Open doors or hatches must be secured and closed doors and hatches must be dogged. Doors are never to be allowed to swing freely with the motion of the ship. The sill in the doorway from the Dry Laboratory to the after deck must be up and in place at all times when the ship is at sea. Brief exceptions may be granted in calm sea conditions (with the approval of the mate on watch) for moving heavy equipment between the deck and laboratory.

Restricted Areas

Personnel are not to enter the following areas:

• Anybody's stateroom without their explicit approval.
• The engine room or other machinery space without approval of an engineer or Master. Hearing protection will be required.
• The bridge unless approved by the mate on watch.
• The top of the pilot house, mast, stacks or other elevated area without permission of the mate on watch. A safety harness will be required at sea and the ship's radars and communications equipment may have to be secured to eliminate RF and microwave energy hazards.

Communication methods and phone numbers are described in the first section of the manual. Those wishing to communicate with WECOMA are encouraged to use WECOMA's home page for current information and contact the Ship Operations staff for any problems or unusual requirements.

SHIPBOARD CLEAN-UP

The Chief Scientist is responsible for assuring that the members of the scientific complement clean all berthing and laboratory areas used during the cruise. This is necessary to make these areas available to the oncoming scientific party. Cleaning guidelines are:

• Laboratories: Sweep and swab (if necessary) the decks; wipe down bench tops and cabinets; scour sinks and empty trash containers to "dumpster" on dock.
• Staterooms: Scour sink; clean mirror; wipe down fixtures; wash off any spots on bulkheads or furnishings; vacuum rugs; fold down blankets neatly at foot of bunks; put dirty linen in the bin over the forward ladder to the berthing area.
• Heads and Showers: Swab out toilets and wipe down the outside; scour shower bulkheads and deck.

The Chief Scientist is also responsible for assuring that all hazardous materials are removed and disposed of properly.

If the ship incurs any direct costs, such as crew overtime, professional cleaning fees or hazardous waste disposal fees because the scientific party did not fulfill their obligation to clean the designated areas or dispose of materials, they will be billed to the Chief Scientist or Principal Investigator as appropriate.

OFF-LOADING

The ship will normally return to port by 1000 in the morning of the last day of the cruise. The crew will assist the scientific party in unloading all equipment. A forklift and shore-based crane can be made available in Newport but the Chief Scientist is responsible for arranging any shoreside services required in other ports. All off-loading and the cleaning of spaces should be complete by the evening of arrival so the next science group can begin loading the next morning. Likewise, the off-going science party will not normally be provided with berthing on the ship that night.

For arrivals in the late afternoon or evening these requirements will not apply. Special arrangements may be made if WECOMA has a longer inport period than the normal 72-hour period allowed between cruises.

POST CRUISE REPORTING

UNOLS Research Vessel Cruise Assessment

Once the cruise is over, the Chief Scientist is responsible for completing the UNOLS Post Cruise Assessment Report form, which can be found on line at UNOLS. These forms provide useful information to the Marine Superintendent in the management of the vessel and provide UNOLS with information to evaluate the performance of the vessels in the academic research fleet. Chief Scientists are also encouraged to call or e-mail the Marine Superintendent with any comments regarding the cruise, the ship, the ship's personnel, shore support provided or any other matter related to the ship's accomplishment of the scientific mission.

Cruise Summary Report (ROSCOP)

This form will be mailed to the Chief Scientist with a copy of the Cruise Report Form as noted below. This form should be completed and returned to Ship Operations.

UNOLS Cruise Report/Ship Utilization Data Form

This form will be completed by Ship Operations staff and a copy forwarded to the Chief Scientist for his/her records. If errors are noted, Ship Operations should be contacted immediately for correction and re-submission.

Preliminary Cruise Report (U.S. State Department Requirement for Foreign Cruises)

The Chief Scientist will be required to complete a Preliminary Cruise Report and submit it within 30 days after cruise completion to the Research Vessel Clearance Officer at the Department of State (as outlined in the Clearance Approval received from the State Department). Additional information can be found in the State Department's Notice to Research Vessel Operators, No. 66, Rev. 1, which is available from OSU Ship Operations or any other Marine Superintendent for the academic fleet.