Safety is the highest priority aboard R/V Pacific Storm. This includes operating the vessel in a safe manner, keeping the vessel and vessel equipment in seaworthy and best operational condition, and the responsible behavior of all embarked personnel including scientists as well as crew. The following paragraphs do not attempt to address all vessel safety and security matters and are intended to call attention to specific responsibilities and conditions.
The captain of the vessel has the full and final responsibility for the vessel and all people onboard. In association with this responsibility they have full authority over all operations and embarked personnel, both crew and scientific party. If circumstances require alterations of the scientific operations for safety or legal reasons, the captain shall inform the chief scientist and work collaboratively on developing an alternative plan that will address the scientific objectives of a cruise. It is the responsibility of the crew to support the captain and the scientific mission of the cruise. Crew are expected to operate the vessel in a safe manner. They are to keep themselves familiar with all vessel systems including emergency systems and be capable of training new crewmembers in vessel systems.
The vessel is to be maintained in a safe and seaworthy condition at all times. The vessel is not to leave the dock with any critical system inoperable. In accordance with 33 CFR 164.25 and 46 CFR Subpart E, Pre-Sail Navigational, Documentation, Safety, and Equipment Checks (referred to as departure checklist) shall be conducted and documented prior to getting underway from the dock. The departure checklist shall be completed by the captain or their designee and noted in the vessel’s log. Vessel maintenance shall be kept up in accordance with the Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Any equipment failures, potential problems, etc., shall be logged in the CMMS. Problems which cannot be corrected by the crew, are to be discussed with the Port Captain and/or Port Engineer who will arrange for repair.
Working and living on a vessel at sea is inherently dangerous. Each member of the science party, 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 captain or watch officer for further action. The training of scientific personnel, particularly personnel with little previous sea-going experience or familiarity with Pacific Storm, is to be emphasized. All scientific personnel shall be instructed on the following before the vessel leaves the dock through a pre-cruise safety orientation:
- Stowage location of life preservers and immersion suits
- Location and use of life rings and life rafts
- Location of fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and fire suppression system
- Work vests are available and are to be used when:
- Outside the interior spaces of the vessel (on all decks)
- Working from deployed small boats
- Participating in fire and boat drills
- Assisting in docking/undocking operations.
- Hard hats are available and to be used when winches or the deck crane are being used.
- Never place any equipment over the side without the permission of the captain and/or Watch Officer.
- The sink in the science lab drains directly over the side. Do not put any chemicals or petroleum-based products down this drain.
- At no time will any trash be disposed of at sea from the vessel unless it is in compliance with MARPOL 73/78 ANNEX V and with the captain’s approval.
- No sandals – closed toed shoes only, steel-toed safety shoes recommended.
- Report accidents, illnesses, and injuries immediately to the captain.
- No smoking or vaping on board the vessel unless in designated areas.
- No drugs or alcohol on board the vessel.
- No firearms on board the vessel
- Any incident of harassment of any kind should be reported to the chief scientist, captain, and Office of Marine Operations as soon as possible.
- When shifting from vessel power to shore power, there will be a short power outage to non-UPS protected outlets. The crew will make every effort to remind you of this outage but be aware that this loss of power will occur.
- You will receive a vessel safety, fire, and man-overboard lecture immediately prior to your cruise. Please pay attention and feel free to ask pertinent questions at that time or anytime thereafter.
- Talk to the captain/crew about any lithium batteries that are brought on board.
Personnel are encouraged to read the RVOC Safety Training Manual – Research Party Supplement, and science parties embarking on trips greater than 24 hours are required to acknowledge they have read Supplement prior to their departure. Personnel are advised to review the UNOLS Shipboard Civility guidance. The attendance of a one day “Safety and Survival at Sea” training session when facilitated by Marine Operations is strongly encouraged.