Scientific Staging Facilities
In 1996, additional building space was added to the Marine Operations Facility to better serve the scientific community. The added space provides a dedicated area for expedition staging and the preparation of research equipment for upcoming cruises. Staging areas include indoor space in the Marine Operations (Bldg 912) and Dock (Bldg 915) Buildings, areas in the yard, and on the wharf.
Staging Facility Use
These facilities are intended for the temporary staging of scientific projects. They are not intended for long-term experiments or storage.
All use of the facilities will be coordinated with Marine Operations. In general, staging facility use will be provided in the following priority:
- Work scheduled on OSU owned and operated research vessels
- Work scheduled on visiting vessels conducting research activities for OSU or other agencies at HMSC
- Work scheduled on visiting, sponsored research vessels
- Other work as approved by the Marine Superintendent
Indoor Staging Facilities
The Marine Operations Building includes a high bay (12 ft) staging area approximately 25 by 50 ft, an adjacent 8 by 10 ft storage area. This staging area is equipped with water, compressed air and a variety of electrical power.
The Dock Building includes a 36 foot by 23 foot bay (12 ft) staging area with large doors opening directly onto the wharf. Compressed air, water and a variety of electrical power is available in the area. A 1-ton electric chain hoist on a rail runs down the middle of the area. Both staging areas are accessible by trucks and forklifts.
Equipment Testing
Scientific equipment can be assembled and tested on the wharf or in the fenced yard with advance notice. Electrical power, water and compressed air are available in both areas.
The Marine Operations Building includes an open well area on top, accessible by an interior ladder and roof hatch, which can be used to test meteorological sensors, antennas or similar equipment. Cableways from this area to the electronics shop in the building, and 117 VAC power are available.
Storage
Storage at the Marine Operations Facility, including buildings, fenced yard space and the pier, is limited to the following:
- Equipment and supplies for OSU owned and operated research vessels. This includes ship spares, ship's equipment such as the articulating crane and capstan, winches and reels, scientific support equipment (including that managed by the Marine Technician Group) and similar items.
- Marine Operations support items such as forklifts, cranes and related equipment, paint floats and skiffs, paint (in the designated paint locker) and similar equipment or materials to support operations.
- Short term storage (6 months or less) of scientific equipment coming to or from a research vessel operating from the Marine Operations facility.
- Scientific equipment not owned by OSU but routinely used off its vessels.
- Private vehicles owned by crew members may be parked inside the fenced yard while vessels operating from the Marine Operations facility are out but are left there at the owner’s risk.
Exceptions to this policy may be granted by the Marine Superintendent. Any equipment left in the yard or buildings which cannot be identified or does not meet the above criteria may be considered abandoned and disposed of in accordance with OSU surplus property policies.
Hazardous Operations
No hazardous operations, including welding and spray painting, the use of flammable or toxic materials, or similar work shall be conducted in any of the staging areas. Exceptions may be granted after discussion with the Marine Superintendent. Welding may be conducted by Marine Operations personnel in the shop area of the Dock Building. For more information on safety at our facility, please visit our Shoreside Safety Page.
Crane
A 35-ton crane with a maximum reach of approximately 100 feet is available. The crane will be operated only by designated Marine Operations personnel and should be scheduled well in advance through Marine Operations to assure its availability. Crane operations are subject to weight and distance restrictions, and these should be discussed with the crane operator or port captain beforehand.
Forklifts
A 3,600-pound, a 7,750-pound and a 20,000-pound lifting capacity forklifts are available. The smaller forklift is generally restricted to the Marine Operations Facility because of its small-diameter wheels and limited road clearance. The larger forklifts can go on any paved surfaces or firm ground at HMSC. The forklifts will be operated by personnel who have been trained in their operations and certified by Marine Operations personnel. Visiting personnel with OSHA-certified forklift training documentation from their institution may be allowed to operate the small forklift upon request to the Marine Operations office.
The forklift capacities are as follows:
- Daewoo-3,600 lbs at 24” load center
- Yale-7,750 lbs at 24” load center
- Taylor- 31,140lbs at 24” Load center OR 21,950lbs at 48” load center
Shops
The use of Marine Operations Facility shop equipment is restricted to qualified Marine Operations personnel and Marine Technicians. Rare exceptions may be granted by the Marine Superintendent or Port Engineer depending on the qualifications of the individual.