R/V LONGHORN
Handbook
Length 102'10"
Beam 25'9"
Draft 7'
210 Gross Tons
Speed 9 Kts
4-5 Crew
12 Scientists
General Purpose Coastal Oceanographic Research Vessel
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Marine Science Institute
VESSEL
General Characteristics and description
Profile plan
Machinery and accommodations plan
Wheelhouse and main deck
Perspective view
Wet laboratory plan
Dry laboratory plan
Laboratory van plan
DECK GEAR
"A" and "J" frames
Hydrographic winches
Main winch
Crane
EQUIPMENT AND CAPABILITIES
GPS
Gyro repeater
Loran-C
Communications
Navigation equipment
Electrical capabilities
Van capabilities
Small boats
Lab saltwater supply
Seawater tanks
Uncontaminated seawater
Compressed air supply
Underway data system
Shared-use equipment
Safety equipment
CRUISE PLANNING
Scheduling
Financial
NSF form 831
UNOLS ship time request form instructions
Loading and port services
Radioactive and other hazardous materials
Diving
Insurance
ON BOARD
Boat safety and communications
Chief scientist responsibilities
Shipboard procedures for scientific party
Shipboard procedures in the messhall
Sexual Harassment policy
SAFETY AND MEDICAL
Fire safety
Drills
Ship's medical chest
POST-CRUISE REQUIREMENTS
Shipboard cleanup procedures
Offloading
Cruise reports
Ship utilization data form
Gulf Coast cruise track chart
Gulf of Mexico cruise track chart
Research vessel cruise assessment form
Captain's post cruise report
INTRODUCTION
This manual is provided to aid in planning cruises aboard the R/V LONGHORN and gives basic information on ship capabilities and equipment. It is intended as an aid to individual scientists onboard in adapting to the ship's routine and procedures. The manual is of basic importance in retard to safety and medical precautions. Your suggestions for additions and revisions will be appreciated.
For additional information, scheduling, financial and administrative matters please contact:
Steve Lanoux
Assistant Director for Facilities and Boat Operations
361-749-6760
Ship's equipment and capabilities:
Tony Amos
Research Associate
361-749-6720
Scientific equipment, research mission
MARINE SCIENCE INSTITUTE
Within easy reach of The University of Texas at Austin's Marine Science Institute are diverse marine and estuarine environments of interest to scientists in many areas of research. These include the open Gulf of Mexico beyond the shelf-slope break, shallow waters of the continental shelf, bays, lagunas, wind-tidal flats and fresh-to-brackish-water marshes. The Institute is near both the Aransas Wildlife Refuge and the Padre Island National Seashore.
The Institute is located about 40 miles northeast of Corpus Christi, Texas on the northern end of Mustang Island, a subtropical barrier island between Corpus Christi Bay and the western Gulf of Mexico (2750N and 973W). The climate is classified as dry subhumid with an average annual rainfall of 28.5 inches per year. Snow is a rare event. Average annual temperature is 22C.
The laboratory provides easy access to the rich and varied south Texas marine environments. The open Gulf of Mexico seaward of the barrier islands and bay or estuarine environments found inland of the islands are two distinctly different marine ecosystems available to investigators at Port Aransas, Wide ranges of temperature, salinity and turbidity characterize the waters of the area both seasonally and geographically; consequently these waters support a diverse assemblage of plants and animals.
The soft bottom of the Gulf along the continental shelf supports a variety of organisms. Off Port Aransas the shelf is broad (average width 88.5 km) and gently sloping (2.3 m/km) with sediments grading from fine sand inshore to silt and clay along the middle and outer shelf. The open waters of the Gulf of Mexico off the southern Texas coast are of three types: (1) the highly productive inshore zone dominated by input from Texas rivers, (2) an offshore zone which receives discharge from the Mississippi River, and (3) a zone of transition between the two. The Gulf hard bottom is the least common of the four Gulf habitats. It includes some natural rock reefs, offshore petroleum production platforms, and man-made rock jetties.
The Marine Science Institute facilities include 82 acres of land and 100,000 square feet of laboratory space, a 14,000 sq. ft. physical plant support facility, a four-acre boat basin, 17 apartments, a dormitory and a messhall. Besides the R/V LONGHORN, the Institute operates the 57 foot R/V KATY and several smaller boats for bay work. The laboratory includes both a scientific staff and a physical plant support staff; facilities are available for visiting scientists and students year-round.
VESSEL
General Characteristics and Description
The LONGHORN was designed by Robert L. Harrelson as a general purpose coastal oceanographic research vessel. She was built in 1971 by the Allied Shipyard. For her first fourteen years she served admirably in her intended role. During this period, however, it became evident that additional length was needed to increase her deck space, wheelhouse area, laboratory space, and to provide the ability to operate in a greater range of weather conditions. By 1985 she was in need of a midlife refit, and an NSF/UNOLS Material Inspection Review team indicated items needing correction which could be handled most expeditiously through a major refit. They also recommended that lengthening be seriously considered.
In June, 1986, a midlife refit and lengthening project was completed by the Master Marine Shipyard. A 20-ft. Section was added amidships along with a completely new and enlarged wheelhouse, all new living quarters below decks, and all new and expanded laboratories. New, modern marine electronic navigation and communication aids were installed at the same time. The ship had previously been re-powered with GM 12V71 diesels. Thus in 1986 the R/V LONGHORN entered into a new phase of her life as an enlarged, improved, and rebuilt vessel. Besides being larger than she was originally (85-ft.), the LONGHORN's draft was reduced by almost one foot and her cruising speed increased by one knot. In early 1997 the R/V LONGHORN returned to the Master Marine Shipyard for major reconditioning. All the exterior of the vessel was sandblasted and an all new paint system installed. Plating was renewed as necessary and deficiencies of hull and equipment corrected. An independent survey pronounced the R/V LONGHORN as ready and suitable to continue the work for which she was intended.
Principal Dimensions
Length overall 102'-10"
Length waterline 94'-5"
Breadth Mld.. 25'-9"
Depth Mld. 9'-9"
Draft Mld. D.W.L. 6'-8"
Displacement 210 tons
Machinery
Propulsion 2 Detroit Diesels 12V71
Generating 2 75-kw sets, Detroit Diesels 671
Bowthruster Marco tunnel thruster, hydraulic
Crane Tico 150 marine crane
Main Winch Dynacon, 8,700' 3 x 19 ½" wire rope
Hydro Winches (1) Dynacon 8000A, 9,000' 1/4" 7 x 19 stainless steel wire rope;
(2) Dynacon 8000A, 11,000' (.322) 3 conductor
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"A" FRAME AND "J" FRAME - An "A" frame is located at the stern. This frame has an allowable working capacity of 5,100 pounds. The A frame has a vertical clearance of 18'6" and a clear horizontal distance of 12'6". An 8' reach beyond the stern is possible and a 9'6" reach inboard. A "J" frame davit is located to starboard amidships. This davit has a design capacity of 1,500 pounds and a safe working capacity of 1,200 pounds. The vertical clearance is 11'0" and horizontal clearance is 6'0". A reach distance of 2' beyond the side is possible with a 3' reach inboard.
HYDROGRAPHIC WINCHES - Two hydrographic winches built by Dynacon
(model 8000A) are available for water-bottle sampling , light coring, dredging, plankton
net, and CTD (conductivity/temperature/depth) work. The CTD winch, mounted on the 01
level, starboard side, has 3,200 meters of .322 three-conductor. It uses the starboard
davit and hero platform amidships to deploy equipment. The other winch has 9,000 feet of
1/4" stainless steel wire rope and uses the A-frame on the stern. Line pull and speed
are 2,000 pounds. At 50 m/min (bare drum) and 1,000 pounds at 100 m/min (bare drum) for
both winches; both are equipped with electroactive acme-thread level-winds and have both
remote control and readout to permit operation from the laboratories once the equipment is
deployed.
MAIN WINCH
The heavy duty winch aboard the LONGHORN was built by Dynacon, Inc. It contains 9,000 feet of 3x19 ½" diameter wire. The winch is hydraulically powered and is controlled from a console station to the main deck. A display provides the ability to monitor the load line tension.
POWER:
Primary 230 VAC, 3 phase, 60 Hz
Prime Mover 40 HP, Marine Duty Electric Motor
PERFORMANCE:
Dynamic 10,000 lbs. Continuous @
0-100 fpm @ full drum
4,000 lbs. Continuous @
0-250 fpm @ full drum
Static (braking) 20,000 lbs. @ mid-drum
DRUM SIZE:
Core Diameter 30 inches
Flange Diameter 52 inches
Core Width 36 inches
CONTROLS:
Bi-directional, infinitely variable control from a single joy controller
Both local and remote control
CRANE
R/V LONGHORN carries a Tico Marine 150 Crane center mounted on the wheelhouse (foc'sl) deck. The Tico 150 is a hydraulic deck loader with a foldable boom system and telescopic manual extension. The crane is useful for loading ship and moving items on deck. It may be used in conjunction with the port outrigger and with the main winch when that winch is rotated on the turntable to work over the port side. The crane is intended for lifting operations and not for towing operations involving lateral forces.
Lifting Capacities:
Outreach from Center |
Reach over Side |
Lbs. Capacity |
6'6" |
-- |
14,109 |
10'3" |
-- |
9,480 |
16'5" |
4'5" |
5,666 |
22'1" |
10'1" |
4,167 |
27'3" |
15'3" |
3,307 |
| (with manual extension) | ||
34'0" |
22'0" |
2,094 |
41'0" |
29'0" |
1,433 |
GPS
A NavTracXL GPS full-featured navigation computer incorporating a six-channel GPS receiver and a graphic display and a data output is located on the bridge. Most key navigation information can be accessed by pressing a single key. Screens Summary: Date/Time, Position, Plotter, Course/Speed 1, Course/Speed 2, Time/Distance, GPS Info., GPS SatInfo, GPS Status.
A Trimble NT200D GPS is located on the ship's bridge. The NT200D includes a built in differential receiver.
GPS Performance Characteristics
General: 6-channel digital GPS receiver
Tracks up to 8 satellites
Update rate: 1 second
Acquisition time: <1 minute (typical)
Accuracy: Position: 50 feet RMS
Velocity: 0.1 knots RMS steady state
Dynamic tracking: Velocity: 0-650 mph
Acceleration: 2g
GYRO REPEATER
A Sperry Digital gyro repeater, LR 40, is located in the ship's science information center in the dry laboratory. The gyro repeater displays the ship's course and provides instant estimation of turning rate.
LORAN-C
A Morrow Avenger 4 is located in the ship's science information center in the dry laboratory. Input from the Loran C may be recorded in the dry laboratory (and on the bridge) by the FP-70 printer. (Note: The Loran-C is little used due to availability of GPS, however it is still available.)
Features
Current LAT/LONG
Current LOP
100 waypoints in LAT/LONG or LOP's
Continuous Waypoint Memory
Instant waypoint storage from any mode
Bearing in degrees
Range in nautical miles
Ground track angle in degrees
Ground speed in knots
Velocity made good
Time to destination in hours and minutes
Cross track error (XTE)
Point-to-point bearing and range
Anchor watch and waypoint alert
Adjustable course offset resolution
Tracks all secondaries
Automatic or manual secondary selection
SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) display
ECD (distortion) display
Backlighted LCD display and push buttons for easy night viewing (adjustable)
Track plotter and accessory output
NMEA 0180 data output for autopilot
NMEA 0183 data output for plotter and autopilot
Automatic (worldwide) or manual magnetic variation adjustment
ASF adjustment
Alarm indicators
Extended range navigation
COMMUNICATIONS
Inter-ship: Communications inter-ship are provided through a Newmar telephone communication system.
Intercom: An intercom system provides communications between the labs, bridge, and aft deck areas.
Mobile: Two walk-phones are available for deck work, providing hands-free, simultaneous conversations.
Satellite: QualComm Omnitracs 200 SatCommunicator is considered the primary means of communications with home base. It is also available for communication by the scientific party for emergencies and urgent business; it is not suitable for data transmission and may not be used for routine nonessential communication. Messages are printed out at home base 24 hours each day; read continuously 8 to 5 on weekdays; and check on a routine schedule 24 hours per day and seven days per week. Marine Sat (888-626-5440) provides satellite voice communications and email (longhorn@utmsi.utexas.edu).
VHF Radio: Unimetrics 55 and Hummingbird (2 units).
SSB Radio: Stephens 222; Harris RF 3200.
Land Station Cellular Telephone: Direct Cellular Telephone Service is available and dependable in the operating area near Port Aransas (Southwestern Bell, 512-850-3038). The scientific party is expected to pay the cost of their own calls.
NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT
Gyrocompass Sperry SR-220
Loran Loran Navigator LC-90 (2 units)
Radar - color Furuno FCR-1411/6
(Two, both with collision/anchor alarms)
Depth recorder Morrow JMF-2001
Depth recorder Furuno FE-814
GPS Trimble Navtrac XL and Trimble NT200D
Weatherfax recorder Alden Faxmate Recorder
Data Printer (Bridge) Furuno FP-70
ELECTRICAL CAPABILITIES
Two electrical generating sets provide alternating current for ship and scientific use. Each set is 75 KW, 208 volt, 3-phase, and powered by a Detroit Diesel 671. The diesel power units provide, at the same time, via front power take-offs hydraulic pumping for the bow-thruster and some winches. When at her mooring in the University's boat basin, a shore power connection provides full electrical power to all the ship's circuits.
Supply Available:
Throughout ship: 11/220-volt single phase
Laboratory areas: 12-volt direct current
Deck and laboratory: 208-volt three-phase by advance request
Where needed: 24- and 32-volt direct current by advance request
VAN CAPABILITIES
Vans of modest size (approximately 10' x 15') and weight (4,000 lbs.) can be accommodated, provided sufficient notice and planning is allowed. Given her size, R/V LONGHORN has a large open deck and reserve stability. Any addition of a van to the work deck will, of course, restrict the ability to work the winches and other deck gear. Requests for vans will be handled on an "each time" basis for stability calculations and other factors. Motor cranes must be rented in Corpus Christi (30 miles) for placement and removal of vans. This cost is not included in the basic daily rate. A radioisotope/hazardous chemicals van is available at MSI. No additional charge is made for this van other than for the crane installation. This van must be utilized with work requiring radioisotopes and/or hazardous chemicals.
SMALL BOATS
The R/V LONGHORN is often used as a "mother" ship on projects involving the use of various small craft. Because of her relatively shallow draft (7 feet) she may be anchored in many bay areas, providing central laboratory space and hotel and restaurant space for a group whose work must be performed from smaller vessels.
Adequate deck space is available to carry two to three smaller boats to remote locations. A 16-ft. Carolina Skiff is available on request without additional charge. Several other small boats are available for a modest additional fee. User-owned boats up to 20-ft. overall can usually be accommodated.
A special stern frame is available which permits carrying and launching (in calm water) a 24-ft. inboard/outboard or a 21-ft. outboard boat.
A 16-ft. semirigid inflatable is available to be carried aboard on request. This inflatable is powered by a 35-hp Evinrude outboard motor.
LABORATORY SALTWATER SUPPLY
Unfiltered seawater is supplied to two sinks in the wet laboratory on a continuous basis while the ship is at sea. A ½-hp centrifugal pump with one-inch suction line delivers water at approximately 30 psi through a one-half inch supply line. The flow rate may be regulated by the faucet valve. A standard hose bib faucet permits use of garden hose for attachment.
SEAWATER TANKS
Seawater holding tanks are not permanently mounted on the R/V LONGHORN. Adequate deck space is available for installation of tanks on a trip basis. Requirements will be individually considered and can usually be met with existing tanks available at MSI.
UNCONTAMINATED SEAWATER
Uncontaminated seawater is available upon request. The system uses a Wilden air operated, double diaphragm pump of polypropylene PVDF teflon construction, piping is via PVC with water pick up 6 feet below the sea surface.
Compressed air supply - Compressed air is supplied to both the wet laboratory and the dry laboratory at 80 psi. A compressor for diving air is not available.
Underway data acquisition, storage, and display system - Inputs from GPS, gyro-compass, weather system, thermosalinograph, PDR, and flow-through fluorometer are connected to a dedicated 486 PC via a GTEK multi-port serial interface card. Computer program displays current ship's position, course, and speed, weather data, sea-surface salinity, temperature, fluorometry, and bottom depth, and allows entry of station information or any other on-going sampling information (e.g., cetacean survey data) which gets tagged with all the present underway information. Program automatically calculates sunrise, sunset and Local Apparent Noon times and indicates how far and how much time left to the next station. Data are recorded a 1-minute intervals for the duration of every cruise. Data are also plotted in real-time with map showing cruise track and charts depicting true wind speed and vectors, air and sea temperature and salinity and several other parameters. At the end of each day, a hard copy and plot of the day's data listing station activity is provided for scientists aboard.
SHARED-USE EQUIPMENT
Permanently Installed General Equipment
Differential GPS - Trimble NT200D, Trimble Navtrac XL
Loran C, Furuno LC90 (2), Loran C, Morrow-Avenger IV
Gyro, Sperry SR 220, with synchro and stepper outputs
3.5 Khz Transducers, an array of 6
41 Khz transducer
Radar, Furuno FCR 1411 with gyro converters and radar alarms (2)
VHF radio
Weather facsimile, Alden Marinefax TR IV
Knudsen 320M Marine Echosounder (PDR)
Sea-Bird SBE021 Thermosalinograph
Meteorological instruments, Capricorn II (wind speed and direction sensor, air temperature, barometric pressure) two, both with RS232 interface
Scientific freezer and refrigerator in laboratory
Flow-through seawater system in wet laboratory
Uninterruptable power supply
Slip rings available to hydro winch
Miscellaneous Equipment
Messengers
Wire angle indicator
Bucket thermometer
PC Computers (2-laboratory, 1-ship), Pentium 90 Mhz compound PC, 486 33 Mhz PC, 486 66 Mhz PC, 150 mbyte Bernoulli removable cartridge disk system, HP Laser Jet 3P & 4L printers
16 foot semirigid inflatable with 35 hp outboard motor
Fiberglass work boat, 16 foot Carolina skiff with 35 hp outboard motor
Hydrographic Equipment
Sea-Bird 911 plus CTD System (3400m) with the following additional sensors (depth ratings in parentheses)
Sea-Bird SBE 13 Dissolved Oxygen Sensor (6800m)
Sea Tech FL0500 Fluorometer (500m)
Sea Tech 25-cm Transmissometer (2000m)
Data Sonics PSA-900D Sonic Altimeter (6000m)
Biospherical Instruments QCP 200L4S PAR sensor (1000m)
and
Sea-Bird SBE 32 Carousel Water Sampler - with12 x 12 liter Ocean Tech bottles
General Oceanics MK VI, 12 position Rosette sampler and following sample bottles (number on inventory shown in parentheses)
5-liter Niskin Bottles (2)
2.5 liter Niskin Bottles (10)
Deep-Sea Reversing Thermometers (6)
Guildline 8410 PortaSal Laboratory Salinometer
Turner Design 10AU Flow-through Fluorometer
Sippican XBT Launcher, and Mark 12 XBT Digitizer, interfacing to computer
Geological/Geophysical Equipment
3.5 Khz towed array with four transducers
Gravity corer
Box corer, Ocean Instruments Mark 1, 8" x 12" x 24"
Piston corer
Benthic/Biological Equipment
Rock dredge, Kahl #215WA400, mouth opening 24" x 15"
Smith McIntyre grabs (2)
Otter trawls, 40 and 35 feet
Plankton nets, several one meter nets
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Work Suits: Seventeen (17) Stearns work suits of various sizes are carried. These are considered "constant wear industrial flotation suits". They are USCG-approved suits providing extended protection against hypothermia.
Life Rafts: Two 20-man Switlik life-rafts are carried aboard, one on each side of the pilothouse. Both liferafts are outfitted for ocean service (full survival equipment aboard each raft). The Switlik liferafts may be manually deployed as needed, but they will also launch automatically following a disaster at sea.
EPIRB: Two emergency position-indicating radio-beacons are aboard ship. These devices automatically send a radio distress signal when activated by being thrown overboard or floating free. A #406 Satellite is carried on the rail just aft of the outside steering station; and a class "A" is carried in the pilothouse.
Life Rings: In addition to approved life preservers for all hands, eight USCG-approved life rings are carried, six with automatic waterlights. Two without waterlights are located on the forward deck. All life-rings are equipped with line-throwing devices or 90' lanyards.
CRUISE PLANNING AND SCHEDULING
Long Term
The R/V LONGHORN may be scheduled in the same way as most other research vessels, i.e., long-range cruise plans and firm schedule commitments made well in advance. This is the preferred procedure, especially if the cruise is to be of ten (10) or more days duration. Requests are to be made using the standard UNOLS ship request form or electronically, usually accompanied by letter, phone call, or message (lanoux@utmsi.utexas.edu). The R/V LONGHORN is primarily available, and most suited for, work within the Gulf of Mexico. However, she has sailed for as long as two months to the Bahamas and other areas adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico. Where the capabilities of a larger vessel are not required, R/V LONGHORN may be considered as an economical alternative for such voyages.
Short Term
The R/V LONGHORN is ordinarily maintained with a full crew at all times and, in the absence of a firm long-term commitment to the time period involved, is available on short notice for trips within the Gulf of Mexico. While the maximum advance notice is preferable, considerable flexibility is available for users with short-term, fast-developing projects, or where funding has come through only at the last minute. The schedule may be checked on the Institute's homepage http://www.utmsi.utexas.edu and reservations requested by email lanoux@utmsi.utexas.edu or by phone or letter.
FINANCIAL
The cost for shiptime aboard the R/V LONGHORN is $4,000/day plus 650 for marine technical services. The R/V LONGHORN is available only with marine technical services at the total rate of $4,650. This is for a twenty-four-hour day and includes fuel and other consumables, meals, and shared-use equipment. There is no charge for time at the dock in home port for loading and unloading and during other cruise preparations.
Standard UNOLS procedure is to consider any portion of a day a full day. Many cruises of the R/V LONGHORN are of relatively short duration and following this convention would not be appropriate. Prorated charges for periods of less than 24 hours are made for use of the R/V LONGHORN. This is calculated at an hourly basis at $230/hour. Time in port (other than home port) is charged on an hourly basis at $115/hour. When standby in home port (Port Aransas) is necessary-awaiting departure because of weather, or return to home port due to weather - no charge will be made for full days. Meals will not be provided. Full days in other ports on standby due to weather will be charged at 50% of the prevailing daily rate (meals served).
LOADING AND PORT SERVICES
Loading: R/V LONGHORN is docked at the UT Boat Basin in Port Aransas, Texas. There is a removable section of bulwark on the starboard side and she is normally docked starboard side to the dock. Consequently, most loading can be accomplished easily and conveniently. The ship's crane can be used for lifting heavier items from the dock to the vessel. However, for some larger loads, such as vans, arrangements must be made for outside crane service. Cranes are not available in Port Aransas; they must come from Corpus Christi (35 miles). Crane costs are the obligation of the user.
Telephone: While moored, the ship's phone number is 361-749-6735. This phone is also installed in the ship office on the dock. Senior Captain Cantu is also available via cellular telephone at 361-215-7059.
Electrical: All ship's alternating-current electrical services are activated by dockside power while the R/V LONGHORN is moored.
Shipping: Advance notice should be given when items are to be shipped to Port Aransas so that arrangements for their receipt and storage can be made. A forklift truck is available for handling palletized shipments up to 3,000 lbs. Telephone message, or write:
Steven Lanoux
Assistant Director for Facilities and Boat Operations
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute
750 Channel View Drive
Port Aransas, Texas 78373
361-749-6760
lanoux@utmsi.utexas.edu
Address shipments:
R/V LONGHORN
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute
750 Channel View Drive
Port Aransas, TX 78373-5015
Welding: Deckloads must be securely fastened. However, no welding to the deck will be permitted except as carried out by the ship's crew. Normally, items will be fastened to the deck by means of the deck tiedowns.
RADIOACTIVE AND OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
A written notification of radioactive and/or hazardous materials that are required for the scientific program must be submitted by the chief scientist to the marine department. The notification must include the name and quantity of materials including activity and proper MSDS forms. The Captain and chief scientist should be aware of all hazardous and/or radioactive materials aboard the ship so adequate safety precautions can be taken. It is the responsibility of the chief scientist to file the report for all hazardous materials with the marine department. Failure to obtain proper permission will prohibit the use of the materials aboard. All UT users must be certified through the Office of Environmental health and Safety. For radioactive materials, it may be necessary for non-UT users to request additional permission from The University of Texas Office of Environmental health and Safety (512-471-3511) and obtain licenses and pay for all additional costs associated with their use. For large amounts of radioactive materials, the Safety Committee may require additional safety and handling information. No radioactive materials are permitted to be used in the wet or dry laboratories; only in the radioactive isotope van.
DIVING
Diving carried out from the R/V LONGHORN must be either under the auspices of the Marine Science Institute scientific diving program or another recognized scientific diving program.
Diving planned under the auspices of the MSI scientific diving program requires the direct participation of a MSI research scientist as a principal investigator or co-investigator of the proposed research project. Arrangements must be made with the Diving Officer - contact the Diving Officer for information, forms, and procedures. Divers must be certified as qualified by the MSI Diving Officer. Although evidence of certification by other organizations and/or completion of formal diving instruction will be considered by the Diving Officer, it does not guarantee certification. Diving instruction which did not include formal training in offshore waters is ordinarily inadequate to permit certification.
Diving which is NOT under the auspices of the MSI scientific diving program requires 1) That the ship is to be fully utilized by another organization and that organization has its own formal diving program; 2) It is agreed, in advance and in writing, that the diving rules, regulations and procedures of the user organization shall prevail. Additionally, the user organization will acknowledge in writing that MSI is not responsible for the conduct of diving operations and that the user organization assumes all liability.
INSURANCE
The daily rate for R/V LONGHORN does not include insurance. UT employees are covered by Workmen's Compensation Insurance. Others are not covered. Organizations or individuals desiring insurance should obtain their own coverage.
CHIEF SCIENTIST RESPONSIBILITIES
General:
One member of the scientific party is designated Chief Scientist on each cruise. Although two or more may participate in scientific decision-making, only one person may officially serve as Chief Scientist. It is expected that this person will ordinarily be a senior individual with considerable experience at sea.
Duties:
Chief Scientist/Captain Responsibilities:
The ultimate legal responsibility for operation and safety of the ship and all persons aboard clearly rests with the Captain. For this reason the Captain has full legal authority over all operations and personnel, including the scientific party.
However, the ship, the Captain, and crew are all there for the purpose of carrying out the scientific mission. Normally the Captain will carry out the wishes of the Chief Scientist unless they are illegal or unsafe.
Resolution of Conflicts:
Any potential conflicts between members of the scientific party and the ship's crew should be resolved promptly through joint action taken by the Captain and the Chief Scientist.
SHIPBOARD PROCEDURES FOR SCIENTIFIC PARTY
Boat Safety:
The Captain is responsible for the overall safety of the vessel and all aboard. The chief scientist is responsible for safety in the labs, and for ensuring that all scientific personnel follow the ship's safety regulations. Dress safely - bare feet and thongs are not permitted, wear deck shoes; some operations may require safety shoes. Do not climb the ship's masts and rigging. A person should not go out on deck along at night or in rough weather. No smoking inside. The only place you may smoke is on deck and this should be done with caution and consideration for others. Learn the locations of the fire extinguishers and life jackets. Duty stations for emergency situations are posted in each stateroom. A safety briefing will be conducted by the Captain or Mate at the beginning of the cruise. Disposable or broken glass should not be placed with other garbage.
Berthing:
The chief scientist will assign berths. Clean linen and towels will be furnished weekly. All personnel are expected to keep their own staterooms in order and to clean up the shower areas after use.
Personal:
It is absolutely forbidden to use - or bring aboard - alcoholic beverages (of any kind) narcotics, or marijuana. This rule is strictly enforced - no exceptions. Firearms are not permitted aboard. Reasonable dress and personal hygiene are both expected and required.
Water and Bathing:
For most short cruises of a few days or less, the ship's supply of fresh water, plus what can be made by the reverse osmosis treatment system, will be completely adequate for "normal" use. However, on longer cruises, with a full scientific complement, conservation of fresh water is necessary. This means long extended showers with the water running continuously are prohibited. Take "navy showers" or "sea showers" - not "hotel showers".
SHIPBOARD PROCEDURES IN THE MESSHALL
Meal Times:
Meals will normally be served during these hours:
Breakfast 0715 - 0800
Lunch 1100 - 1230
Dinner 1730 - 1815
In the absence of a truly urgent necessity to the contrary, these meal times will be strictly observed. Sampling schedules, whenever feasible, should be planned around these times. However, with the approval of the Captain, exceptions may be arranged.
Sandwich materials, fruit, and other snack items will be available for late hour watches. Do not leave a mess for the next person or for the cook to face in the morning (see below).
Proper Attire:
A black tie is not required; reasonable dress is. Shoes and shirts (not undershirts worn as outergarments) are required. Do not come to chow smelling of fish, diesel oil, etc.
Serving/Cleanup:
The R/V LONGHORN is a relatively small research vessel and the rates charged do not provide for individual restaurant service. On trips of short duration (a few days), the Cook may be one of the mates - who is also a professional, licensed as a Captain by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Mate serves as cook on these trips - but not as servant and busboy. On longer trips when a full time cook is employed, he also has his hands full in preparing meals. Everyone is expected to clean up his own mess, put throwaways in the trash, and/or carry dirty dishes to the sink.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Austin to maintain a work place free of sexual harassment and intimidation. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual, or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. Such conduct on the part of supervisors or co-workers is expressly prohibited and offenders are subject to disciplinary action.
FIRE SAFETY
Fire safety is of extreme importance at sea. R/V LONGHORN has a fixed HALON fire extinguishing system of the most modern type together with numerous dry chemical fire extinguishers of various sizes. It is most important, however to prevent fires. Smoking is not allowed at any time within any of the inside compartments. The only place you may smoke is on deck, and this should be done with caution and consideration to others in the area. Small boats are outboard motors with gasoline are sometimes carried on deck. Two small boats were destroyed in a deck fire aboard the ship several years ago.
DRILLS
Fire Drills and Man Overboard Drills will be conducted as soon as practical after departure on all cruises where individuals without previous drill experience are aboard. A list of drill-experienced individuals is maintained on a calendar year basis. Each January 1, new drills for all hands are required. Drill duty stations are posted in individual staterooms.
SHIP'S MEDICAL CHEST
Basic first aid supplies are carried aboard. Individuals with known medical problems should bring their own prescription and non-prescription medicines. The Captain and Crew are trained in basic first aid techniques. All injuries and illness should be reported to the Captain. One of the mates is certified as an Emergency Medical Technician.
SHIPBOARD CLEANUP PROCEDURES
Clean linen and towels are furnished weekly. All aboard are expected to keep their own staterooms in order and to clean-up shower areas after use. Each person is expected to carry his own dirty dishes to the sink. Those snacking at night are to clean-up their own mess.
Cleanliness of the wet laboratory and the dry laboratory, including the scientific freezer, is the responsibility of the scientific party. The chief scientist should supervise use so that these areas are maintained in proper order during the cruise.
On the last day of the cruise, all hands are to assist in general clean-up procedures so that the vessel arrives in port in reasonable condition.
OFFLOADING
Immediately upon arrival at the dock, in the absence or other arrangements, all gear - both personal and institutional - which was brought aboard for that particular cruise is to be removed. Do not put off this important duty. Sometimes the vessel is in port on a short turnaround; items left on board will be in the way of others as well as in danger of being damaged or lost.
CRUISE REPORTS
The formal record maintained of all R/V LONGHORN cruises is on the "CRUISE REPORT: Ship Utilization Data" form as established by UNOLS. Normally this final report will be completed in the MSI Administrative Office from the original ship reservation forms, the register of those persons who were aboard, and the final report of the Captain. A one-page cruise track chart is attached to the report. Ordinarily this report will not require action by the chief scientist.
The form "UNOLS Research Vessel Cruise Assessment" should be completed by the chief scientist. It is to be forwarded to the UNOLS office (P.O. Box 392, Saundertown, RI 02874) via MSI.
Granting agencies will often have their own cruise reporting requirements and/or individual scientists may have their own routine record-keeping for cruises. Copies of these reports would be greatly appreciated by the MSI Administrative Office. Informal reports on problems and suggestions will also be appreciated.