Cruise Plan

The cruise plan sets forth the requirements of the Principal Investigator for the ship, its people and equipment, in relation to the scientific work. Some cruises require much advance planning. PI's whose project does not originate in Newport or first time users of the vessel are STRONGLY ADVISED to hold pre-cruise conferences and to visit to the vessel well before departure.

Preliminary Cruise Planning
Accomplished by the P.I. at least 60 days prior to cruise departure. Provides details or possibilities of geographical operating areas, ports other than home port, ship's equipment required, scientific equipment to be carried and work planned. This is an informal list/discussion of shipboard requirements that may be given either to the Marine Operations Coordinator or Marine Technician in writing or by phone.

Final Cruise Plan
Prepared by the P.I. at least 30 days in advance. On multi-leg cruises, the cruise plan is due 30 days before departure Newport on the first leg of a project. When approved by the Marine Superintendent, this becomes the order for the Captain to proceed. Only minor changes to the cruise plan may be made after sailing without referral to the Marine Superintendent by the Master. This plan will be sent to the P.I. via electronic means (internet) whenever possible about 6 weeks prior to departure. The Final Cruise Plan needs to include:

Scientific Information Forms
Whenever possible, completed scientific information forms should be submitted with the final cruise plan. This will simplify preparation of sailing lists, the visaing of these lists for foreign cruises, and permit on- time departure from ports. These will be sent to the PI via electronic mail (internet) and can be distributed via the same means. These forms should e-mailed back to:
mcwillid@ucs.orst.edu (internet) or osu.ships (Omnet)
A copy should then be printed out, SIGNED and carried to the ship for submission to the captain.

Plan for 12 Knots Maximum
All transits should be planned for 12 knots maximum. Except for an emergency involving the ship or personnel, the Master does not have the authority to exceed this speed. Only the Marine Superintendent has the authority to approve requests for excess speed.

Ship Operation Allowances
An allowance must be made for ship sanitation and engine run-up after low speed operations. If any of the following would interfere with scientific work it may be necessary to move out of the immediate work area periodically:
Holding tanks
must be pumped out every 3 to 6 days. Frequency depends on number of persons on board and water consumption. Requires 90 minutes.
Bilges
must be pumped out every 2 to 3 days. Requires 30 minutes.
Trash & Garbage
Should be dumped every 1 to 2 days depending on deck space to hold bagged waste.
Engine
1 hour at 800 rpm after 48 hours.
All sanitary requirements can be carried out simultaneously.

Include Transit Time to Port of Departure
Unless the cruise departs from Newport or a port where a prior cruise has ended, transit time for the ship to the preferred departure port shall be included in the cruise plan. Transit time, either full or prorated between projects as appropriate, will be charged to the project operating days.

Post Cruise Cleanup
An allowance of time for post-cruise cleanup of scientific spaces by the scientific party should be considered in cruise planning.

Availability of Cruise Plan Forms
The Ship Operations Office will provide cruise plan forms either by mail or internet whenever available.

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