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Cruise planning

Principal Scientists' workshop

The Principal Scientists of all SMEs that are being considered for scheduling in the next Marine Facilities Programme will be invited to the Principal Scientists' workshop. The Principal Scientist, or a delegated substitute, is required to attend in order for their cruise to be included in the cruise programme.

Once a Principal Scientist has been offered a place in the NERC Marine Facilities Programme a number of planning activities will be undertaken, dependant on the ship operator of the cruise.

Cruises on a NERC Sea Systems ship

The cruise planning process includes the following steps and the Principal Scientist is required to:

  1. Provide an accurate cruise track to Sea Systems for planning application of diplomatic clearance to work in foreign waters.
  2. Attend a cruise planning meeting around six-months before the start of the cruise to confirm equipment, sampling and survey requirements.
  3. Attend the final pre-cruise meeting around three-months before the start of the cruise to agree the NERC 'Marine Facilities Supply Agreement'.
  4. Note that within three-months of the scheduled start date of a cruise, after the NERC Marine Facilities Supply Agreement has been agreed, there is minimal scope for altering technical support arrangements. Any costs resulting from alterations will need to be met.
  5. Attend a de-briefing meeting prior to the end of the cruise to assess planning and execution of the cruise.

Specific issues with your cruise should be addressed to Colin Day.

Cruises on a NERC BAS ship

The cruise planning process includes the following steps and the Principal Scientist you is required to:

  1. Provide an accurate cruise track to BAS for planning and application of diplomatic clearance to work in foreign waters.
  2. Attend a cruise planning meeting; BAS will circulate meeting dates at the earliest opportunity.
  3. Note the medical examination requirements and travel facilities for scientific team members (see the BAS Cruise Database).
  4. Read the Principal Scientists Handbook and ensure that all members of your team read the Cruise Participants Handbook, Cabin Safety Booklet, Lab Code of Practice (see the BAS Cruise Database).
  5. Carry out Risk Assessments.
  6. Note that within three months of the scheduled start date of a cruise (or Antarctic packing date), there is minimal scope for altering technical support arrangements. Any costs resulting from alterations will need to be met.

Specific issues with your cruise should be addressed to Chris Hindley.

Cruises on a barter ship

The Principal Scientist:

  1. Is responsible for management of the health and safety aspects of the scientific work and the scientific team, and to ensure that all NERC's safety requirements relating to the scientific party are met.
  2. Will ensure that all members of the scientific party meet the current requirements of the barter ship operator and as a minimum, those of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) for seagoing scientists.
  3. Is required to comply with the cruise planning process of the barter ship operator. Sea Systems will work with the Principal Scientist and barter ship operator to assist in the planning process.
  4. Should note that within three months of the scheduled start date of a cruise, after the NERC Marine Facilities Supply Agreement has been agreed, there is minimal scope for altering technical support arrangements. Any costs resulting from alterations will need to be met.

Specific issues with your cruise should be addressed to Colin Day.

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