Cruise Preparation | Make-up of Scientific Party

The scientific party, with the exceptions noted below, is responsible for carrying out the research program. Within broad limits, the composition of the party is at the discretion of the Chief Scientist. Students, trainees, and guests not directly associated with the program may be carried on a space available basis with the joint agreement of the Chief Scientist and the Marine Superintendent. For safety reasons, persons under the age of 16 usually will not be carried. On all cruises a Duke/UNC technician will be assigned to the vessel. The total scientific complement on all cruises will be eleven (11) plus the technician, who will occupy one berth in a scientific stateroom. (Scientific Personnel Form)

RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITY OF THE CHIEF SCIENTIST AND CAPTAIN

One member of the scientific party will be designated Chief Scientist. The Chief Scientist is responsible for the coordination of the entire scientific mission of the cruise, not solely his own project but those of all scientists embarked. This centralization is necessary to avoid conflicting operational demands on the Captain. The Chief Scientist must maintain an overview of the total scientific program, and work closely with the Captain on the method of carrying it out.

The personal conduct of the scientific party on board ship and ashore is under the purview of the Chief Scientist, under the overall supervision of the Captain.

The Captain of the ship has full and final legal responsibility for the safety of the ship and all persons aboard. Because of this responsibility, he also has full and final legal authority over all operations and personnel, both crew and scientific party, aboard ship and in foreign ports.

He and the crew, however, are there solely to assist in carrying out the scientific work. In practice, the Chief Scientist informs the Captain of what he desires and, unless it is unsafe or illegal, it will be carried out. If circumstances require modifying the research operations for any reason, the Captain will consult with the Chief Scientist in making his decision. In case of basic disagreement, the matter may be referred by radio to the Marine Superintendent for guidance. It is emphasized that if decisions concerning the safety of operational matters must be made on the spot, the authority of the Captain is absolute.

As in all joint endeavors, maximum benefit will be derived from teamwork. When the officers know what operations and maneuvers are required, they can plan and execute them most efficiently. Conversely, the Chief Scientist must know the capabilities and limitations of the ship and crew, and be informed of conditions, such as weather, which might affect the scientific program. The Chief Scientist and Captain should consult at least daily concerning the progress of the work and plans for the future.

MAKE-UP AND CAPABILITIES OF THE SHIP'S CREW

R/V CAPE HATTERAS operates with a crew designed for round-the-clock operation of the ship, with only very limited participation in the scientific program. A watch officer and a Seaman control the operation from the bridge area and maintain navigation as needed for safety of the ship. When the ship is on station, the Captain and Mate on watch operate the winches from the winch console station on the bridge. Some assistance from the scientific party may be required at these times. The seamen may be required to operate the winches as directed by the Captain and Mates. The A-frames and cranes are usually operated by the deck crew. At other times, limited assistance may be available from the seamen by arrangement with the Captain.

The engine room on CAPE HATTERAS is automated and only two Engineers are carried to maintain the engine room equipment and to provide maintenance for deck machinery Some engineering assistance may be available by prior arrangement with the Chief Engineer. The ship has only limited machine shop capabilities and metal stocks, but these are available for use by the scientific party with permission from the Engineers.