Welcome Aboard

The officers and crew of the NOAA Ship DAVID STARR JORDAN would like to extend a warm welcome and wish you success in your upcoming project. Our job is to provide you with an efficient, effective and safe platform to work and live. We have prepared this web page to help acquaint you with the ship, our amenities and regulations.

Please Note: As a U.S. Government owned vessel, all persons boarding this vessel give an implied consent to conform with all safety and security policies and regulations which are administered by the Commanding Officer (CO). All spaces and equipment on this vessel are subject to inspection or search at any time. Additionally, the following is prohibited aboard any U.S. Government vessels: possession and/or use of intoxicating alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, controlled drugs without a prescription, sexual harassment, or use of shipboard spaces for purpose of sexual liaison. Violaters may be removed from the vessel at the earliest opportunity.

You can either choose a specific category from the pull down menu below or scroll through the entire document. Many of the topics covered here are general policies that apply to all ships in the NOAA fleet, these topics can be found on the General Shipboard Policy Information page and are denoted by an asterisk (*). Additional information that may be specific to the DAVID STARR JORDAN is provided here.

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The Commanding Officer (CO) is responsible to the Director, Pacific Marine Operations Center for the safe and efficient operation of this vessel. The CO is ultimately responsible for the ship and the lives, safety, comfort and morale of all personnel aboard. The CO is also responsible, with the Chief Scientist, for ensuring the successful completion of operations. The Officer of the Deck, or Officer of the Day (OOD) is the CO's direct representative and has full authority to take such action(s) he or she considers necessary to maintain the order and safety of the ship. Every person aboard who is subject to the orders of the CO, except the Executive Officer (XO), is subordinate to the Officer of the Deck. The command of this vessel has authority over embarked personnel and all employees whenever aboard ship, in ship's boats or on duty ashore. Lawful orders proceeding from the command structure (CO, XO, OOD, Officer-in-Charge, supervisor or other department heads) must be obeyed in any of those situations.

All persons boarding this vessel give implied consent to conform to all applicable safety and security policies. All spaces and equipment on this vessel are subject to inspection or search at any time.

This policy applies to all ships in the NOAA fleet, see General Shipboard Policy Information.

Policy for the DAVID STARR JORDAN:

Smoking is prohibited in all interior spaces of the ship. Smoking is permitted on exterior weather decks except in designated areas (near gasoline storage racks and small boats). Smoking anywhere is prohibited while refueling. Smokers are warned that cigarettes must never be thrown over the side as they might be blown back aboard the ship by the wind. Discard cigarettes, pipe ashes and cigars in safe receptacles.

Underway Shipboard Emergencies

This policy applies to all ships in the NOAA fleet, see General Shipboard Policy Information.

Procedure for the DAVID STARR JORDAN:

Fire- and water-tight boundaries: For the safety of all hands, the following must be kept closed at all times while at sea, except for when the given space is occupied (*these hatches and door will be kept fully dogged, not just closed):

• Both hatches going to the bow observation chamber*
• Paint locker door (above bow observation chamber)*
• Hatch going to engineering stores*
• Door to dry stores
• Door to the C02 room (a.k.a. engineering office or anti-roll tank)
• Door to aft steering

Fire: If the fire alarm bell rings (one long ring of the general alarm each lasting 4-6 seconds), go to your fire billet. Scientists muster in the aft lab, unless the fire is in or near the lab. If this is the case muster in the Crew's Lounge. If you start or discover a fire, pass word to the bridge immediately. The most important thing is to let someone else know about the fire even though you think you can put it out yourself.

This policy applies to all ships in the NOAA fleet, see General Shipboard Policy Information.

Procedure for the DAVID STARR JORDAN:

Once the word is passed to abandon ship (seven short rings followed by one 4-6 second ring of the general alarm), go to your designated life raft #1 or #2 on the O-1 deck level and muster near the fiddley. Bring your life jacket and survival suit. Wear long pants, a long sleeve shirt, a jacket and a cap for protection against exposure.

Witnessed Man Overboard-Actions of the Witness

This policy applies to all ships in the NOAA fleet, see General Shipboard Policy Information.

Procedure for the DAVID STARR JORDAN:

If the man overboard alarm rings (three long rings of the general alarm each lasting 4-6 seconds) go to your man overboard station. Scientists muster on the flying bridge and assist as lookouts. If you see someone fall overboard, immediately throw a life ring and then pass word to the bridge. Maintain visual contact with the person in the water.

Unwitnessed Man Overboard

This policy applies to all ships in the NOAA fleet, see General Shipboard Policy Information.

Information for the DAVID STARR JORDAN:

Emergency drills (fire and abandon ship) are held weekly. All personnel must attend unless the CO has excused them.

This policy applies to all ships in the NOAA fleet, see General Shipboard Policy Information.

Information for the DAVID STARR JORDAN:

Safety is everyone's responsibility. This means YOU! Safety must be the primary concern of everyone on board, twenty-four hours a day. Some danger exists in every operation aboard ship. The following rules are meant for your safety and must be strictly adhered to:

Hard hats: Hard hats will be worn whenever working with or under any kind of suspended load or running rigging, and when handling mooring lines under strain (i.e. when docking and undocking). They will also be worn during helicopter operations, at which time special care shall be taken to securely fasten the hat upon the head with the chinstrap.

Flotation devices: Float coats or other personal flotation devices (such as work vests) will be worn when:

• Handling mooring lines during docking and undocking evolutions
• On deck in foul weather
• Working over the side
• Working on deck when a safety line is down
• Working with gear which extends over the side
• In small boats, coming alongside or departing the ship
• Launching or retrieving small boats

Eye and ear protection: Wear eye and ear protection when working with caustic chemicals or with materials that might splinter and get into your eyes. Wear ear protection when working in noisy areas.

Helicopter operations: As the only ship in the NOAA fleet capable of carrying a helicopter, DAVID STARR JORDAN is uniquely qualified to fulfill select scientific missions. It is an asset that comes burdened with serious responsibilities. Flying a helicopter from a ship can be very dangerous. It is critical that all personnel become familiar with standard operating procedures and that the procedures are always followed. Safety is our foremost concern. Except for personnel involved in helicopter operations, the helicopter pad is off-limits. During take-off and landing, all non-involved personnel will remain inside the ship or watch from the forward end of the flying bridge only.

Working hours for day workers are 0730 to 1130 and 1200 to 1600. If sick and unable to report to work, personnel must contact their supervisor, the Executive Officer or Commanding Officer before 0800.

Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are from 2200 to 0700. Please show consideration for your fellow crew members by keeping noise to a minimum during these hours. Specifically:

• No pages other than emergency messages will be made
• Activities in the galley (including television and stereo), mess deck and common spaces should be as quiet as possible
• Headset usage is mandatory for viewing television and video tapes in the Crew's lounge

In addition to the above, be considerate of watch standers who may be sleeping at any time of the day or night. Therefore, please avoid making any unnecessary loud noise (slamming doors, loud conversations outside of quarters, etc). The door at the forward end of the mess deck is to be closed and kept closed at the end of day work hours.

Meal hours are posted outside the galley. Try to be on time. If your work will prevent you from eating a meal during the regularly scheduled time, contact the XO or Chief Steward to make other arrangements.

As a courtesy to your shipmates and to maintain sanitary conditions in the messing areas, please observe the following rules:

• Bare feet, sandals or shower shoes (go-aheads) are prohibited
• Do not wear hats, swim suits, undershirts, sleeveless shirts or arrive shirtless during meals
• Wear only clean clothing
• Wash before meals, especially if you have been involved in dirty work
• Eating is prohibited in staterooms and the Crew's Lounge
• Bus your own dishes, promptly
• Do not sleep or stow wet gear on the Mess Deck

IN THE EVENT OF A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL THE BRIDGE IMMEDIATELY

Emergency medical care is available at any hour. Routine care should be scheduled during the day whenever possible. In any case, whenever the Medical Officer is called at night, whether for an emergency or not, the OOD or XO should be notified. The Medical Officer should not be called out after hours to attend minor illnesses (e.g. colds, sore throats, etc.) that can wait until the next day. In all cases where there is a question as to the severity of illness, i.e., whether to call out the Medical Officer, the OOD or XO shall be notified. All injuries and accidents are to be reported to the XO immediately.

Notify the Medical officer if you are taking any prescription medications, have any drug allergies, food allergies or have any medical problems or concerns. All medical information is kept strictly confidential.

One of the least pleasant aspects of going to sea is the possibility of seasickness. Information concerning seasickness can be found in the General Shipboard Policy Information.

Personal guests are welcome aboard between 0800 and 2200 while in port. Guests may NOT spend the night aboard. Guests may eat aboard IF arrangements are made beforehand with the XO and the Chief Steward. You will be responsible for paying the established rate for meals furnished to your guests(s).

Restricted Areas

The ship's holds, storage areas, and voids are off limits except as necessary to carry out assigned duties. The roving security watch shall inspect these spaces. Weather decks should not be used during periods of heavy seas. If it is absolutely necessary to go on deck during these periods, always use the lee side. Sitting on the rails anywhere on the ship is not permitted at any time. Engineering spaces will be visited by ship's personnel and visitor's only on official business or with the permission of the Chief Engineer or the Watch Engineer.

Admittance to the Pilot House when underway must, of necessity, be restricted. With the permission of the OOD, however, you may visit the bridge if conditions allow. Do not visit when the ship is involved with navigation in close quarters situations (e.g. in harbors or high vessel traffic areas). When the ship is underway at night, open lights are not allowed in the Pilot House, bridge wings or fore deck because such light interferes with the night vision of the bridge watch.

This policy applies to all ships in the NOAA fleet, see General Shipboard Policy Information.

Each individual is responsible for the cleanliness and orderliness of the ship and their quarters. If you need cleaning materials, see the Chief Steward or the Chief Boatswain.

Shipboard Communications

Specific information on how to contact the DAVID STARR JORDAN and all other fleet vessels can be found on the Fleet Telephone page.

E-mail Policy

In recent years the proliferation of electronic mail (e-mail) and the reduction of INMARSAT costs have permitted the sending of nominal amounts of personal e-mail when transmitted with official ship's business. The availability of e-mail services is a valuable quality of life issue aboard ship.

Each embarked personnel will have an e-mail account/address established by the Lead Electronic Technician (LET) at the time of arrival.

Satellite Communications

INMARSAT-B (voice and fax) and INMARSAT-M (voice) communications are available aboard ship and may be used for personal or business related calls, so long as the caller makes arrangements to pay for the calls. Credit card calls are the preferred method of payment. INMARSAT calls can be extremely expensive and the exact cost may not be known until you receive your bill. Brevity is encouraged. See the Lead Electronic Technician (LET) for any questions regarding the use of these phones. If you do not have a credit card and need to make an INMARSAT call, arrangements to pay by personal check may be arranged with the XO.

Ship Phone Services

The ship's telephone is primarily used for ship's business. When underway permission must first be received from the XO or CO before use of ship's phones. When in port and using the ship's telephone for personal calls, be brief to avoid tying up lines. Long distance personal calls must be paid for by the individual making the call. In an emergency, embarked personnel can be contacted by phone. Phone numbers for the DAVID STARR JORDAN can be found on the Fleet Telephone page.

RADIO

For emergencies, the vessel maintains 24-hour contact with the nearest Coast Guard station. All requests for radio and INMARSAT calls, whether for official or personal business, will require the approval of the CO. You or your program must pay, collect or credit card, for all of your INMARSAT or cellular calls at the current rate.

INMARSAT-B

For high speed data transmission, including FTP, and high quality voice telephone communications. Costs range from $5-$11 per minute for use of the service, and may be charged to credit card or otherwise reimbursed.

INMARSAT MINI-M

For voice telephone communications and 2400 baud data transfer. Cost is about $3 per minute to the US and may be charged to credit card, collect, or otherwise reimbursed. Mini-M coverage is by spot beam and may not be available in all the areas the ship may be working in.

Ship's Mail

A letter drop is located on the mess deck. Mail is sent out at every opportunity. Use the following address for your mail:

Your Name
NOAA Ship DAVID STARR JORDAN
c/o SWFSC, NMFS
P.O. Box 271
La Jolla, CA 92038-0271

Mail will be periodically forwarded to the ship's next port of call.

At all times long sleeve shirts, trousers, or coveralls will be accessible for emergencies such as abandon ship and fire fighting. The ship will provide flotation coats to those engaged in small boat or foul weather operations.

All personnel will be completely clothed at all times except in berthing spaces or when going to or from shower rooms. All personnel will be clothed in such a way as not to embarrass other crew members or visitors. Bare feet, flip-flops, and shower shoes may only be worn in berthing areas. All hands are expected to keep their clothing neat and clean.

Personal laundry may be washed at any time, except when the Steward Department is washing ship's laundry. The ship provides laundry detergent and bleach. Note that too much detergent may cause the washing machine to overflow. To conserve water, either wash full loads or select machine settings that will use less water. As a consideration to others, you should be in the laundry room when your clothes are finished washing or drying. Due tot he lack of hot water to crew showers, the two washing machines will not be started at the same time (fill cycle).

Trash: Disposal of any plastics into the sea is illegal. It is important to separate all plastics from the rest of the trash. All trash cans aboard have a second maroon bin nearby for plastics. On the last day of the cruise you may combine the paper and plastic waste into a single bag, tie the bag securely shut and leave the bag on the port side of the fantail.

Water Usage: At sea, we can easily consume more water than we make. All hands must make a conscientious effort to minimize consumption. Short showers and full loads of clothes in the washing machines are required. If water supplies run low, the command will be forced to order stringent conservation efforts.

MSD: The ship is equipped with a marine sanitation device that treats sewage. This system will clog and flood vessel spaces if foreign material is introduced to the system. It can not handle plastic, cloth (sanitary napkins), metal or any paper products except biodegradable toilet tissue. PLEASE DO NOT THROW ANY OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED MATERIALS OR OTHER FOREIGN OBJECTS IN ANY OF OUR TOILETS!!

Computers are available throughout the ship for use by all embarked personnel. Remember, mission support are the computers' highest priority followed by personal use.

Any software that is brought on board for either mission use or personal use must be scanned for viruses prior to its use. Failure to do so may result in a virus being inadvertently introduced to the ship's computers with catastrophic results. Do not reconfigure any of the ship's computers or install any software on a computer without first checking with the LET. Copies of software licensing agreements must be available on board. All software installed on the ship's computers at the beginning of a project must be removed at the completion of that project unless authorization to the contrary has been obtained from the Command.

The ship has a large selection of movies available for viewing. The movie locker, VCRs and movie catalog are located in the Crew's Lounge. Keep the movie cabinet closed at all times. In moderate to rough seas the doors will fly off. When you are finished viewing a movie, rewind it and return it to the proper plastic cover and the original location in the cabinet. Copying or home use of ship's movies is not permitted. Under the agreement with the U.S. Navy, our access to the movies will be revoked if they are duplicated. Our agreement also stipulates that the Navy's movies are not to be viewed while the ship is in port.

Exercise Room

All personnel are encouraged to utilize the ship's exercise equipment. This equipment must be properly stowed after each use. Personal exercise equipment shall not be brought aboard unless authorized by the XO, due to limited storage space.

Fishing off the ship is permitted during off-duty hours with permission from the OOD unattended fishing lines must be checked at frequent intervals. The OOD may require that all fishing lines be taken aboard at any time. When fish have been landed and brought aboard, the areas where fish have been landed and brought aboard shall be scrubbed and washed down. In all cases, personnel are required to have appropriate, up-to-date fishing licenses.

The Ship's Store is stocked with candy, personal items and DAVID STARR JORDAN insignia clothing.