Welcome Aboard

The GORDON GUNTER is a self-contained community, operating in remote areas. The ship is often required to operate in extreme environmental conditions where people can be severely stressed accomplishing even basic tasks, and where logical conflict solving is impaired. In such situations, a clear and enforceable set of ground rules is advantageous to all hands.

A measure of consideration for one's shipmates is the single most important factor in maintaining shipboard harmony. No set of regulations can offset a lack of tolerance, patience, and common decency among the ship's population.

Adherence to Regulations: All persons boarding this ship give an "IMPLIED CONSENT" to conform to all safety and security policies and regulations which are administered by the Commanding Officer. All spaces and equipment on this ship are subject to inspection or search at any time. A simple summary of shipboard regulations is provided to all new personnel.

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 on some of the topics that is specific to the GORDON GUNTER is provided here.

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The ship's work force consists of approximately 19 crew plus as many as 15 scientists. The appropriate chain of command shall be followed by all members of the crew and all embarked scientific personnel. All personnel are encouraged to share their concerns, problems, or grievances with their supervisor. If the supervisor cannot resolve the problem, it should be referred to the Executive Officer, who may bring it to the Commanding Officer's attention. Following the chain of command is simply common sense. It fosters improved communication, delivers rapid solutions, and allows supervisors the latitude to manage their own departments. The goal of each department is to provide complete and professional services for the benefit of the ship and its mission. All are ultimately accountable to the Commanding Officer, performing consistently within the limits of appropriate maritime standards and practices. All departments work diligently to satisfy the needs of the mission, provide comfort to all persons on board, and to cooperate with the other departments. The responsibilities of each department include:

• Commanding Officer (CO): The CO is responsible for the safety of the ship; the success of the mission; efficiency of operation; the well being, comfort, and morale of all embarked personnel; and all property and equipment assigned to the ship. The Commanding Officer's authority extends over all embarked personnel at all times aboard ship, in the ship's launches, or on duty ashore. All personnel must follow any lawful order of the command.

  While the formality associated with good order and discipline should be the rule of conduct aboard ship and the exercise of chain of command is essential to good order, the Commanding Officer is always available and approachable for issues that concern any one on board. A short conversation in the passageway may relieve a person of a burden or distraction.

• Executive Officer (XO): The XO is responsible for the overall readiness of the ship in conformance with budget and policy guidelines. The XO executes these duties through the department chiefs and the deck officers. The XO assumes Command in the CO's absence. The XO also oversees the ship's medical program.

• Field Operations Officer (FOO): The FOO is responsible for coordinating the day to day ship operations with the scientific party chief. The FOO oversees the training of deck officers, prepares all operational reports and represents the ship in operational planning. The FOO assumes the XO's responsibilities in the XO's absence.

• Navigation Officer (NAV): The NAV is responsible for ensuring that all nautical charts, publications, and navigation equipment is up to date and ready for sea. The NAV officer lays out all project tracklines on the appropriate charts and enters the waypoints into the ship's navigation systems prior to each project and modifies these tracklines as necessary during the cruise.

• Deck Officers, as Officers of the Deck (OOD): The OOD is a direct representative of the Commanding Officer, and is responsible for the safe navigation and conning of the ship and the conduct of operations during an assigned watch period. Each OOD is assigned personnel to assist in these duties. These personnel are directly under the OOD's supervision for the duration of the watch.

• Engineering Department: The Engineering Department is responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of all propulsion and auxiliary machinery. The department also maintains the shipboard electrical system, deck machinery, launch engines, engineering spaces, ventilation, refrigeration, hydraulic, and sanitation systems.

• Deck Department: The Deck Department is responsible for the operation of deck machinery used to fish, deploy instruments, handle cargo, anchor and moor the ship. The department also maintains the ship's external structure, rigging, boats, and interior spaces (except the engine room) and deploys, maintains and repairs scientific trawl nets and other gear as appropriate.

• Steward Department: The Steward Department is responsible for purchasing, stowing and preparing food for the ship's complement. The department also maintains the galley, mess decks, lounges, library, laundry room, reefers, and steward storage spaces.

• Electronics: The Electronics Technician (ET) is responsible for the maintenance, repair and calibration of all ship's electronic equipment, including data acquisition systems, electronic navigation systems, echo sounders and recorders, communications equipment, computers and winch instrumentation systems. The electronic technician also maintains the radio room and the electronics shop. The ET will assist in troubleshooting scientific equipment as appropriate but is not responsible for scientific equipment routine maintenance.

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

Policy for the GORDON GUNTER:

Smoking is permitted on weather decks, provided that smoke does not enter the ship through ventilators, hatches, or other means. Smokers will avoid subjecting other persons to second-hand smoke even on the weather decks. To minimize second-hand smoke disputes, non-smokers are requested to avoid smokers on deck when feasible, but only if it does not interfere with their work.

Smoking is prohibited:

• in all interior spaces
• near air intakes
• near flammable materials

Underway Shipboard Emergencies

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

Procedure for the GORDON GUNTER:

If fire or flooding is seen, pull the handle on the closest fire emergency pull-box, notify the bridge immediately and report the location and type of fire (combustible, electrical or flammable liquids) or extent of flooding. DO NOT attempt to handle the situation without first notifying the bridge.

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

Man Overboard

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 GORDON GUNTER:

If someone is seen falling overboard, throw the nearest life ring, pass the word, "Man Overboard", indicating which side of the ship, and continue to point toward the victim until picked up.

Unwitnessed Man Overboard

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

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

Information for the GORDON GUNTER:

Conduct: It is of paramount importance that drills be conducted in an alert, conscientious fashion with attention given to potential flaws in emergency procedures. Any suggestions for improvement should be brought to the attention of the Damage Control Officer or XO immediately after securing from drills.

Procedures: All hands should read and understand all emergency procedures. Drills are established for fire and collision, abandon ship, and man overboard situations. Each person should know their station and be proficient in the duties assigned to them. Emergency station billets are posted throughtout the ship. Your stateroom is equipped with a life jacket and survival suit for each occupant. Know where they are stowed and how to don them.

Frequency: Fire and abandon ship drills are conducted weekly; man overboard drills are conducted quarterly. Fire stations should be manned without life jackets. All hands should report to their abandon ship stations with their survival suit and wearing a hat, coat, gloves and life jacket.

Liferaft locations:

Liferafts 1, 3 & 5

Starboard side, 01 Level (Boat Deck), forward of RHIB.

Liferafts 2, 4 & 6

Port side, 01Level (Boat Deck), forward of work boat.

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

Working Hours:

In port –    Deck Dept:                      0700 – 1100, 1130-1530
                 Engine Dept & Officers:   0730 – 1130, 1200-1600
                 Steward Dept:                 0530 – 1330

At sea –    Day Workers -             check with department head 
                 Watch Standers –         relieve watch at the bottom of the hour
                 Working hours for day workers are 0730 to 1130 and 1200 to 1600.

Mess Deck Attire: All caps, helmets, hats or other headgear shall be removed while on the mess deck during meals. No dirty clothes or wet gear are permitted on the mess deck. Proper attire is required during meal hours, which excludes tank tops or revealing shorts. All personnel in the mess deck or lounge areas shall refrain from placing their feet on any furniture.

There is sufficient seating in the mess deck to accommodate only half the complement at one time. Therefore, the oncoming watch will be seated in the first half hour of meal time, and the relieved watch will be seated in the second half hour of meal time. Day workers may be seated during either seating, but giving preference to oncoming watchstanders. Personnel are welcome to remain on the mess deck after eating their meals, but shall take extended conversations to seating other than at the dining tables, once a seating is over. Be courteous to other shipmates and give them an equal opportunity to enjoy their meal.

Meal hours at sea are as follows:

Meal hours in port are as follows:

As a courtesy to steward personnel, avoid showing up for meals during the last l5 minutes of the scheduled period unless unavoidable. Early meals (beginning 30 minutes prior to the scheduled period) can be available for watchstanders. A night lunch shall be available in the mess deck refrigerator reserved for those personnel standing night watches.

There are numerous first-aid kits distributed throughout the ship. Notify the Medical Officer if their use is required.

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.

Non-official visitors are welcome during non-working hours until 2000. Any visitors who remain after 2000 hours must have approval from the XO or CO. All visitors must be escorted by a crew member while aboard. Visitors are only allowed during working hours with the approval of the OOD, XO, or CO.

Staterooms belonging to members of one sex are off limits to members of the opposite sex. The only exception to this rule is when the visit is for ship's business and the stateroom door is secured in the open position for the duration of the visit .

Work stations throughout the ship are generally off limits to persons not on duty in those spaces unless on official business. Visits are allowed by invitation from proper authority, but such visits shall not interfere with safety or the work at hand.

Storerooms and lockers belonging to a particular department are off limits to persons not belonging to that department, unless on official business or with the approval of the cognizant department head.

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

A substantial percentage of the crew is on a watch schedule. Therefore sleep is an especially important activity for someone at all hours of the day. All hands must keep this fact in mind. Be considerate. Work-related noise levels will be kept to a minimum within hearing range of berthing areas. Recreational/entertainment noise levels shall not disturb anyone and shall not interfere with work. Announcements over the PA system or telephone system should be kept to the minimum necessary for efficient ship operation.

Staterooms: Staterooms are off limits to personnel not assigned to the room unless invited by a resident of the room or on official ship's business

Berthing: Berthing assignments are based on the approved berthing plan and the Executive Officer's discretion. Each person is responsible for the cleanliness and maintenance of their stateroom and the secure stowage of their belongings. The XO, together with the Chief Boatswain and Chief Engineer, make periodic, announced inspections of all quarters for the purpose of ensuring material maintenance and sanitation. The Commanding Officer makes monthly Command Inspections of all spaces.

Shipboard Communications

The GORDON GUNTER is equipped with several types of communication systems for communications off the ship. The communication methods and policy for using this equipment is described in the following. For more details on the listed equipment, see the Ship Communication Systems Page.

Specific information on how to contact the GORDON GUNTER and all other fleet vessels can be found on the Fleet Telephone page.

E-mail Policy

At sea, e-mail is sent and received by the onboard Satellite communication systems. 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. Accordingly, a complimentary amount of personal use will be permitted for all personnel aboard.

The size of email traffic may be limited by policies established by NMAO. See ship's command for guidance.

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

Satellite Communications and Ship's Phone Services - See The Gordon Gunter - Ship's Phone Policy - (updated july 2008)

Costs associated with personal emergencies by any person may be considered official business at the discretion of the Commanding Officer.

High Frequency (HF) Radio

For emergencies, the vessel maintains 24-hour contact with the nearest Coast Guard station and other vessels at sea. The radio is available for project use if needed for communicating with shore stations.

Ship's Mail

All incoming official mail is delivered to the XO, who will review it and route it to the appropriate persons. Incoming personal mail will be routed through the cognizant department head. All outgoing official command correspondence shall be prepared for CO signature and submitted to either the XO or CO. Personal correspondence of an official nature shall be forwarded through the XO or CO.

Your Name
NOAA Ship GORDON GUNTER, R-336
151 Watts Avenue
Pascagoula, MS 39567

Bare/stocking feet are not allowed outside staterooms because of the risk of injury from slipping on wet decks, other hazards, and hygiene. Open-toed shoes, may be worn ONLY in port, for embarking and disembarking the ship.

Work Clothing: As crew on a public vessel, we take pride in our work, NOAA, and the Nation. We do not want to present a disreputable appearance. Vessel employees are required to own and wear specified work clothing in accordance with the labor-management agreements. All hands are expected to own and have aboard a presentable set of the specified clothing. As the nature of our work is especially hard on clothing, the crew will normally be allowed to wear clothing appropriate to the job at hand. The required clothing will be used for formal occasions, such as Change of Command, special arrivals in port, and visits by high-ranking officials.

When the ship is at sea, the consumption of potable water can become a vital concern. Ordinarily the ship has an adequate supply of potable water, but this is not guaranteed. Consumption may be unduly high or water production may become impaired. It is therefore necessary to always use water wisely and avoid waste. The most frequent wastage of water is from doing washes with less than a full load of clothes and from taking unnecessarily long showers.

Laundry: The ship's washers and dryers receive heavy use in a hostile environment they were not designed to endure. Do not abuse the equipment. Posted operating instructions shall be strictly adhered to. The laundry may be secured at sea to conserve water in the event the ship cannot make sufficient water. The laundry may also be secured during rough weather in order to prevent damage to the laundry equipment. The laundry will be secured for the first 24 hours after departure.

Linens: Clean linen (flat sheet, fitted sheet and pillow case) and towels will be provided to all embarked personnel upon their arrival. Linen call is once a week - linen change time will be posted by Chief Steward.

Marine Sanitation System

The vessel is equipped with a sewage treatment system. Only biodegradable waste should be discarded down any sink drain or toilet.

Computers are available throughout the ship for use by all embarked personnel. Remember, mission support is 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 or Chief Survey Technician. 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.

Movies are an important source of entertainment and will be available to all hands. Use of any movie incurs the responsibility to rewind and replace the movie in the proper location in the movie locker. Any movies playing at that time may be interrupted. Any disputes over movies or abuse of the library will result in restrictions on movie availability. All movies shall be returned to the movie locker prior to arrival in port. The only persons on board who are authorized to touch video connections or to make any technical adjustments to the entertainment system are the rotating electronics technicians.

GORDON GUNTER's exercise room is equipped with a universal gym, rowing machine, treadmill, cycling exerciser, sit-up bench, exercise pads and free weights (up to 30 lbs.) which can be used at any time. Clanging weights, loud music, or other loud noises should be avoided between 2200 and 0700.

Sunbathing is permitted only by off-duty personnel and only on the 03, 04, or fore deck areas. Appropriately modest attire is required. Sunbathing shall not interfere with any work that may be required in the area. Sunbathers shall leave the area in the same condition they find it. Ship's linens may not be used for sunbathing.

In accordance with NOAA Administrative Order No. 202-735B (eff. 01/09/89), all shellfish and fish taken in the course of fisheries research (by trawl, longline, gillnet, purse seine or pot) are the property of the U.S. Government.

Recreational fishing will be allowed when it will not interfere with operations or other activities. The OOD will be in charge of any recreational fishing. No fishing gear shall enter the water without clearance from the OOD. All hands are personally responsible for compliance with local fishing regulations, such as having the proper permits, not keeping undersize fish, etc. Recreational fishing from boats may be allowed, but only with clearance from the XO and in accordance with the XO's specific instructions.

The ship's store is located on the port side, forward on the main deck and will normally be open several times per week for small stores and special order sales.