Embarking and Disembarking Falkor (too)

Overview

NOTE - COVID-19 CHANGES

Schmidt Ocean Institute is closely monitoring developments related to “COVID-19” (Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2). The safety of our staff, research vessel Falkor (too) crew, ROV SuBastian team, visiting scientists, artists, students, and extended community is of the highest importance. We will continue to monitor the situation and follow the lead of the World Health Organization and national government and public health officials. During this time, we are still operating our science program and research expeditions and will continue to make available all science and data to the public through Schmidt Ocean Institute’s online resources.  Please note that some procedures and information included in this site may vary to reflect the changing global landscape.  Please check with the Science Systems Senior Manager and consult relevant Cruise Support Plans for the most current information, including COVID-19 testing procedures and how to embark on Falkor (too).

PLEASE NOTE potential changes in the procedures outlined in this paragraph due to the COVID-19 pandemic and refer to the note above.  All personnel are required to report aboard Falkor (too) at 0900 two days prior to departure to check into their cabins, mobilize for the cruise and to allow time for orientations, familiarizations, drills and training.  Please plan on being present at the ship from 0900 to 1700 both days to aid in the scheduling of these meetings.  All personnel sailing aboard Falkor (too) are welcome (and are encouraged) to sleep aboard the ship in their cabins during the two nights prior to departure.  Meals in the Mess are available to all personnel  starting with lunch the first day (breakfast, prior to joining the ship at 0900, is on your own).  Everyone must be aboard the ship a minimum of two hours prior to sailing.

Personnel may stay aboard the ship the night the ship arrives back in port at the end of the cruise but must move off of the ship the day following arrival in port. Members of the Science Party are responsible for their own food and lodging before and after disembarking the ship.

All equipment, samples, hazardous materials and hazardous waste must be removed from the ship and all work areas and laboratory equipment must be clean before the science party disembarks.  These items must be removed by noon, the day after arrival.

Access to the ship by the Science Party is normally only after 0900 two days prior to departure and up to 24 hours after arrival at the end of the cruise.  However, the Chief Scientist may request to come aboard early or stay later if required.  This has impact on the crew's preparation for the upcoming cruise so should only be requested in circumstances where there is complicated intrumentation integration, etc.

It is the responsibility of the off-going Science Party to see that all their cabins and laboratories are left in a clean and orderly state.  Due to limited room and a full cruise schedule, all gear and equipment, samples and hazardous materials and waste must be removed from the ship by the morning after arrival. Nothing may be left aboard the ship unless the Chief Scientist has received permission in writing from the Science Systems Senior Manager.  Data drives may not be immediately available upon arrival.  Availability depends on data quantities  (especially ROV video) and the length of time between the last study site and the port.  Data drive availability may affect the timing of the science team’s or Chief Scientist’s disembarkation.  Please discuss data availability timing with Falkor (too)'s Lead Technician.

Meals will be available for the science party starting at lunch, two days prior to departure and ending with lunch the day after arrival.

Pre-Departure BBQ

A welcome dinner event for the Science Party is typically hosted the evening before departure,  usually from about 1730 to 2000.  This is a wonderful opportunity for all of the Science Party members to meet and get to know the people they will be sailing with as well as receive last minute updates and information.