Shipboard Routine

Due to its design and small size, the R/V Urraca requires more than ordinary common sense and consideration for fellow shipmates to ensure a harmonious and productive cruise. With 10 to 15 individuals confined for a week or more on a small vessel —along with the equipment necessary for the required scientific activities —there is a strong need to keep an orderly house and maintain cleanliness. Be considerate: avoid excessive noise and clutter; and protect the ship from damage when handling gear to prevent scarring of deck, rails, and paint.

Piloting and maintenance of the vessel is made more difficult by the fact that some operational and storage areas of the vessel are not completely separated from science-use areas. The Scientific Party must make an extra effort to avoid interfering with the crew and equipment during maneuvering. Do not use any ship equipment without permission from the crew.

Meals

The galley, together with its equipment and stores, is off-limits to the scientific party

Three prepared meals will be served daily on the following schedule:

Breakfast 0630 - 0700
Lunch 1200 - 1230
Dinner 1830 – 1900

The Chief Scientist can request reasonable alterations to the meal schedule, in advance, with the Cook.

Lunch boxes for field parties can be provided, but must be coordinated with the Master the day before.

The salon is stocked with cold drinks, coffee, fruits, and snacks on a self-serve basis. Cleanup of the salon before and after meals is everybody's responsibility - take care of your own dishes, utensils, food, etc. The dining area should be cleaned one hour before and after meals.

Prior to a cruise the Chief Scientist will be sent a preliminary set of menus for the cruise. The Chief Scientist can suggest reasonable alterations to that menu. Special food requirements due to allergies or dietary restrictions will be taken into account if requested prior to the cruise; however the small size of the galley and refrigerators may limit the capability to deal with such cases.

Cabin bedding and towels, and laundry facilities

The Chief Scientist will make Scientific Party bunk assignments on boarding day.

Once a week, the cook will issue clean bed linens and one towel to each member of the scientific party.

No general-use laundry exists on board for cruises of less than one week. Generally you should plan on washing clothes in a bucket.

For longer cruises, laundry equipment will be made available on a limited basis in consultation with the Master.

Hanging of laundry will be done only on the side and rear of the main decks, in the open air.

The ship provides no foul weather gear. Each person must bring their own weather gear and appropriate footwear for wet decks.

Water

The freshwater supply is limited so active conservation is necessary. The ship's Mate will explain how that can be achieved during the orientation/safety briefing that will be given at the beginning of each cruise.

Toilets

Each of the scientific cabins has its own toilet; plus there is a general-use toilet next to the main salon. Written instructions of their use can be found in the Scientist's Quick Reference, copies of which are kept in the main salon. Feel free to ask for additional information or a demonstration from the crew. Report any malfunctioning of toilets immediately. Do not place any materials other than toilet paper and human waste in the toilets.

All sinks drain to a holding tank, which requires pumping. Please dump any large amounts of water overboard.

No solvents, chemicals, or corrosives are to be dumped into the sinks or toilets.

Cleanup

The R/V Urraca is a self-service, clean-as-you-go vessel. All equipment and facilities must be left as they were found before use.

The Chief Scientist is responsible for the cleanliness of scientific accommodations, heads, and work areas, and is encouraged to appoint one member of the Scientific Party to monitor those areas. The crew will supply cleaning materials and periodically empty trash containers.

Shore parties and small-boat users returning with mud and sand on themselves and their equipment must make every effort to clean off dirt before boarding. Decks and small boats must be washed down immediately after soiling.

Members of the Scientific Party are also responsible for the stowing and securing of personal items and scientific gear in assigned locations. In general, these areas include the science cabins, store, work areas and the salon, not passageways on the inside or outside of the ship.

At the end of the cruise members of the scientific party will do a final cleanup of the science work areas.

Shipboard Restrictions

• R/V Urraca is a "Zero-Tolerance Vessel". No use, possession, or transportation of controlled substances is allowed.
• Consumption of reasonable quantities of alcoholic beverages is allowed, although at the discretion of the Master.
• No firearms or explosive devices are allowed on board without prior permission from the Vessel Superintendent and the Master.
• No person may enter the water while at sea without prior permission from the Master.
• No equipment may be lowered or thrown into the water without the prior permission of the Master.

Smoking, drinking and eating are not allowed in the cabins.

Smoking is allowed only in the open air on the flying bridge area and the around the bridge and bow area.