Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Marine Operations
Policies

Marine Operations Policies

All Vessels

R/V Western Flyer

R/V Point Lobos

R/V Zephyr

Touring the Vessels

Access to MBARI vessels is restricted due to the inherent danger posed by work typical to ships. Just like labs, machine shops, and similar types of work areas, it is often not safe for casual observers to enter without permission. Additionally, MBARI DMO has new security regulations imposed by the U.S. Coast Guard that require DMO to verify that ship access is restricted and controlled. It is MBARI policy to encourage free access as safely as possible for MBARI staff to conduct business. However, the following guidelines will be enforced:

Vessel Working Hours:

Monday to Friday:
R/V Western Flyer 0700 - 1600
R/V Point Lobos 0700 - 1700
R/V Zephyr -0700 -1500 (M-F)

Guidelines for MBARI Staff:

Access for MBARI staff conducting tours during the hours noted above is generally open with the following restrictions:

  • Permission is required to pass if loading or unloading is in progress.
  • Permission is required to enter areas where work is actively in progress.
  • If the red flag is flying on the mast or fueling is in progress, non-ship’s personnel may not enter the ship or adjacent dock area.
  • Tours are not allowed on the boats unless coordinated with DMO administrator or the Captain ahead of time.
  • Unattended boxes or parcels unfamiliar to ship's personnel may be treated as threats.

Non-working hours:

  • All non-ship/ROV/IS personnel must request permission to board MBARI ships during non-working hours from the Captain, Director, or Deputy Director of DMO.
  • Security Guards are not allowed to open the boat to anyone including MBARI staff without prior approval from the Captain, Director, or Deputy Director of DMO, except in an emergency.
  • Security Guards may verify ship, ROV, IS personnel by rosters provided or by calling Chris Grech (831) 917-0303 or Steve Etchemendy (831) 229-6119 cell phones. Generally personnel with keys are authorized.

Dock Access and Security Guidelines

Dock Access and Security Guidelines (Standard Security Levels)

Normal Access Hours
  • Weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. gates will be unlocked.
  • The gates will remain closed and locked after hours and during weekends.
  • Visitors should be escorted by MLML or MBARI staff.
After Hours Access
  • Weekdays from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. the gates are locked.
  • Access to the dock constitutes consent to screening for ID and baggage.
  • After hours (6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) and weekends: Guard can check personnel on dock if they are not recognized as MLML or MBARI staff.
  • You will need to carry a government issued I.D. and have a legitimate reason for after-hours dock access.
  • MBARI or MLML staff can vouch for other personnel to guard.
  • Visitors must be escorted by MLML or MBARI staff and have ID.

After Hours Access to Dock from VesselsDuring periods of after hour mobilization or de-mobilization by MLML or MBARI vessels, the gates can remain unlocked to provide unencumbered access for staff. Please give the guard service advance notice of arrival/departure times or additional information to facilitate after hours access. Please give the guard notice when you’re done with the open gates so they can be secured.Gate Access KeysAfter hours keys are issued by the Facilities group only for legitimate reasons.

Dock Access and Security Guidelines During Periods of Heightened Security)

The MBARI dock facility has an approved security plan that will be activated during periods of international travel of the R/V Western Flyer. These increased security measures are determined by USCG issued MARSEC levels, which are addressed in the Facility Security Plan. This plan allows for continued operation of our dock facility during periods of MARSEC 1 and MARSEC 2 levels. Since activation of this security arrangement is a planned event, an institute-wide briefing will be held to disseminate the relevant security information.

Security Regulations for R/V Western Flyer:

Commencing September 28, 2005, access to the R/V Western Flyer will change in response to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) mandated International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) program. MBARI must maintain Maritime Security (MARSEC) of the R/V Western Flyer in accordance with threat levels established by federal authorities. The Coast Guard uses MARSEC (Marine Security) levels to set terrorist threat standards for shipping. Normal MARSEC is MARSEC 1 and corresponds to Threat Conditions Green (Low), Blue (Guarded), and Yellow (Elevated). MARSEC 2 equates to Threat Condition Orange (High), while MARSEC 3 is Red (Severe). MARSEC conditions will be displayed at access points to the dock and R/V Western Flyer gangway. This program requires establishment of Restricted Areas onboard the ship to guard against terrorist and piracy activities. The restricted area onboard the R/V Western Flyer is established as all interior spaces, and thus personnel access will be controlled at the deck. As MARSEC is increased above Condition 1, additional security measures and access controls must be implemented. 

New access rules for the R/V Western Flyer:

The good news is that regular MBARI staff who are routine users of the vessel and are familiar with the crew will not need to display a badge. However, they need to be able to produce a government ID or MBARI badge if it is requested.

The standard MBARI ID badge will need to be worn by any MBARI staff member not familiar to the crew. Our security system relies on personnel recognition from the crew at MARSEC 1, and the contract guards at MARSEC 2 & 3 (heightened alerts). At MARSEC 2 everyone not directly familiar to the contract guards will be required to show the guards an MBARI ID or government issued ID. Wearing these badges will facilitate their ability to provide access screening. If you need an MBARI ID, please ask at the MBARI front desk in building A.

All personnel seeking access to the R/V Western Flyer are subject to screening of their clothing, personnel effects, cargo, and any baggage. Ships staff or the contract guard service will carry out this screening depending upon MARSEC level. Anyone who refuses screening will be denied access to the vessel.

Temporary (visiting) science party members aboard R/V Western Flyer will need a TEMPORARY WESTERN FLYER BADGE for the duration of their cruise (after positive identification is established). Badges will not have to be worn offshore, but will be required while the vessel is docked. These badges will only be issued to personnel listed on the precruise report and will be maintained and issued by Kristin Schneider. All badges are numbered and must be returned.

All R/V Western Flyer visitors will need Escorted Visitor Badges. To receive this badge, the person will need to sign in at the front desk and produce Government ID (i.e. Driver’s License) for name verification to the receptionist. The escort or other appropriate person must also be contacted at this time. The MBARI front desk will issue badges during normal business hours. All badges are numbered and must be returned. Note that arrangements for tours or visitors still should be routed through DMO so that this can be coordinated with vessel staff in advance.

After hours or at remote ports, the Vessel Security Officer (Darrell Palmer) will also have a set of badges. A drop box for badges will be set up in front of the MBARI front door for after hours use.

Shipments to the R/V Western Flyer:

Note that vendors (fuel, food, parts) that are making deliveries do not need an access badge if they do not plan to board the vessel. However, their arrival should be anticipated and prearranged with the ships crew. All cargo will be screened.

Verification of incoming shipments of scientific and other equipment will also be required. Items to be loaded aboard ship are first vouched for by a person with a valid reason to be aboard the ship, and with knowledge of the items in question. Complete and accurate information (packing lists, waybills, etc.) about shipments should be copied to Marine Operations.

No unaccompanied baggage will be accepted or brought on the vessel.

 

Homer Beacon Policy

Marine Operations

  • Marine Operations will maintain a pool of Homer beacons for temporary users. Such users require short term (1-2 months or less per year) use of 1 to 2 beacons.
  • Homer beacons borrowed from the Marine Operations temporary pool must be returned in a timely manner, or replaced. The principal investigator of the project associated with deployment of the Homer beacon is obligated to replace the unit, even if the deployment location is known, unless an explicit plan for recovery agreed upon by Marine Operations and ROVUC exists in advance of deployment.
  • Marine Operations will maintain a list of the status and deployment locations of Homer beacons, preferably using the MBARI Waypoint Management system.
  • Marine Operations will be the contact point for ordering Homer beacons in order to maintain a Homer channel numbering system.
  • Marine Operations will maintain all homers, including those associated with the temporary pool and individual investigators.

Science

  • Scientists should purchase Homer beacons and associated hardware (float collars, etc.) from their project budgets for applications not served by the Marine Operations temporary pool. Thus, projects that require homer beacons for repeated deployment for multiple years (i.e. greater than 2 months per year) must include the cost of beacons to support project requirements.

Lab Use

Research Vessel Chemical Safety policies and procedures:

I. POLICY

It is the policy of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) that chemicals brought on board an MBARI research vessel will be stored and handled in a safe manner consistent with all chemical safety policies contained in the MBARI Safety Manual.  Additionally, individuals who bring chemicals on board an MBARI research vessel will observe the procedures outlined below.

II. PROCEDURES

1.     When transferring chemicals to and from the laboratory to the research vessel, the chemicals must be double contained.

2.     All chemical containers must be properly labeled.

3.     Personal protective equipment must be made available and worn by the user of the chemical on the research vessel.

4.     The corresponding Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) must accompany each chemical, and should be readily available to crew members and to any person working with any chemicals.

5.     The cabinet containing the chemical container should be lockable and should be locked when the chemical is not in use.

6.     The quantity of the chemical brought on board should be reasonable, and should be a quantity that would be expected to be used on the cruise.

7.     Spill material must be present in the proper type and amount that is appropriate for the chemical brought on board.

8.     At the conclusion of the cruise, the individual who brought the chemicals on board must remove the chemicals from the research vessel.

Staying onboard prior to early departure time

The R/V Western Flyer is not available to the science party for overnight stays prior to the assigned departure time, after-hours, and weekends while in homeport due to Homeland Security regulations.

 

Policy on minors going to sea on MBARI vessels

Purpose: The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute recognizes and appreciates the educational value that individuals, in this case minors, may obtain through direct seagoing experience. Depending on the youth’s interest, he or she may be exposed to the professions of science, engineering, maritime, or ROV operations at sea. By allowing
minors to observe these practices, a stronger interest may develop and hence assist in the way of career choices.
Minors are those individuals under the age of eighteen.

Policy: Minors may go to sea on MBARI owned research vessels*, provided all of the following conditions are met:
1. The minor(s) must be accompanied by one of their parents or a legal guardian.
2. The Chief Scientist must approve this action in advance.
3. The relevant Captain must approve this action in advance.
4. The parent or legal guardian must sign a waiver, which includes an optional signature line for the minor.
*This policy applies to the R/V Point Lobos and R/V Zephyr. Due to the “certificate of inspection,” minors are not allowed on the R/V Western Flyer.

Supervision: The staff member serving as host to the visitors is responsible for ensuring the minor(s) have a meaningful experience. In addition, the minor’s parent or legal guardian is required to be along side the youth at all times.

(Minors policy updated 6/3/2005.)

Last updated: Jan. 03, 2008