Shipboard Life
Entertainment
Video and DVD movies are aboard ship for general entertainment.
A wide variety of reading material is available in the ship's
library. The library also contains reference books commonly
used by oceanographers and engineers.
Some form of exercise equipment is available on all WHOI
ships. This equipment was purchased by the ship’s crew,
so please care for it as though it were your own and return
the gear to a secure position when you have finished your
activity.
Stewards Department
The Steward’s Department provides food, linen, and
other items basic to your comfort aboard. (Their job can be
trying. Be understanding and cooperative.)
Serving hours for meals vary per vessel. They are typically
posted in the galley. In port, meal hours may be different
(check with the Steward). Do not invite guests aboard for
a meal without first clearing with the Master or Mate on watch,
as well as the Steward.
Each of Woods Hole’s ships has a common mess for both
crew and science party. Pants or shorts, buttoned shirts or
T-shirts (not undershirts), and shoes are required, and hats
are to be removed before entering a messdeck at mealtime.
If some aspect of the scientific program will make you late
for a meal, be sure to notify the Steward in advance.
Treat members of the Steward’s Department with consideration.
Be on time for meals, but do not be impatient when coincidence
brings all hands to the table at the same moment and service
is temporarily slowed. Stay clear when the Mess Attendant
is cleaning the messdeck. When you are eating, return your
plates and silverware quickly, even if you plan to linger
and talk. When the ship is in port, plan to eat as early as
possible. Members of the Steward’s Department will want
to go ashore too and must first get their clean-up work done.
Leave the night lunch for those working late watches. Clean
up after your own night lunches and any mess you make. Loading
food stores in port is an all-hands job; pitch in and help.
If you have any specific dietary/food allergy needs it is a good idea
to discuss this with the steward as soon as you arrive aboard.
Clean linen is provided at the beginning of cruises and all
are responsible for changing their own bunks and keeping their
rooms clean. Soiled linen is left at a designated place in
laundry bags at the end of the cruise.
Clothes washers and dryers are available for everyone’s
use, with soap and bleach supplied. Fresh water should always
be used sparingly. Do not put sneakers in the dryers. Service-style
showers are good practice: wet yourself, turn off the shower
and soap down, then rinse. Do not leave faucets dripping.
Use fresh water sparingly in the laboratories as well.
You must provide all items for your personal use during the
cruise with the exception of linen, soap, and food.