Making a Cruise Plan for Alvin
Advance planning is essential if the Alvin Group is to
meet its obligations. This is possible only if we are informed
of the scientists’ expectations well in advance of the
cruise. For this reason we request that a preliminary cruise
plan be provided at the earliest opportunity. This plan can
be in draft form if need be, but it should include the following:
The plan is expected to include many questions but should be
as detailed as possible. It should not be based on assumptions;
if a piece of standard Alvin equipment is essential to
the research, the cruise plan should say so. Written correspondence
and telephone calls to designated Alvin personnel are
encouraged and can be a valuable source of information. However,
this cruise plan and its revision process afford the best means
of establishing a definite, workable scheme which will prevent
unpleasant surprises and confusion at sea.
Once the preliminary plan is received, the Alvin Group
will review it in detail and reply with information and comments
helpful to the development of a final cruise synopsis (see examples).
Information or questions related to Atlantis will be
forwarded to the Marine Operations Coordinator as appropriate.
In addition, the following five WHOI forms must be completed:
Before Cruise
After Cruise
Copies of these forms will be provided to the Chief Scientist
before/during the cruise.