Ship Cruise Planning
Preparing for a seagoing expedition involves many months (often years) of planning. There are many forms and documents to prepare; there are many criteria to be met and logistical issues to sort out; there are even issues of personal preparation. The most successful research cruises are typically the ones that are planned early, with an awareness of both the big picture and the fine details. On this page, we have tried to sort the critical elements. If you are interested in using the Research Vessels Atlantis or Neil Armstrong this is your starting point.
R/V Atlantis and R/v Armstrong Cruise Planning Manual 
Long Range Planning
- Request Ship Time
- Request major shipboard services and equipment
- WHOI’s Research Vessels
- Foreign Research Clearance
Before the Cruise
- Check list for Chief Scientist
- Cruise Planning Questionnaire
- Policies & Required Reading
- Hazardous/Radioactive Materials
- Logistics
- Data Acquisition
At Sea
Forms
- UNOLS Vessel Request Form
- Cruise Planning Questionnaire
- Scientific Personnel Form (pdf)
- US Customs Form 445 (pdf)
- Hazardous Material Inventory Form (xlsx)
- Isotope Authorization Form
- UNOLS Post-cruise Assessment Form
Additional Resources
