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Personnel Information

All persons joining the vessel that are not explicitly members of the ship's crew are considered to be members of the scientific party and as such come under the direction of the Chief Scientist.

The Chief Scientist has the authority to determine the makeup of the science party and the responsibility to assure compliance with Institution policy. Personnel joining the science party must have a legitimate reason for participating in the cruise by virtue of affiliation with the scientific program as investigator, research assistant, or student.

Persons under 18 years of age will not be permitted as members of the scientific party.

Observers representing government organizations or scientific institutions are considered members of the scientific party.

EVERY member of the scientific party must submit a personnel form at least a month before the cruise. All personnel forms are kept strictly confidential.

Dietary/Food Allergy Concerns
We will try to accommodate your dietary or food allergy needs as much as is possible. Please put this information on your personnel form. It is also good practice to contact the Steward about your needs as soon as you board the vessel. You may also contact the Marine Operations Coordinator with any questions.

Insurance for people not covered by their Institution's Policy
All members of the scientific party who are not employees or students of the Institution are considered Shipboard Guest Investigators and they are expected to provide all forms of personal insurance coverage while participating on a cruise. Medical and accident insurance for Shipboard Guest Investigators is not provided by WHOI. If not covered by their respective institution's liability insurance, individuals should make provisions for this type of coverage.

If anyone joining the vessel does not have the proper insurance as specified on the personnel form they should plan to obtain "Travelor's Insurance". Companies such as International SOS provide inexpensive coverage.

Personal Identification
All personnel joining the vessel must have a government issued photographic identification car. (Driver's license, passport, etc).

Berthing
The Chief Scientist will assign science berthing on WHOI ships. WHOI does not have a set policy that prescribes how berthing is assigned, but will work with the Chief Scientist so that all cruise participants are respected, regardless of gender identity, gender expression, orientation, or belief system.

» Atlantis Layout & Berthing Diagrams
» Neil Armstrong Layout & Berthing Diagrams

On the R/V Atlantis, the science party shall occupy triple staterooms prior to occupying staterooms shared with SSSG Technicians (as indicated in diagrams).

Pregnancy
Pregnant women are permitted to work aboard WHOI research vessels with the following stipulations:

  • They are within the first 24 weeks of their pregnancy
  • They will not exceed 24 weeks of pregnancy while at sea*
  • They are medically fit for duty **

*without permission from physician and the Captain [for instance, if cruise exceeds the 24 week mark by 2 days]

**requires a written medical summary with specific guidance from their Physician

Lactation
Recognizing the benefits of breastfeeding and in compliance with Federal law (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/nursing-mothers), WHOI-operated research vessels provide nursing mothers with a private space to express milk. This can include your stateroom or lockable meeting space (but not a restroom, which is not considered an appropriate space).

Please inform the SSSG Ops Manager or Admin during the cruise planning process, so we can identify a suitable space for you.

We will also do our best to reasonably accommodate your need to refrigerate or freeze expressed breast milk, if needed.

Infants are not permitted to go to sea.