What to Expect on a NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center Survey

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Things to Expect While Aboard

The People

All vessels are commanded by NOAA Corps officers, crewed by civilian professional mariners, and the scientific team. Research collaborators, students, and other volunteer scientists comprise the remainder. The field party chief and watch leaders manage the scientific team and are responsible for the scientific operations, the delegation of each watch, and data collection. The commanding officer is responsible for safely operating and navigating the vessel. On deck, the chief boatswain is in charge of the deck crew and operation of all the fishing gear and machinery.

Living Arrangements

Staterooms

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Staterooms (sleeping spaces) are shared, with assignments made to minimize traffic due to alternating watches and shifts. When you go on watch, you should take everything you will need with you for the entire day. You may want to bring a backpack to carry books, an extra set of clothing, personal electronics, or other items. You are strongly encouraged NOT to enter your room while your roommate is sleeping. Keep in mind that when you are up, others are sleeping, so please keep noise in all passageways to a minimum. An often overlooked problem is noise resulting from items not securely stowed in drawers and closets—the ship's motion will cause loose objects to roll or bang around. Please stow your gear and personal items with this in mind. Doors also get away from people during the rolling of the ship so hang on to the door handle until the door is completely closed or else it will slam.  

Linens (sheets/pillowcase, towels/face cloth, pillow and blankets) are provided on all vessels. It should be noted that the pillows are feather. Because of allergies or personal preference, some people choose to bring their own pillows and/or blankets/sleeping bags/towels.

Oregon II

Staterooms on NOAA Ship Oregon II accommodate two scientists. The Oregon two has two showers and toilets for all lower level deck to shar.e At times scientists will share a stateroom with the ship's crew.

Gordon Gunter

Staterooms on NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter accommodate two scientists with a jack-and-jill bathroom and shower. Each stateroom is equipped with a satellite TV. At times scientists will share a stateroom with the ship's crew.

Pisces

Staterooms on NOAA Ship Pisces accommodate two scientists, and one accommodates four, with a common bathroom and shower. Each stateroom is equipped with a satellite TV. At times scientists will share a stateroom with the ship's crew.

Meals

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Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily. The meals on all vessels are excellent. In addition, snacks, fresh fruit, soups, sandwich fixings, and beverages (coffee, tea, juices, milk, and cocoa) are available at all times. If you have special dietary requirements, please advise your field party chief in advance and the cook will do their best to accommodate. There is also a signup sheet available on each ship to save a meal if you are not awake during the serving time. Galley hours vary per ship and will be displayed once you arrive at the vessel. 

A few rules regarding the mess area and galley protocol:

• Foul-weather gear should never be worn in the galley or mess area, not even for a quick cup of coffee
• Shirts with sleeves and proper footwear must be worn at all times in the mess area
• Caps, hats, swimsuits, and tank tops should not be worn in the mess area
• Scientists are expected to clear their dishes and silverware from the table
• Cups, plates and silverware should not be removed from the mess area
• Lingering in the mess area after eating is discourteous to those waiting to eat or to the stewards waiting to clean up
• Specific seats are reserved for department heads, including the captain—this information should be given to you during the welcome meeting

Communication at Sea

Internet/Email/Phone

Using satellite communication aboard NOAA ships, you will be able to access your personal email accounts and the internet while at sea along with your personal cell. At times, bandwidth can be limited, so please plan accordingly and do not schedule any web training or video calls while at sea. 

Emergency Communication

Ship-to-shore communication is available via Voip or satellite phone. Important messages may be forwarded through the Pascagoula Lab during business hours via Brandi Noble, Southeast Fisheries Science Center Vessel Coordinator, (305) 495-4277, or the Gulf Marine Support Facility (228) 769-0307. 

Regulations Aboard NOAA Ships

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Individual ship's rules vary. These rules and regulations will be addressed during a brief welcome meeting prior to sailing or once the vessel is underway. The ships prohibit gambling, alcohol, use of illegal drugs, and sexual liaisons. Open-toed shoes are prohibited outside of staterooms. You must wear closed-toed shoes in all other areas of the vessel.

All vessels conduct emergency drills once a week. You must report to your lifeboat or fire station (the location is posted on your stateroom door and billets in the passageways) wearing a hat, long-sleeved shirt, your life jacket, and carrying your survival suit. All cruise participants will be expected to try on their survival suits at least once while at sea during a drill.

Sailing Day

All scientific personnel are generally required to be on board the vessel two hours prior to departure on sailing day—the date the vessel leaves port to start the survey. Most out-of-town volunteers arrive the day before sailing and stay on board the ship the night before sailing day. Once you have arrived, you may be asked to help load some of the scientific equipment or lend a hand in the preparation for departure. It should be noted that ships are complex and require a lot of equipment and instruments to operate safely and efficiently. Weather can also affect the ship's departure. Therefore, schedules can be difficult to meet exactly. You should be prepared for delays and possible schedule changes, as they are not uncommon.

Schedules for vessels vary and you will be contacted by the field party chief with the details of sailing day.

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Work Schedule

The scientific work schedule can vary. It usually consists of two 12-hour shifts or "watches" conducted around the clock, seven days a week. For most surveys, the day watch works from noon to midnight. The night watch works from midnight to noon. It is expected that you report on deck 10 minutes prior to your official starting time. Keep in mind that these schedules may shift, even if determined ahead of time. Most shifts are assigned the day of sailing.

Work on Deck

The work on deck will vary depending on the mission of your particular survey. The work routine will be outlined at the pre-survey meeting. 

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It may take a while to gain familiarity with fish identifications or other assignments. Do not be afraid to ask questions of your watch leader or the other watch members regarding procedures or fish identifications. The motion of the ship during rough weather can make work on deck hazardous. Ensure you wear a life jacket and hard hat whenever you are on deck and gear is being deployed.

Most of the 12-hour watch is spent working on your feet. Past volunteers have commented that the work can be fairly intense and strenuous. There will be some transit time between stations, giving a chance to grab a coffee and a few minutes to rest. There will also be time for meals during each watch. Occasionally, weather delays or long transits will allow for more downtime.

In the event of extreme weather like high winds, large seas, or storms, the ship will either come into the nearest port or jog (ride bow into the seas) until the seas calm down to ensure the safety of personnel and the ship. The captain or commanding officer makes this decision based on conditions, expected duration of the event, and proximity to land. Scheduled port locations and dates can occasionally change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. For instance, in the event of a hurricane, if the ship is not close to Pascagoula the captain may seek shelter in another port. In these cases, it will be your responsibility to arrange for your own transportation despite these changes to the original schedule. 

Off Watch Activities

Off-watch time is your own to relax, enjoy your time at sea, and get to know your fellow shipmates. People read, play cards or board games, write, exercise, knit, sleep, draw, watch TV or movies, or do their laundry. All ships have a workout room with varying exercise equipment like ellipticals, weights, and stationary bikes. All ships have satellite TV and a selection of movies available. 

Seasickness

Regardless of your past experience at sea, we ask that all participants bring some type of medication to prevent seasickness.

One of the least pleasant aspects of going to sea is the possibility of seasickness. An individual's susceptibility to seasickness is highly variable. If you've experienced motion sickness in cars, planes, or amusement park rides, you may experience seasickness during the survey. Regardless, most people feel some level of illness or discomfort on the first days of the cruise. The irregular ship motion and indoor environment can lead to seasickness for even the most seasoned sailor.

What Causes Seasickness? 

Seasickness is a result of a conflict in the inner ear—where the human balance mechanism resides—caused by the erratic motion of the ship through the water. Inside the cabin of a rocking boat, for example, the inner ear detects changes in linear and angular acceleration as the body bobs with the boat. But since the cabin moves with the passenger, the eyes register a relatively stable scene. Agitated by this perceptual incongruity, the brain responds with a cascade of stress-related hormones that can ultimately lead to nausea and vomiting.

The effects of seasickness can be magnified by strong smells (like diesel fumes or fish, which are part of daily life at sea). It usually occurs in the first 12-24 hours after sailing, and dissipates when the body becomes acclimated to the ship's motion (getting one's "sea legs"). Rarely does anyone stay ill beyond the first couple of days at sea, regardless of sea state. 

How to Handle Seasickness

There are several over-the-counter medications available to prevent or minimize motion sickness. It is recommended that you start taking it a day or two before sailing so you have it in your system and as needed at sea. Be sure to follow the instructions for the particular medication you are taking. All of these medications tend to dehydrate the body, so fluid intake is important.

If you get seasick, take comfort in the fact that recovery is only a matter of time. Each ship has a trained medical officer who can treat severe cases of seasickness. However, all that is usually required for a complete recovery is some sensible eating/drinking and some patience. Here are a few tips and considerations regarding seasickness:

• Vomiting can offer relief: make an effort to continue eating items like crackers, dry toast, or dry cereal (avoid anything greasy, sweet, or hard to digest)
• Keep something in your stomach: this can suppress nausea, or, if vomiting, eliminates painful "dry heaves"; antacid tablets help some people
• Maintain fluids: seasickness prevention medication and related medications cause dehydration and headaches; try to drink juices low in acidity, clear soups, or water, and stay away from milk or coffee
• Keep working: most people find that being busy keeps their minds off their discomfort; you will not be allowed to stay in your bunk during your watch
• Carry a plastic bag: this simple trick allows some peace of mind and eliminates some of the panic of getting sick; do not vomit in sinks or trash cans
• Maintain safety outside: if you need to go outside for fresh air, make sure someone knows; for your safety, it is extremely important to be in a safe location especially in bad weather, as being alone on deck can be very dangerous
• Don’t get discouraged: do not be embarrassed or discouraged; if you get sick, chances are that others are seasick too; no one, including fishermen, ship's officers, or scientists, is immune to seasickness.

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Stress at Sea

A Good Night’s Sleep

Getting a good night's sleep is an important step to alleviating stress at sea. These tips can help:

• Use ear plugs or eye shades to eliminate ship's noise and daytime light levels as sleep-robbing stimuli
• In rough seas, use your life preserver to "wedge" yourself against your bunk rail to avoid being tossed around
• Exercise to dissipate tension and relax muscles, but not immediately before retiring
• Pay attention to your diet: proteins like meats, fish, and eggs are harder to digest and should not be eaten prior to sleep; carbohydrates like spaghetti, pancakes, oatmeal can be more easily digested while sleeping, and make a better pre-sleep meal

Diet and Exercise

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Although the benefits of a well-balanced, nutritious diet and regular exercise are well known, it is suggested that people refrain from initiating weight-loss diets or exercise programs at sea. If you have a pre-established program, maintaining your routine is encouraged. Bring treats from home like soda, candy, or gum along to minimize the sense of deprivation of comforts.

Interpersonal Relations

Stress at sea can often center around human relations. Two or three weeks at sea working intensely with a small group of people under difficult conditions can lead to conflict and tension. Communication is often the solution. The field party chief  and watch leader are there to assist. Talk things out rather than letting them fester. 

A final consideration regarding stress at sea: as with seasickness, stressful situations are temporary and are part of life at sea. Many people find that dealing with and overcoming stress is a stimulating and rewarding part of their sea-going experience.

The Transit Home

On the transit back to port, all lab areas used by the scientific crew must be thoroughly cleaned. Expect to be involved with some intensive cleaning. Participants on the last leg of a survey can sometimes expect at least six hours of cleaning. Staterooms and heads must be cleaned and will be inspected by the field party chief and a ship's officer. Upon docking, scientists are dismissed after all the necessary scientific samples and survey equipment have been off-loaded and stored.

Transportation Information

Air Travel

If you are booking an airline flight to meet the vessel, a refundable or flexible airline ticket is advised. The schedule can change or a trip can be canceled for unforeseen circumstances such as vessel or weather problems.

Closest Airports and Driving Distance to Port

• Pascagoula or Gulfport, Mississippi
  • Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT): 45 minutes
  • Mobile International Airport (MOB): 55 minutes
  • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY): 2 hours
• Cape Canaveral, Florida
  • Orlando International Airport (MCO): 45 minutes
• Mayport, Florida
  • Jacksonville International Airport (JAX): 40 minutes
• Tampa, Florida
  • Tampa International Airport (TPA): 15 minutes
• Pier 21, Galveston, Texas*
  • George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): 1 hour
  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU): 50 minutes

Ground Transportation

Participants are responsible for their transportation (taxi or shuttle) from airports to meet the ship or departing the ship to the airport. If you schedule flights during normal business hours, we may be able to provide transportation to/from the ship in Pascagoula, but this must be discussed in advance with the field party chief and is not guaranteed. In other ports, there may be only one scientist available during the crew change and these people often will not have vehicles at their disposal. 

*There are multiple shuttle options available for transportation between Houston airports (HOU/IAH) and Galveston, Texas, as the port is also a cruise ship terminal. A frequently used option is the Galveston Express shuttle.

Van Transportation

For participants on survey legs beginning/ending in ports other than Pascagoula, it is possible for volunteers to depart or be returned to Pascagoula by government van with SEFSC employees. Please contact the field party chief in advance to discuss this option.

Driving to Port

If you are driving to Pascagoula to meet the ship or government van, you will need to arrive at the ship no later than three hours before departure. There are places to keep your vehicle. A monitored and gated parking lot is available for vehicles to be stored during the survey, but you must discuss this in advance with the field party chief. Additionally, if the survey you are participating on is during hurricane season, your vehicle will be moved to an unmonitored parking garage. 

DISCLAIMER: The government accepts no liability for survey participants' personal vehicles while on the survey. 

Vessel schedules can be highly susceptible to change. This can include delays, date changes, and cancellations. All participating personnel should keep this in mind when arranging travel (e.g. refundable tickets encouraged). The government will not reimburse non-NOAA staff for expenses incurred due to vessel schedule adjustments.

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Enjoy the Trip!

We hope that this has helped you prepare logistically and mentally for your adventure at sea. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact the Southeast Fisheries Science Center at sefsc.webmaster@noaa.gov. We hope that your experience will be a positive and educational one. Safe sailing!