BOATS - The ship carries two lifeboats. Both are motorized.
Lifeboat number 1 (starboard side) has a capacity of 37 persons. Lifeboat number
2 (port side) has a capacity of 28 persons. All personnel aboard are assigned
to one of the lifeboats (see the station card attached to your bunk for boat
assignment). In addition, there are 6 automatic-release, self-inflating life
rafts. One raft on each side is set up to be boarded from the main deck just
aft of the hangars should additional capacity be needed. The capacity of the
lifeboat/life rafts is one and one half times the total complement of the ship,
(62 persons) on each side. The port lifeboat doubles as the "Rescue Boat". This
boat can be quickly deployed and would be used by the Rescue Squad in an emergency,
such as "man overboard", where ship recovery is not possible.
EMERGENCY DRILLS - A fire and abandon ship drill must be
held within 24 hours of leaving port and once every seven days thereafter. Fire
and abandon ship station bills are posted throughout the ship. Individual billet
numbers and responsibilities are posted on 4 x 6 cards near each bunk. For convenience
individual billet numbers also correspond to cup and glass numbers. There are
two U.S. Coast Guard-approved "personal flotation devices" (lifejackets) in
each stateroom for the occupants. Additional lifejackets are stored in the lab
and on the flying bridge. Upon room assignment, each scientist should familiarize
himself with his fire and boat station, memorize the billet number, learn where
the lifejacket is stored and how to wear it properly. Lifejackets are to be
worn during all drills.
With the captain's permission, the chief scientist may assign
a "skeleton watch" to remain in the lab during fire and boat drills. In case
of a real emergency, scientists will be responsible for preserving their own
data. Proper dress (i.e., long pants, hats, shoes, shirt, etc.) is required
at all drills. Bare feet, flip-flops, shower shoes, and thongs are unsafe on
deck.
Life rafts and the lifeboat are for emergency use only.
Melville carries 65 cold water survival suits, which are in the survival
suit locker on the 03 deck just forward of the bridge. When Melville
is operating in waters that warrant the use of survival suits, they will be
issued.
MEDICAL MATTERS - The ability of the ship to handle medical
emergencies is limited. There are first aid kits, a stocked sick bay, officers
have limited first aid training and help can be summoned by radio. The best
course of action is to prevent emergencies.
To this end: Do not try to disguise or pass over any abnormal
conditions you may have, especially any which might erupt suddenly and require
treatment. Prevent injuries by thinking safety all the time. Watch for dangerous
situations--fix them or bring them to the attention someone who can.
Melville currently has Medical
Advisory Services, (MAS) contracted to provide medical assistance via radio.
PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICES - You will find your lifejacket
in your assigned room. It should be equipped with a whistle on a lanyard and
a waterproof light. All lifejackets also have reflective patches attached front
and back near the shoulders. Lifejackets are important safety devices; they
should not be left about the ship, used as cushions or pillows, etc. If there
is a problem with your lifejacket or it is missing notify the mate on watch
who will make arrangements to take care of the problem. Work vests are provided
by the ship and are located in a locker in the aft section of the main lab.
These vests must be worn when the safety lines are down or if you are involved
in over the side handling of equipment.
SHIPBOARD SAFETY - Seagoing operations are by nature hazardous.
Strict compliance with safety at-sea precautions are necessary to prevent injury
to personnel and damage to the ship.
There should be someone in the lab whenever deck evolutions
are being conducted to maintain the communications link between the lab and
bridge. Deck evolutions should be discussed well in advance whenever possible
with safety and efficiency foremost. The bridge should be informed of all deployments
before anything is put over the side and then deployed only from the designated
place. At night or during heavy weather no one should go out on the working
deck without informing the bridge. Permission must be obtained from the bridge
prior to turning on any deck lights or operating any equipment on deck. Work
vests shall be worn by everyone on the working deck whenever the lifelines are
down. Safety is everyone's business.
Due to vessel motion in heavy seas, the scientific party
members should insure that all of their equipment is securely lashed down and
properly stowed. It is the chief scientist's responsibility to insure that this
task has been accomplished. If you see any items not secured properly and are
in doubt as to how to stow or lash it down, ask the resident technician or any
crew member for assistance.
A shipboard fire is the most dangerous and most prevalent
hazard encountered at sea. It is also a hazard that can be easily prevented
by common sense and simple precautions. Careless smoking habits are responsible
for the majority of shipboard fires. Remember: while at sea you can't run away
from a burning ship.
Keep all doors and hatches secure at all times. Either latch
it open with the hook supplied or close it tight. Never allow doors or hatches
to swing freely with the roll of the ship. Be aware of air conditioning boundaries
and leave these doors shut at all times. When opening and closing doors, be
courteous to sleeping shipmates and do not let the door slam shut.
Stand clear of all wires, ropes and blocks which are under
stress. Do not handle any moving wire or rope.
Pick up, clean up, and securely stow all loose gear after
each use. Do not walk away from any piece of loose equipment--even if it is
not yours, tie it down.
Wear proper shoes when working on deck. Sandals or other
flip-flop type of footwear which cannot be securely fastened to one's feet are
unsafe and will not be tolerated for deck work.
MAN OVERBOARD - If someone has the misfortune to fall overboard,
first pass the word to the bridge "MAN OVERBOARD" designating which side if
possible. Next throw one of the strategically located life rings over the side
to mark the spot and provide floatation. At all times you should keep your eyes
on the person, it helps if you point to the victim. This assists the bridge
and other watchers to keep the person in sight. If underway the bridge watch
will maneuver to keep the props clear and recover the person, or if circumstances
permit launch the rescue boat. The sound signals for MAN OVERBOARD are 3 long
blasts on the general alarm and ship's whistle.
