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Practicalities of going to sea

NOEL M. JACKSON

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

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Let’s take a tour…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeAYrL1GfSo&ab_channel=MarciTrain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTLRVu4Lqt0&ab_channel=DavidWalker

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Your most pressing questions…

There is internet. There is a daily data cap (usually 1 – 3 Gb / day). You will need to be aware of data usage, shut down background updates, etc.
No alcohol or recreational drugs (even if legal). Sobriety on board is a critical safety issue.
Any other food or beverage items of your choice may be brought. Plenty of snacks are available 24/7 and hot meals are served 3x/day on a fixed schedule. Can accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions.
Yes, there is laundry on board.

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Berthing (the rooms)

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Deck and science lab

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Medical and Physical requirements

Basic medical care is available on board. Complex medical care will either have to wait or require airlifting if possible.
The ships are not very accessible for mobility issues. More accessible ships have been planned for a long time, but it is unclear when or if they will be constructed and made available. For now, everything is accessed by stairs and there are many deck levels.
Seasickness is something to expect and plan for. Take your seasickness medications prior to leaving port. There are over the counter and prescription options (patches).

Seasickness can become a serious health issue at sea due to dehydration

Limited medications on board. Bring extra.
Will need to fill out medical paperwork and disclose medical conditions to captain and chief scientist. Most are not disqualifying.
Need to be able to put on an immersion suit

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Sleep

Ship time is extremely valuable! Plans are often dependent on weather and sea conditions. This means:

We begin operations as soon as we are on site and logistically OK to go.

This can occur at any time of day, including at 2:00 am.
Operations may go on for many hours

Therefore, we often set up shifts or watch rotations

You may be required to shift your sleeping schedule or sleep on an unusual schedule

Always assume someone is sleeping in berthing areas, regardless of the time

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The Jason “van”

It’s cold. It’s dark. You’ll have no idea what time it is while you’re in there. It’s like if NASA mission control was inside two shipping containers and constantly rocking. Things inside the “van” are usually relaxed but occasionally quite tense!

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Things to bring

Depends on where you are going, but…

Good boots (steel toed preferred). Closed toed required.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Clothes that are comfortable and good for layering
Some cash for the ship’s gift shop
Your own soap, shampoo, and conditioner for the shower
Books and/or movies to pass time at sea
A sense of adventure

A more complete list can be found in the new guide Life and Science at Sea by Meg Yoder

https://repository.oceanbestpractices.org/handle/11329/2608