Employing ships outside the remit of the U.S. Académic Research Ships (ARF)
Ensuring Safety on Non-UNOLS Vessels for Research and Education at UC San Diego
The University of California (UC) and the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) have established minimum standards for vessels used in research and education. These standards are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of all aboard, regardless of the organization that operates the vessel, how it is paid for, or where in the world it is.
For vessels not part of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet (ARF), they must be demonstrated to meet the standards set by UC San Diego. If a vessel is part of the ARF, it is already required to follow UNOLS Safety Standards.
For ships greater than 50 feet long, they will need to be evaluated by SIO Ship Operations. Ships 50 feet or less in length will be evaluated by the SIO Small Boating Program. The SIO's shoreside support personnel can help ensure UC San Diego standards are met for any use of a non-ARF vessel. Similarly, the SIO Small Boating Program can provide guidance for any other use of a non-ARF boat.
If chartering a non-UNOLS vessel, the UCSD Purchasing department will guide the user through the steps of ensuring all requirements are met. The steps for chartering a non-UNOLS vessel are posted in UC San Diego’s Budget & Finance Knowledge Base: "How to Procure a Vessel Charter."
To ensure a non-UNOLS vessel used for research or education complies with UC San Diego's minimum safety and health standards, you must submit a Field Operational Planner to UC San Diego’s Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Field Safety team for evaluation.
This process involves reviewing the UC Field Research Safety Manual to understand planning, training, and best practices. Complete the appropriate Field Operational Planner form depending on the trip type (urban domestic, international, remote, or involving special hazards). Submit the planner at least one month before the trip.
The EH&S Field Safety coordinator will then review your plan and provide safety and security recommendations specific to your vessel and mission, helping ensure compliance with UC San Diego's standards. This process is essential to assess and mitigate risks related to vessel operations outside the UNOLS fleet.
For further guidance on any other use of a non-ARF ship, contact the SIO Ship Operations department. For boats, contact the SIO Small Boating Program directly. If a proposal for funding involves the use of non-UNOLS watercraft, the SIO Office of Contract and Grant Administration will advise.
Compliance with these standards is the responsibility of the vessel operator to ensure. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that non-UNOLS vessels meet the standards set by UC San Diego. For more information, refer to the SOMTS Contacts for ships.
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