Journals 2006/2007

Elaine Paulishak
Mid Valley Secondary Center, Throop, PA

"Alaska Hydrographic Surveys of the Shumagin Islands" Research Vessel: NOAA Ship Fairweather July 17- 26, 2006

Journal Index: July 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 - 23        24 - 25 - 26 Additional Resources

July 19, 2006
Everyone Gets Emergency Assignment

After breakfast, 0730 hours, I arrived back at my stateroom to find a note posted on my heavy metal door. The door is heavy because when the ship is underway, the ocean waves tend to rock the ship and doors need to stay closed. For that reason, all drawers have catches on them so that they do not open and close, tables are bolted down, etc. This assures that you do not get hit with flying objects if the seas are rough. There are many safety procedures that are necessary for proper functioning of the ship and personnel and there are also safety procedures which are vital for survival in case of emergency. The typed note posted on my door contained the necessary information I needed to know in case of emergency.

It read as follows:

July 17-26, 2006
Name: TAS Elaine Paulishak
State Room: C-05-106

Abandon Ship
Life Raft: 6
Muster: E Deck, Under Port Life Rafts
Alt Muster: Outside Ship's Office
Duty: Assist as directed

Man Over board
Muster: Flying Bridge
Duty: Lookout

Fire and Emergency
Station: DC Delta
Muster: Mess
Alt Muster: Fantail
Duty: Assist as directed

For each type of emergency, I had specific information as to where I needed to muster (report) and what I should do (as did each member of the crew and staff).

The "Flying Bridge" is outside and the highest deck on the ship. My assignment in case of a "Man Over Board" emergency is too be a lookout. View full version pop-up.

Emergency drills are held weekly. Everyone is alerted by drill signals:
Fire and emergency -- Continuous sounding of the ship's whistle and general alarm for at least 10 seconds
Abandon Ship -- Six short blasts followed by one long blast on the ship's whistle and general alarm
Man Overboard - Three prolonged blasts of the ship's whistle and general alarm.

Ship's whistle on bridge. View full version pop-up.		Ship's General alarm on bridge. View full version pop-up.

Additionally, there are general safety procedures in place at all times. Closed toed shoes must be worn at all times. Use hand rails when going up and down ladder wells (stairs). Hard hats must be worn when working on deck and when machinery is in operation. Flotation work vests and float coats must be worn when handling any equipment over the side such as CTD casts. Flotation must also be worn in small boats as well.

The electronics tech is putting the MVP over the side to be tested. Notice he is wearing the proper safety attire. Teamwork is important at all times on a ship. For day-to-day operations as well as when emergencies arise, everyone must be ready to work together. View full version pop-up.