Scheduling
Scheduling for the R/V THOMAS G. THOMPSON will be on an annual basis. Normally, May 1 is the deadline for submitting ship time requests for a research project planned for the following calendar year. Requests received after that date will be considered if ship time is available.
Once a Chief Scientist has been assigned a block of time, he will be requested to submit a Ship Operating Plan to the Manager of Marine Operations as soon as possible. The form should provide the information necessary to arrange for logistic support, ports of call, a ship's agent, ship's outfit, and any special equipment requirement. This form, as well as the Scientific Party List, is used for preparing Sailing Orders to the Master.
Requests for installation on board of any unusual equipment provided by the scientific party should be made as soon as the need is identified. We recommend that any Chief Scientist unfamiliar with the ship arrange for a brief tour on board when the vessel is in port to gain some familiarity with the layout of the scientific spaces.
Detailed plans of lab layouts may be obtained from the Manager of Marine Operations.