WRITING CRUISE INSTRUCTIONS
Cruise Instructions consist of two parts: specific instructions, for each cruise and standard instructions for each field season. Specific instructions, which reference the standard instructions, are supplied by the Chief Scientist of each cruise. The specific instructions detail the unique character of the cruise and describe any special operations or deviations from the Standing Instructions. Standard Instructions are predetermined and approved by FOCI and the Marine Operations Center-Pacific (MOC-Pacific). No modifications are made to the standard instructions without permission from the FOCI Field Operations Leaders and MOC-Pacific. Chief scientists must be familiar with the standard instructions. It is recommended that principal investigators review procedures that pertain to their work before each field season and request any changes that may be required to the standard templates.
STANDARD OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS + SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS = CRUISE INSTRUCTIONS
Modify and submit only the specific instructions. To complete the specific
instructions, supply the information requested by the template and
select appropriate operations and equipment for your cruise. Special
attention should be given to the Cruise Objectives, Operations and
Summary of Activities sections. There are sample templates for these
sections that may be helpful. Also take special care with the
Equipment section. If equipment is to be provided by the ship or MOC-Pacific,
make sure it is specified as such. If you are uncertain who
will provide specific equipment, consult the Field Operations Managers
at the respective labs. A separate RTF file contains the Standard
Instructions for your reference. Familiarize yourself with these. If
you should need to modify an operation through your specific instructions,
links are provided to individual standard operations (CTD, bongo, ADCP,
etc.). These can be pasted into your specific instructions and
modified accordingly.
When you have finished, read over the entire document to verify that
the information is correct. Signatures are no longer included on the last
page. They now appear on the cover page provided by the FOCI liaison
officer. Submit your instructions to your FOCI Field Operations
Leader.