In conducting their scientific research programs and instruction of students, faculty
in the various colleges and schools of the University of Washington sometimes require the usage of
seagoing vessels. Vessels utilized in these endeavors are operated in accord with Research Vessel
Safety Standards consistent with the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System and additional
safety policies enunciated in college and school regulations. It is the foremost practice of the
University to ensure the safe operation of these vessels and to secure the safety of their occupants.
In furthering these safety goals, the University has restricted access to vessels used in
scientific research and instruction of students in accordance with the following guidelines. These
guidelines shall apply in all instances where the University, or one of its college, schools, or other
units, owns, operates, charters, or schedules a vessel for these purposes.
The following persons shall be permitted to be aboard a vessel, when it
is not secured to the dock, which is under the control of the University and which is being
used for scientific research and/or instructional purposes:
Persons who are employed for and actively involved in
the operation of the vessel, or who are assigned to the
vessel for purposes of maintenance or safety inspection;
Members of the faculty and scientific staff of the University actually
performing scientific research studies or instructing
students;
Students of the University of Washington who are registered for credit courses
and who are engaged in research projects directly related to the scientific studies
being undertaken aboard the vessel, or who are enrolled in the course for which
instruction on the vessel is being proffered.
Other persons may be permitted to accompany the aforementioned University of Washington
faculty, staff, and students on board a vessel only if:
Their direct participation is necessary to properly carry out the scientific
experiment or project being conducted on the vessel and
they have an historical relationship to the project, or
they are actively involved in proffering instruction to
students; and
They have been trained in the basic safety rules for the type of vessel
and equipment to be used, and they agree, in writing,
to follow all such safety rules and to hold the University
harmless for any mishap which may occur as a result of
their failure to adhere strictly to those safety rules;
and
They have secured specific permission to be aboard from the dean of the
college or school which controls the vessel, or his or
her designee; and
They have secured adequate Field Trip insurance (provided through the Risk
Management Office), or they have equivalent insurance coverage in effect.
Persons who do not have direct participative relationship
with scientific research or instructional work being undertaken
and who do not meet all of the above requirements
shall not be permitted to board or accompany any University vessel
when it is not secured to the dock.
