Deck evolutions should be discussed well in advance whenever possible with safety and efficiency foremost. The bridge should be informed of all deployments before anything is put over the side and then deployed only from the designated place. At night or during heavy weather no one should go out on the working deck without informing the bridge. Permission must be obtained from the bridge prior to turning on any deck lights or operating any equipment on deck. Work vests shall be worn by everyone on the working deck whenever the lifelines are down.
Safety is everyone's business.
Due to vessel motion in heavy seas, the scientific party members should insure that all of their equipment is securely lashed down and properly stowed. It is the chief scientist's responsibility to insure that this task has been accomplished. If you see any items not secured properly and are in doubt as to how to stow or lash it down, ask the resident technician or any crew member for assistance. A shipboard fire is the most dangerous and most prevalent hazard encountered at sea. It is also a hazard that can be easily prevented by common sense and simple precautions.