Coronavirus: Temporary Stand-down of US Academic Research Fleet

In coordination with US federal sponsors, research vessels in the US Academic Research Fleet (ARF) will stand down from seagoing operations until 13 April 2020. In consultation with the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS), the San Diego (US)-based Scripps Institution of Oceanography will monitor the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic to evaluate when and how to resume service.

The Scripps website says:

• Scripps-operated research vessels Sally Ride and Robert Gordon Sproul will be directly impacted by this stand-down.
• SIO is working with Principal Investigators to evaluate the impacts of a stand-down on their projects, and rescheduling their cruises to later dates.
• Revisions to the seagoing schedule will be reflected in UNOLS ship schedules and the Scripps portal.
• Marine technical support activities by SIO personnel aboard non-SIO vessels and at off-campus locations are continuing, and are being evaluated and monitored separately.

A number of other measures are being taken, such as

• No tours, guests, or social events onboard or on-site.
• Only mariners, technicians and shore support personnel are permitted.
• Contractors doing essential business may be granted permission on a case-by-case basis by the Marine Superintendent.
• Other exceptions require the permission of the Marine Superintendent and will be based on scientific or operational necessity.

Read the full announcement of preventive and other measures at the Scripps website. (Photo: Scripps Institution of Oceanography)