Oceanographic research buoys, whether installed in the harbor, bay or offshore, are considered Private Aids To Navigation (PATON) and as such are regulated by U.S. Coast Guard under Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 66 (33CFR66).
Deadline: We recommend that applications for authorization to install research buoys should be made at least two weeks prior to the start of your cruise. However, US Coast Guard instructions may change, please refer to their guidance.
USCG pages are linked here:
www.pacificarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-11/Prevention-Division/PatonOne/
Securing proper authorization for your buoy installations protects them by getting their characteristics and positions officially published in/on:
- Local and National Notice to Mariners
- Navigation Charts
- Light Lists
When you apply be prepared to provide full details regarding characteristics of your buoy(s), position(s) and intended time on station. Characteristics include hull shape, top-side structures, color, light characteristics, identifying marks and whether or not a radar reflector is installed. In general, research buoys should conform to national and international standards for special purpose buoys, namely: yellow hull and structure and a yellow light.
Sub-surface moorings that may pose a hazard to surface navigation should be permitted as well. Bottom moorings, such as Ocean Bottom Seismometers, that do not pose a hazard to surface navigation need not be permitted. Bottom moorings that may be at risk from sub-surface operations (such as fishing/trawling operations) may be reported to the Coast Guard for publication.
Buoys that will be installed in the national waters of foreign countries will be addressed during the diplomatic clearance process through SIO's Ship Scheduling Office.
- R/V Sally Ride
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R/V Roger Revelle
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Handbook
- Section 1: Welcome Aboard
- Section 2: Specifications
- Section 3: Vessel Layout Description
- Section 4: Ship's and Scientific Equipment Description
- Section 5: Technical Services and Special Equipment
- Section 6: Navigation and Communications Capability
- Section 7: Safety
- Section 8: Ship Organization
- Section 9: Scientific Berthing Plan
- Specifications
- Schematic Drawings
- Berthing Plan
- Scientific Equipment
- Major Shipboard Equipment
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Handbook
- R/V Robert Gordon Sproul
- R/V Bob and Betty Beyster
- Emeritus: R/V Melville
- Emeritus: R/V New Horizon
- Research Platform FLIP (FLoating Instrument Platform)
- Preventing harassment and discrimination
- Alcohol and illegal drugs: Zero tolerance
- Departure & arrival times
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- Export controls and compliance
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- Ship to Shore Communications
- Internet use policy
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- Ship Usage Rates
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- Stable Isotopes on SIO Ships
- Carryforward of Ship Time
- Using non-UNOLS vessels
- Transportation Worker's Identification Credential (TWIC)
- Naval Clearances
- Notice to mariners
- Volunteering Aboard Scripps Ships
- USCG Rules for Buoys