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USER'S GUIDE

I. Preparation for a scientific mission aboard the Lampsilis

  1. Reservations

    Those interested in using the Lampsilis should contact the director of the management committee by telephone or email:

    Dr. Gilbert Cabana:
    819-376-5011 ext. 3366
    Gilbert.Cabana@uqtr.ca

    The Lampsilis is operational from May 1st through October 30th. The activity calendar is finalized on April 15th of each year, so it is preferable that reservations be made before that date.

  2. Lampsilis' operational costs

    The approximate cost of renting the Lampsilis includes a fixed daily rate (CAN$4160 for users who are part of the consortium of Québec universities that obtained the grant for the building of the Lampsilis; CAN$5310 for external users) plus variable rates, which include fuel costs, waste disposal, docking fees, and food costs, depending on the nature and requirements of the planned mission

    Click here to get a spreadsheet.

    Details concerning the costs will be furnished on request. A mission starts with the embarkation of scientists and equipment at the Île Saint-Quentin marina or at the port of Trois-Rivières and ends with the disembarkation at one of these two locations. A normal work day for the crew is 12 hours. Any fraction of a day less than 12 hours is charged as a full day of navigation. Canadian scientists are encouraged to request ship-time grants from government organizations, especially NSERC.

    Two cabins, each with two bunks, are made available for the science staff. Four other members of the science staff can be sleep on cots in the multipurpose room. The Lampsilis can hold up to 25 persons, including its crew of four, for day trips.

  3. Navigation in US waters

    For all navigation in US waters, the mission’s chief scientist has the responsibility of making sure that all documents required for the scientific mission are on board and in order (for example, passports for the science staff, sampling permits). These documents must be presented to the captain before the mission begins. UQTR is not responsible for mission delays related to nonconformity of documents required for the scientific mission. The Lampsilis’ captain is responsible for verifying the rules applicable to navigation in US waters.

  4. Mission Plan

    At least two weeks before the mission, the chief scientist should provide the management committee and ship’s manager with the following information for the whole mission:

    Click here to get a mission plan example.


    1. Locations of sampling stations (latitude and longitude) and the itinerary for station sampling;

    2. The sampling plan for each station, including a description of the equipment (for example, winches, A-frame) that will be used;

    3. A list of the equipment that will be brought aboard along with their dimensions and weight;

    4. A list of the Lampsilis’ equipment and instruments (see list below) that are required for the mission, including how much refrigerator and freezer space will be required;

    5. A list of the chemicals (type, amount, and safety data sheet for each of the products) that will be brought aboard;

    6. The name of each member of the science staff. If applicable, indicate if the number of persons will vary during the mission and the dates when crew changes will take place. It is also necessary to include information related to health concerns of the science staff (for example, allergies requiring medication);

    7. The chief scientist’s name, email address, and telephone number. It is strongly recommended that this person have previous experience at sea during a scientific mission;

    8. The written permission of the Canadian Coast Guard before any equipment can be left in the water (surface or subsurface). A copy of this permission must be made available to the captain before departure;

    9. All science permits required for sampling.


  5. Loading gear

    Gear may be loaded onto the ship starting at 06:00 on the day of departure; off-loading is done on the last day of the mission. Missions requiring additional time for loading or off-loading must make prior arrangements. Additional costs may be applied if the loading or off-loading of gear must be done before of after the days planned for the scientific mission.


II. During the mission aboard the Lampsilis

  1. Responsibilities of the chief scientist


    1. A member of the science staff on board must assume the role of chief scientist. The chief scientist is responsible for supervising the science staff. He (she) coordinates the organization and administration of the mission, oversees security, enforces ship regulations, and supervises scientific work. Ideally, the chief scientist should have ship-time experience at sea or in a riverine environment;

    2. The chief scientist should exercise sound judgement while supervising scientific activities. The constant movement of the ship makes it a challenging work environment. Any stress related to a physical or emotional disorder may be accentuated by conditions at sea. Persons prone to illness may at best be unable to work; at worst, they may be affected to the point that they place themselves or others in a dangerous situation. Such problems are avoided by careful planning and foresight. In this respect, it is the responsibility of the captain to disembark at the nearest port any person whose physical condition or behaviour constitutes a danger to him (her) self or other crew members.

      The specific tasks of the chief scientist are as follows:

      • Supervise the work of the science staff;

      • Assure secure work conditions;

      • Make a presentation to the captain and crew on the procedures to be followed at each station. This should be done before the ship leaves port;

      • Have daily exchanges of information with the captain and crew concerning the progress of the scientific work. If problems arise, the chief scientist must inform the captain immediately of any procedural or sampling modifications to assure the success of the scientific objectives and the smooth running of operations;

      • Assure that all science staff are familiar with and follow the security measures in effect aboard the Lampsilis;

      • The chief scientist is responsible at all times for the safe manipulation, use, and disposal of radioactive, toxic, or corrosive substances.




  2. Security of the science staff aboard the Lampsilis

    The captain is responsible for the safety of the ship, crew, and science staff. The ship’s crew will assist the science staff in performing operations in a secure manner. It is the responsibility of the captain to determine when work conditions become unsafe and to react accordingly. Before departure, the captain should review the security measures with all members of the science staff.

    The following rules apply to all scientific missions:

    1. All members of the science staff should bring aboard their own approved personal flotation device (PFD). Emergency drills will be held at the beginning of each mission. All science staff must take part in these, wearing their PFDs;

    2. All members of the science staff must wear their PDFs while working on the rear deck, when security barriers are removed, during rough conditions (at the captain’s request), and always when working on the deck at night;

    3. Members of the science staff must immediately report to the captain any accident, illness, injury, or any situation potentially or imminently dangerous for the personnel, ship, or equipment;

    4. A hard-hat must be worn during operations involving winches or the A-frame on the rear deck, or by order of the captain or crew members;

    5. For security reasons, doors and drawers must be closed immediately after use;

    6. Personnel must never touch dials, switches, valves, or controls of equipment or instruments for which they are not responsible. The engine room is off limits unless accompanied by a crew member;

    7. Science staff must keep laboratories, work areas, and decks clean and operational at all times. They must keep equipment fastened to the work tables to prevent damage that could occur in rough conditions;

    8. Crew members will assist science staff during operations on deck and on the rear deck, including operation of cranes, winches, and the A-frame. All other assistance required by the science staff outside those tasks normally done should be agreed upon ahead of time with the captain. The captain will clearly establish with the chief scientist those operations that are strictly reserved for crew members;

    9. It is highly recommended that safety shoes be worn at all times during scientific work. If safety shoes are unavailable, closed shoes (toes and heels) must be worn;

    10. During work on the rear deck, members of the science staff must wear steel-toed shoes or boots.



  3. Conduct of the science staff aboard the Lampsilis

    1. The close quarters on the ship require a high level of courtesy and good personal hygiene. Shoes and a clean shirt are required at all times;

    2. Cabin assignments will be made by the chief scientist;

    3. All personnel must speak quietly when others are trying to sleep;

    4. All personnel must keep areas clean and organized (cabins and laboratories);

    5. Personal coffee makers, hot plates, or any other appliance used for food preparation are forbidden;

    6. All personnel must return cups, glasses, etc. to the kitchen after use. They must keep the kitchen clean at all times;

    7. Borrowed tools must be returned promptly to the crew or to the place from where they were taken. Science staff must not remove any equipment or supplies that were on the ship at the time of embarkation;

    8. Meal times may be modified to allow the time required for scientific activities with the consent of the captain, chief scientist, and the cook;

    9. When the dining area is to be used for a meeting, the cook must be advised beforehand;

    10. Fresh water must be used with moderation because quantities on the ship are limited. Personnel must inform the captain of any leaking faucets or pipes;

    11. The refrigerators and freezers used for food must never be used for storing chemicals or samples. Refrigerators and freezers for these uses are available in the laboratories.




III. After the scientific mission
  1. Procedures for cleaning the ship

    So that the next scientific team will have a clean environment, it is requested that the laboratories and cabins be cleaned at the end of the mission. Cleaning requirements are as follows:

    1. Sweep and mop the cabin and laboratory floor, wash the work tables and furniture, and scour the lab sink with the cleaning products available on board;

    2. Label and wrap all surplus chemical that are not in their original containers in a manner that conforms with the standards described on the safety data sheet for dangerous chemicals;

    3. Delete all data recorded on the ship’s computer systems to ensure that the next users will have enough space. All files left on the system will be deleted before the ship’s next departure. UQTR is not responsible for data left on the system after the science staff disembarks from the ship.



  2. Offloading

    Once the ship returns to Trois-Rivières, all material (scientific and personal) belonging to the science staff must be removed from the ship on the last day of the mission. If the ship must remain available for an additional period of time to offload material after the mission, additional costs will be charged.

  3. Mission report

    To improve the quality of the research operations on the Lampsilis, the management committee asks that the chief scientist furnish a mission report within four weeks of the end of the mission.




Administrative procedures and responsibilities
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