California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations

Upcoming or Current:
Cruise dates are subject to change so check back often or check the ship's schedule

• Spring CalCOFI • 17 Mar - 2 Apr • NOAA CalCOFI cruise on RV Bell M. Shimada • Loading 15-16 Mar 2012. Medical Forms are required for all participants (click to load). 
• Summer CalCOFI • Aug 2012 •  NOAA CalCOFI cruise TBA
• CalCOFI 1211NH • 02 - 19 Nov 2012 • RV New Horizon • Loading 30 Oct - 1 Nov 2012

Additonal Information:
RV New Horizon Information & Schedule -- RV Bell M Shimada Information & Schedule 

Completed cruises: 

• Winter CalCOFI (27 Jan - 13 Feb 2012) on RV New Horizon occupied all 75 schedule stations successfully.

Opportunities to volunteer on CalCOFI Cruises in 2012

• CalCOFI 1204SH  • 17 Mar - 10 Apr 2012 NOAA RV Shimada
• CalCOFI 1207NH • TBA ~Jul - Aug 2012 
• CalCOFI 1210NH • TBA ~Nov 2012 SIO RV New Horizon

Interested in participating in an oceanographic cruise? CalCOFI cruises are staffed by personnel from the following agencies: National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), Integrative Oceanography Division at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and California Department of Fish & Game. Volunteers are recruited to help deploy equipment, collect data, and draw and analyze seawater samples. General criteria:

• sea-worthiness (experience at sea, recreational is acceptable)
• good health
• scientific background
• ability to follow detailed instructions carefully
• ability to work safely on an oceanographic cruise
• availability - most cruises are 18 - 20 days; some winter & spring cruises are longer
• ability to work a 12hr watch (noon to midnight or midnight to noon) for +18 days

Additional information is available in the CalCOFI Handbook. If you are interested in participating, please send a resume and a brief description of your seagoing experience and interests to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Most necessities are provided by the ship but a few amenities can make the cruise more comfortable:

Sea sickness medication	If you know you are prone to seasickness, bring any medication you know works for you. Marezine, Meclizine, Bonine, Dramamine or Scopolamine anti-seasick medications are some examples – some work for some people; some have side effects; some dosages require a prescription. The ship can provide over-the-counter remedies but we suggest consulting your doctor or pharmacist & bringing your own. Summer and fall cruises are typically calm but the weather can get rough any time of year.
Clothes you can layer	It is better to wear multiple layers than wear a heavy jacket since you will be moving in and out of the climate-controlled lab. Even summer cruises can be cool (even cold) so always bring long pants, a windbreaker, sweater or sweatshirt.
Boots	Calf high rubber boots are a must-have.  The work area is usually swamped by seawater so your shoes will constantly be wet. Comfortable, waterproof boots are a necessity since you will be sampling from the CTD or washing nets. The more comfortable the better but even cheap ones are better than wet tennies. 'Loaners' may be provided upon request.

All scientists and cruise participants going to sea on SIO RV New Horizon must submit these forms:

• Physical Ability to Work at Sea (submitted for every cruise)
• Drug, Alcohol & Sexual Harassment Aboard Ship Policy (submitted once per year, good for all SIO vessels)
• (Optional) Medical History - recommended if you have a condition that requires regular medication

Please return the completed forms to:

CalCOFI Group, Chief Scientist Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD 9500 Gilman Dr, Dept 0218 La Jolla, CA 92093-0218 fax: 858-822-0562 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ship Scheduling Office: Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD 9500 Gilman Dr. La Jolla, CA 92093-0210 phone: 858-534-2840; fax: 858-822-5811. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

All cruise participants going to sea on a NOAA vessel such as the R/V McArthur II must submit the completed Questionnaire and have a recent (within the last 12 months) TB test.

NOAA Health Services Medical Questionnaire (PDF) - New form posted 11/25/08. This revised version of the questionnaire must be used beginning January 1, 2009.

• Medical Questionnaire and Instructions : PDF
  
• NOAA Health Services Questionnaire (NHSQ) Decision Memorandum : PDF
  
• Tuberculosis Policy Decision Memorandum : PDF
• Everything you always wanted to know about TB : PDF

Send the completed form to:

CDR Michelle Pelkey, USPHS

Regional Director of Health Services
NOAA MOC-Pacific
1801 Fairview Avenue East
Seattle, WA 98102
Voice: 206-553-8704
FAX: 206-553-1112
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it