This space is created to compile comments, observations, or concerns on the content and implementation of the COVID Mitigation Protocols Established for Safe JR Operations (COPE) established by the JRSO.

Precruise

Comment 1:

Comment 2:

Communication

Comment 1: Headshots/Lab assignments - the Imaging Specialist has to contact a lot of people to figure out what titles/names to use for the headshot posters. It would be nice to get a comprehensive list from one source once everybody arrives in the hotel and assignments are settled.

Comment 2:

Travel:

Comment 1:

Comment 2:

Hotel:

Comment 1: Trainings, including from TAMU EHS, conducted in hotel seem to be very effective. 

Comment 2:

Testing:

Comment 1: test at 4th and 6th day after arrival is very effective.

Comment 2:

Shipboard Protocol

Mask Use:

Comment 1: Mask policy is important because with scientists on board it is impossible to social distance.  And when we are working in the lab everyone is together.  Cohort groups do not really work because no matter what the scientists are going to be crossing over.

Comment 2: Headshots without masks are uncomfortable and don't comply with the COVID protocol, outside setting isn't always feasible due to weather. I used selfies send to me in the hotel. It was the safest way to comply. Is there a better way?

Meals/Mess Hall:

Comment 1: Asking for food is uncomfortable for a lot of people, especially since they don't know the catering crew and don't want to disturb them during their work. How do we know what there is to ask for? A list of available food posted in the galley, single wrapped fruits/cookies/muffins/carrots etc. (glad wrap), single yogurts to go and some plastic silverware in plastic wrap would go a long way.

Comment 2:

Gym:

Comment 1:

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Housekeeping:

Comment 1:

Comment 2:

Other Observations:

Comment 1: It would be better if scientists came on board a day or two after the technicians.  This would allow the techs to finish freight, settle into their labs, and be prepared for scientists.  When we boarded on 396 the scientists were ready to be in the labs getting training and this was not possible for a few days.  The other option is that the EPM should have a set plan for what the scientists should be doing during the first days on board prior to arriving at the ship.

Comment 2:  Scientists should be asked to submit their travel information for going home AND the testing requirements for the country they are going to.

Comment 3: Scientists need to be made aware that they need to keep running their lab instruments through the entire expedition.

Comment 4: DESClogik template setup can't be practiced on the shore severs. Hence, training for temp techs or deeper discussions with scientists on it is impossible from the hotel.

Comment 5: Hotel training consisted partially of reading SOP's. Training material for certain labs such as core catcher duties relied on having a more experienced technician to explain important details, and once on board were found to be somewhat out-of-date. These may need refreshing and expanding if the assumption is that these should form the basis of training.

Comment 6: Having many small trainings increased the chances of misinformation happening as people weren't sure who had been told what. A single-page checklist or cheatsheet of expectations posted in the appropriate place would offset some of this by providing a concrete reference of expectations.

Comment 7: Having a reduced sailing party but no clear direction on what expectations and priorities had changed to make workload manageable made keeping up with all tasks hard on people. While in the short-term this is doable, it puts a lot of pressure on the participants who may be turned off engaging with future programs. Perhaps balancing workload and reduced people available should be addressed at the expedition beginning?

Comment 8: Maybe some additional technical personnel could quarantine at home in case somebody gets stuck en route or tests positive in the hotel. This person could then be sent out on a short notice. This way, sailing with less even less than planned personnel can be avoided.

Comment 9: It is impossible to social distance with coring activity