R/V Sammy Ray Policy and Procedures Manual

T E X A S A & M U N I V E R S I T Y A T G A L V E S T O N

R/V SAMMY RAY

The R/V Sammy Ray is a custom-built 26 ½ ft aluminum vee-hulled marine research vessel powered by twin Mercury Saltwater 150 hp outboards. The vessel has state-of-the-art electronic equipment and is expected to a valuable contribution to marine research programs at Texas A&M University in Galveston and within the Texas A&M University System.

Waters traveled. The R/V Sammy Ray is used primarily for marine research in offshore, near shore and inshore waters proximate to Galveston, Texas. Offshore research is largely confined to Texas territorial waters, and the current range of the vessel excludes offshore work in excess of thirty miles. Research work will occasionally occur at the Louisiana-Texas state line. Louisiana territorial waters are limited to three nautical miles while Texas territorial waters are nine nautical miles. Vessel operations are restricted to the continental United States.

Brief description of operations. The R/V Sammy Ray is used to conduct marine research in oceanographic, archaeological, biological and geological sciences. The vessel is available for course instruction on a limited basis, and subject to Research and Graduate Studies Office review and approval. The vessel will be available for freshwater research subject to Research and Graduate Studies Office (RGSO) approval.

Operator – skipper must be an RGSO-approved TAMUG faculty, TAMUG institutional research scientist or TAMUG employee. The R/V Sammy Ray is available to TAMU-S faculty and research scientists, research personnel external to the A&M University System and other users at a nominal charge. An RGSO-approved operator – skipper is required.

R/V Sammy Ray Policy and Procedures Manual

R/V Sammy Ray Float Plan form

R/V Sammy Ray Trip Inspection and Checkout form

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Boating Accident Report form

Appendix 1 – Emergency Contacts

Appendix 2 – Weather and Tidal Information

Quick Reference Card: hsb2 PLUSSeries Color LCD Radar Display

Quick Reference Card: hsb2 PLUSSeries Color LCD Chart Display

RV Sammy Ray Request Form

Vehicle Request Form