To use radionuclides aboard research vessels, complete a "Shipboard Use Authorization Form", RS Form 410, ( Appendix O) and submit it to Radiation Safety. The original, which must be approved by the Radiation Safety Officer and the Captain of the vessel, will be returned to you. Present the original to the Captain before your cruise. This form serves as:

1. your authorization to use radionuclides aboard the vessel; and
2. your inventory record of the amount of radioactivity you brought aboard the vessel, as required by the NRC. The Captain will enter the information in the ship's log for documentation purposes and return the form to you after all radioactivity has been removed from the vessel.

All radioactive materials used onboard research vessels must be attended by an Authorized User or trained Radiation worker at all times during use. When the materials are not in use they must be stored in a locked/secured container to prevent unauthorized removal or access.

Routine area monitoring surveys must be performed at the completion of each day's work with radioactive material as outlined in Section 8. Additionally a complete area monitoring survey of the work area for removable contamination must be performed at the completion of each cruise. Copies of those surveys should be forwarded to Radiation Safety where they will be maintained for review by regulatory officials.

While performing work aboard research vessels, all researchers must implement the following special safety procedures:

1. Secure all sources of radioactivity against spillage which could arise from movement of the vessel.
2. Use plastic sheeting on the walls and/or floors surrounding the workbench.
3. Use unbreakable containers whenever possible.
4. Use double containment for all sources.
5. Label all work areas, equipment, storage containers, etc. to indicate the presence of radioactive materials.
6. Use absorbent paper and containment trays for all work that has the potential to spill.
7. Use lab coats, disposable gloves, and eye protection.
8. Eating, drinking and smoking in radionuclide work areas is prohibited. If eating and/or berthing areas are contiguous with lab areas, special working procedures must be arranged in advance and must be approved by the Radiation Safety Officer and the Captain of the vessel.
9. Prepare for spills and have ample decontamination supplies on hand.
10. Undertake frequent monitoring of all work areas to detect, prevent and, if necessary, control the spread of contamination to other areas of the vessel.
11. Carefully package all materials, including waste, for return to the University for further analysis and/or disposal.
12. Perform a thorough area monitoring survey of the vessel after the cruise to ensure that NO radioactivity is left behind. Forward a copy of those survey results to Radiation Safety for review.
13. Use extra caution and control to ensure that NO radioactivity is released to the environment.