Cruise Preparation | Foreign Clearances

A vexing problem, occurring with ever greater frequency, is that of working in foreign territorial waters. As a general rule, a vessel may pass through territorial waters freely, but may not collect data without advance permission. Actual research operations and most data collection will require permission. Details on the current claims of the various coastal nations, and their vigor in enforcing them, are available from the Marine Superintendent. As a matter of prudence, any operations within 200 miles of a coast should be discussed with him, and the implications and requirements investigated.

It is the responsibility of the Chief Scientist to inform the Marine Superintendent well in advance and in detail of his plans to work within the 200 mile limit, and of any desired port of call in a foreign country. After the Principal Investigator submits a Cruise Prospectus, Foreign Clearance Request form and a cruise track, the Marine Superintendent will initiate requests for clearances and port calls, and follow up on their status. These clearance requests must be handled through the U. S. State Department and the Foreign Office of the country concerned, and usually require three to six months to accomplish.

The ship's Master, as a matter of policy, is forbidden to carry out research in legally recognized territorial waters unless prior permission has been obtained, and he has documentary evidence to that effect. Changes to cruises while underway which would involve work not previously planned in territorial waters normally will not be approved.

There is also an increasing tendency for countries to attach conditions to clearances. Official observers or scientific participants may have to be placed on board ship, or be involved in the processing of scientific results. Additional port calls may be necessary to accommodate foreign visitors. The host nation may require sharing of samples and data; as a minimum they require a Post-Cruise Report within 30 days of the end of the cruise. Details for preparing this report are listed in the instructions on the Cruise Prospectus form.

Transportation and subsistence costs for foreign participants may have to be provided; and ship operations cannot help pay these costs. Chief Scientists should make allowances for paying these costs, and for integrating foreign participants into the cruise. It is most important that the terms or whatever conditions are imposed are clearly understood by both parties, preferably made in writing; and the Chief Scientist be prepared to carry out his end of the agreement. Failure to do so will make it difficult for other researchers to gain access to coastal waters, and will likely result in the defaulting scientists not being granted ship time in the future on CAPE HATTERAS. The Marine Superintendent will inform scientists as to the paperwork required in each programs, and for integrating foreign participants into the cruise.