Draft SOW-FBO-Coastal Shark Survey_SOW (1).pdf

Statement of Work 2020 Apex Predators Program – Coastal Shark Survey

The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, materials, equipment, services and facilities (except as otherwise specified), to perform the following statement of work/specifications.

1.0 GENERAL

The Apex Predators Program of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) is requesting the charter of one longline fishing vessel. The vessel will be involved in conducting sampling of coastal sharks using bottom longline gear.

Specific objectives of this survey are to: 1) investigate the distribution, abundance, and species composition of sharks; 2) collect catch per effort data; 3) tag sharks for migration studies; 4) inject, with tetracycline, tagged sharks whenever feasible for age validation studies; 5) collect biological samples for age and growth, food habits and reproductive studies; and to 6) collect morphometric data. Additional sets of pelagic longline gear will be made assuming the proper permitting is acquired and time permits.

2.0 SPECIFIC TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Period of Performance

The work will require up to 50 sea days during the period between April 6 and May 22, 2020. We expect to conduct the survey in two legs of three (3) weeks duration. A shorter leg may also be required in the event we substitute scientific personnel. Depending on where the ship departs, the vessel may be required to enter port to pick up the scientific crew before the fishing starts and in between legs. Flexibility will be required on the vessel’s part.

If survey work is completed in less than the allocated time, the vessel will be reimbursed for only those days actually at sea (sea days). A full sea day is defined as 12 hours or more spent steaming to or from a vessel’s home port for the purpose of conducting the survey and the days actually spent conducting the survey. Calendar days of less than 12 hours will be prorated at an hourly rate based on the daily rate agreed upon for the contract period. Conducting the survey is defined as steaming to each station, setting at each station location and laying-to due to bad weather or scientific equipment failure.

The vessel shall be available for installation of equipment for a period of two (2) work days immediately prior to departure for the first leg of the survey. The vessel shall be at the homeport on or about April 4, 2020, prepared with the necessary fuel, food and crew to start the survey. Prior to departure the vessel must be inspected by the US Coast Guard, in additional to the required commercial vessel inspection. This can be arranged by the vessel Captain with the local Coast Guard representative. Loading of the scientific staff and their equipment will be done at a mutually agreed time and port prior to the beginning of the cruise. Survey stations commence off Florida. If the selected vessel’s homeport is in New England, scientists may choose to join the ship in Florida, though all gear will be loaded in

New England. Steaming from New England to the survey area is considered part of the survey. If the homeport is not New England and the vessel requests to leave from another port closer to the survey area, and this request is granted, then the vessel is required to cover all costs to ship NEFSC gear and bait to the vessel’s port.

A vessel shall be placed off-hire in the event of loss of time due to any contractor and vessel-related operational deficiencies. Any underway days lost by the vessel during the currency of the contract due to excusable delays as defined in FAR 52.212-4(f), shall be added to the cruise period per contract modification. If time is lost due to stress of weather or faulty scientific equipment, which is the property of the government, such loss of time shall be for the account of the government.

2.2 Cruise Operations

Prior to the commencement of the charter, the vessel will be made available to NEFSC scientific staff, on mutually-agreed upon date(s), to inspect the vessel, install scientific equipment, and to meet with the Master and owners. Any software, gear, and/or equipment installed on the vessel for the purpose of conducting the chartered cruise will be removed by NMFS at the end of the cruise. The survey will end in New England, where the NMFS provided equipment and scientific gear and samples will be removed.

The vessel must have a minimum number of crew (including Master), to operate the vessel and to support fishing and scientific operations (see vessel staffing below) on a 24 hour basis. Ship’s crew must be fluent in English. While at sea, the Master is responsible for the operation of the vessel and safety of the scientific staff and crew. The crew is responsible for operation of the vessel, fishing operations (baiting hooks, setting and hauling gear according to Chief Scientist specifications, gear repair and replacement) and assisting with scientific operations on deck (bringing sharks on board and safely handling them for research). Any damage to the charter vessel and its gear which occurs during the cruise is the responsibility of the vessel. The NEFSC Chief Scientist will be in charge of the cruise track, fishing operation, gear configuration, processing the catch, and the scientific sampling.

Area of operations and equipment. The cruise will take place in US waters between Florida and Massachusetts, primary sampling will take place in 5-40 fathoms; some additional pelagic sampling may occur in deeper water. Fishing will occur day and night operating on agreed-upon watches, at pre-determined station locations provided to the Master prior to departure for his/her review. The station locations will be similar to those shown in Figure 1. NMFS will provide bottom longline expendable gear including pre-made gangions, buoy droppers and spool, mainline, floats, high flyers and spare gangion material. The fishing vessel will provide longline spool and all associated deck equipment.

Additionally, vessel will provide all necessary pelagic gear if required permits are obtained. If permits cannot be obtained, vessel will be required to remove (if necessary) all pelagic gear from the vessel to comply with current regulations. Sets will be conducted according to standard operating procedures which will be provided prior to departure of the first leg. These will include a standardized soak time, a standard bait size and gear configuration and other specifications provided by NMFS.

Research permits and fishing licenses. All Scientific Research Permits from the National Marine Fisheries Northeast Regional Administrator and Highly Migratory Species Management Division will be obtained by the Chief Scientist and maintained onboard the vessel for the duration of the survey. The Chief Scientist for this survey will be Dr. Lisa Natanson (Lisa.Natanson@noaa.gov, 401-782-3320). The vessel will be considered a NOAA research vessel under this charter.

The vessel shall utilize and maintain nautical charts, deck log and/or computer software(s) that provide a record of the vessel’s location, operations, operating conditions and any vessel-related significant events. These charts, logs and software output(s) shall be made available upon request of the Chief Scientist. The Master shall provide access to scientific personnel of GPS location data, speed, RPM, and other available operations data during the longlining activities, either by recording or electronically logging these data.

Nothing herein contained shall be construed as creating demise of the vessel to the Government. The Contractor under this contract shall retain complete and exclusive possession and control of the vessels and their navigation.

Vessel staffing. Minimum staffing levels shall be in accordance with the vessel’s Certificate of Inspection (COI), when applicable.

a. In the absence of a COI that specifies minimum staffing levels, the vessel shall be sufficiently staffed to safely and efficiently navigate, operate, perform engineering duties, maintain the vessel, provide food and hotel services, and provide mission-related deck operations and assistance described in the charter vessel statement of work. The requirements of the International Code on Standards for Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers as amended (STCW-95) shall be met regarding work hours and rest periods aboard vessels in which they apply.

b. As a minimum, aboard vessels in which STCW-95 requirements do not apply, a two-watch system shall be in place for navigational watches on charters greater than 12 hours in duration. A navigational watch shall be maintained at all times while the vessel is at sea. No crew member shall be required to work continuously in excess of 12 hours at any given time on any given day. Under normal operating scenarios, all crew members shall be provided at least two (2) rest periods per 24 hour period, one of which must be at least six (6) continuous hours in duration.

c. Exceptions to these requirements are permitted in case of emergencies related to saving the vessel, and those on board, or saving life at sea. In addition, work hour requirements may be adjusted under non-routine circumstances if deemed necessary and agreed upon by the captain and chief scientist (or field party chief) provided that the changes do not violate applicable USCG or STCW-95 regulations.

Crew qualifications. Licensing and related credentials that demonstrate crewmember qualifications are required in accordance with the vessel’s Certificate of Inspection or USCG regulations applicable to the vessel’s size, type, and service. In addition, the mailto:John.Hoey@noaa.gov requirements of STCW-95 shall be met for vessels in which they apply. All crew must have prior experience with longlining.

a. Vessel operators shall be licensed by the USCG and shall have license endorsements to the appropriate level of vessel tonnage, area of operation, manner of propulsion, and number of NOAA-authorized personnel on board. Aboard vessels for which licenses are not required by the USCG, in lieu of a USCG master’s license, the vessel’s captain is required to have a minimum of three years experience as a captain relevant to nature and complexity of the planned longline operation. All watchstanders in charge of a navigational watch shall have a minimum of three years experience aboard vessels equivalent to the vessel being chartered. All persons standing a navigational watch shall be familiarized and trained regarding the operation and use of navigational equipment incidental to their duties aboard the vessel being chartered by the vessel’s captain.

b. A competitive preference may be given to those vessels with crewmembers that have current training in vessel familiarization and basic safety including basic firefighting, elementary first aid and CPR, personal survival techniques, or personal safety.

2.3 Provisions

Three (3) meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) shall be prepared by the vessel cook for two (2) – three (3) scientists. Food supplied to the Government personnel shall be First Quality with variety and nutritional value and in un-rationed amounts. “First Quality” shall mean food of a quality equivalent to that served in a mid-priced family restaurant in the United States. Milk, coffee, tea, water, cold juice and soft drinks shall be available at all times. Meals shall be prepared during each day for which the vessel is chartered. The Contractor shall provide fresh fruit and snack foods for Scientific Field Party personnel 24 hours a day. The vessel shall have ship service electrical, potable water, ventilation, heating or cooling, marine sanitation, and pollution control equipment of sufficient capacity to support NOAA-authorized personnel and mission-related equipment and activities. All ship service systems, ship equipment, and vital systems, shall be operational and maintained in good working order for the duration of the charter.

2.4 Emergency Medical Care, Safety and Health

a. Medical Services. The Contractor shall provide a qualified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) holding current National certification (preferred) or at least two crewmembers trained in advanced first aid, CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use while underway for the duration of the contract. The vessel is required to have an AED on board. The medical person in charge is responsible to the Master for health of crewmembers and Scientific Field Party personnel including emergency and routine care, preventative medicine and medical administration. The medical person in charge shall assist the Master in developing plans and procedures for dealing with medical emergencies, including obtaining shore side medical advice/assistance and designating and training other shipboard personnel to provide assistance in emergencies.

b. Medical Provisions. The Contracted vessel shall be outfitted with a current first aid manual, complete first aid kit and automated external defibrillator. The Contractor shall provide a designated area to accommodate first aid treatment, medical equipment and other medical provisions. The Contractor shall establish adequate and reasonable controls and procedures for the custody and safekeeping of all medical supplies, equipment and controlled medical substances.

c. Medical history forms. NOAA-authorized personnel deploying aboard chartered vessels for overnight cruises shall complete a NOAA Health Services Questionnaire. All copies of NOAA-authorized personnel medical information shall be stored in a secure location and shall remain confidential in accordance with Health Insurance and Portability Accountability Act and Privacy Act requirements. Sealed copies of NOAA-authorized personnel medical information shall be maintained by the Chief Scientist or the assigned medical person in charge. All copies of scientists’ medical information shall be stored in a secure location remain confidential, and shall only be used in case of extreme emergency or upon disclosure by the scientist. Medical information forms shall be returned to the scientists (in the same sealed envelope providing there was no need for them to be opened) at the end of service aboard the vessel.

d. Hazardous Materials. The Contractor shall maintain a current library of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous materials aboard the vessels and shall make them readily available to all personnel on board. The Chief Scientist will provide the Contractor with a current copy of an MSDS for any/all hazardous materials brought onboard the vessel by the Scientific Field Party. The Chief Scientist will be responsible for the removal of all hazardous materials not used during scientific operations and for the removal of all hazardous wastes, if any, generated by the Scientific Field Party. The Government will provide the personal protective equipment required for the safe handling of those hazardous materials brought onboard. The Contractor is responsible for the compliance with all applicable environmental, health and safety laws and regulations pertaining to shipboard operations, including the use of hazardous materials, and the treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes (if any) generated by the vessel.

Additional safety requirements such as an emergency eye wash station will also need to be arranged. These arrangements will be made in cooperation with the Master.

2.5 Living and Working Conditions for Scientific Personnel

a. Liquor or Illegal Drugs. During the cruise period, the possession or use of intoxicating liquor and or illegal drugs by any person aboard the vessels is not permitted, and may be grounds for termination of the Contract by the Government. The Contractor shall comply with the requirements to maintain a Drug Free Workplace contained in FAR 52.233-6.

b. Firearms. During the cruise period, all firearms, should any be onboard, shall be kept under lock and key by the Master.

c. Smoking. Smoking shall be prohibited in all interior spaces occupied by or utilized by the Scientific Field Party. Smoking on deck shall be in designated areas only.

d. At no time during the vessel charter period which includes staging and destaging in-port times, shall any member of the scientific party or crew be subjected to or take part in, any acts of discrimination based on sex, disability, race, color, ethic nationality or gender identification. This includes discriminatory comments, jokes, propaganda, harassment or biasness, whether directly or indirectly involving a member of the scientific party or crew member.

e. Pornographic Material: All pornographic material, such as magazines, movies, calendars, etc will be removed from all public/common areas on board the vessel during the duration of the vessel charter period.

f. Water intended for personal use and consumption that is taken, produced, or stored aboard the vessel shall be handled in accordance with applicable regulations. Evidence of bacteriological and chemical testing of shipboard potable water taken from the vessel’s storage tanks via the vessel’s distribution system by a certified laboratory within three months of the charter period shall be provided. Potable water shall be tested and treated to maintain a pH of 6.8 to 7.8 and a residual halogen content of 0.2 ppm to 2.0 ppm free available chlorine (or equivalent) weekly. Water should be free of tastes, odors, and turbidity that would be objectionable to the majority of those on board.

2.6 Passengers

The Contractor shall not permit any passengers to be transported aboard either vessel for any reason without specific approval of the Chief Scientist. This restriction applies to all who are not crew or part of the scientific party (including family members).

2.7 Security

The vessel shall provide a security watch while in port to ensure that unauthorized personnel are not permitted to board the vessel from shore or via the harbor. Emergency phone numbers for local port officials and law enforcement shall be available to the person on watch. Best marine practices shall be in place while underway to ensure that unauthorized personnel or craft are not permitted to approach the vessel. The Master of the vessel shall take all additional customary and reasonable precautions to ensure that no harm befalls the vessel while in port and at sea.

3.0 VESSEL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Minimum Vessel and Gear Specifications

The vessel and gear must be capable of safely longlining on and off the continental shelf in waters 5-40 fathoms. Crew must be knowledgeable and experienced with longline fishing for shark. Deck arrangements must be suitable to support bottom and pelagic longlining operations. The hauling station shall be near, or forward of, midships. The setting station shall be near the transom. Hauling operations shall be at the edge of the work deck and be unencumbered by obstructions.

Vessel must have:

Sufficient deck space to safely and efficiently bring large sharks aboard for biological sampling while conducting hauling operations; a minimum of 10 x 5 foot area to work on sharks. This area must be away from the hauling operation so as not to interfere with hauling.

The means to mechanically lift large live and dead sharks safely aboard the vessel using a sling for live specimens for tagging or hoist (for dead specimens).

Be capable of deploying and retrieving CTD instruments and water sampling bottles.

Onboard freezer capacity sufficient to accommodate 9,000 pounds of frozen bait

(dogfish) and maintain a temperature of -15o C (5oF), or lower, is required.

A minimum endurance of 21 days and a minimum cruising speed of 7 knots are required. In addition, the vessel shall be capable of maintaining a longlining speed of

2.5 to 4.0 knots in moderate weather conditions (any heading), while setting and hauling longline gear; minimum speed with steerage shall be 1.25 kts in calm water and be variable between 1.25 and 2.0 kts.

The vessel must have a maximum operating draft of 12.5 feet.

The vessel must have sufficient officers and crew to operate the vessel on a 24 hour basis without any individual being required to routinely stand watch more than 12 hours per day.

The vessel shall meet the stability requirements pertaining to its size and class as found in 46 CFR, Part 28, Subpart E throughout the period of operation taking into consideration the itinerant loads specified.

Fuel and potable water capacity to operate continuously for 21 days.

Sheltered scientific work area (minimum 80 ft2).

Equipment to monitor vessel speed, direction and bearing, and water depth.

Sonar and echosounders (dual frequencies).

Weather FAX machine and LORAN are desirable but not required.

Operational computer plotter program, DGPS-capable.

Email capability.

Freezer for storage of biological samples (minimum 20 cubic feet).

Dry storage area of 80 sq ft for scientific equipment.

The vessel must have berthing for up to three (3) scientists. It is anticipated that the scientific complement will consist of both genders. Single gender berthing is required.

All vessels chartered by NOAA shall be outfitted with accommodations for NOAA-authorized personnel at least equivalent to that which is minimally required for crew members and in keeping with good marine practice. For overnight cruises, as a minimum, an individual bunk and locker shall be provided for each NOAA-authorized person unless mutually agreed upon arrangements are made between NOAA-authorized personnel and the vessel operator. An adequate number of staterooms, heads and showers shall be provided to accommodate gender differences and total number of persons aboard to the extent possible. All living and working spaces, including galleys, mess rooms, heads, showers, berthing spaces, passageways, lounges, recreation areas, store rooms, and laboratory spaces, shall be free of pests and vermin and shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition for the duration of the charter.

Navigation equipment requirements. All vessels chartered by NOAA shall meet USCG or SOLAS requirements and international navigational rules with respect to navigational safety including a ship’s whistle, a ship’s bell, navigation lights and navigation signaling devices. All vessels chartered by NOAA shall be outfitted with a fixed magnetic compass and deviation table, two RADARs, or one RADAR and one electronic chart/tracking system, and a fixed electronic positioning system in accordance with USCG or SOLAS requirements for inspected vessels. Aboard vessels employing a one-person bridge watch, a tamper resistant audible watch or bridge alarm in the wheelhouse is required with an activation cycle not to exceed 15 minute intervals during the charter.

Communications. All vessels chartered by NOAA shall have at least one VHF radio and one SSB radio. A single radio transceiver meeting frequency requirements of the VHF and SSB radios may be acceptable in lieu of two separate radios. If a single radio transceiver is used, then another means of communication, e.g., a cellular telephone or satellite communication system that is operational throughout the vessel’s area of operation, must also be available. Vessels operating more than 200 nm from shore must have satellite communication capability, e.g., INMARSAT, Iridium or a handheld satellite telephone.

a. All vessels chartered by NOAA must be equipped with a general alarm system capable of being activated from the bridge for notifying individuals in any accommodation or work space in case of fire, abandon ship, or emergency in accordance with current USCG or SOLAS regulations. An alternate means of notifying embarked personnel may be used in lieu of a general alarm system, provided it meets the intent of the requirements of a general alarm system.

b. A competitive preference may be given to vessels that have a fixed telephone system, public address system, or hand held radios, that permit clear and audible two-way communication between persons on the bridge and persons located at interior work stations or at on-deck working areas.

Emergency power. All vessels chartered by NOAA must have an emergency source of electrical power, independent of the main source of electrical power, to provide power to emergency loads in accordance with USCG or SOLAS requirements for a vessel of its size, type, and service. At a minimum, chartered vessels shall have a means to provide emergency power to the following equipment: emergency lighting, navigation equipment, navigation lights, general alarm systems (where fitted), and emergency communication systems and equipment. The emergency source of electrical power must be capable of supplying connected emergency loads continuously for at least three hours and must be located in a space or locker other than the main machinery space. Batteries of sufficient size and capacity may serve as an adequate source of emergency power.

Pollution control. All vessels chartered by NOAA shall meet applicable international, federal, state, and local pollution control laws and regulations. Vessels shall be outfitted and operated in accordance with applicable USCG and IMO regulations for the control of pollution by air emissions, sewage, oil, trash and garbage.

3.2 Safety

The contractor shall ensure a USCG Fishing Vessel Safety Inspection has been passed within one year of the start of the cruise. The vessel shall meet all safety, firefighting and lifesaving equipment requirements as found in applicable sections of Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 28. The vessel shall be outfitted with personal floatation devices and survival craft of sufficient number and capacity to accommodate all on board including visiting scientific party and of the type required for a vessel of its size, class, and service in accordance with 46 CFR. Survival suits for the ship’s crew must be provided by the Contractor; the scientific party can provide their own survival suits. The government reserves the right to inspect the vessel for safety, firefighting and lifesaving capabilities in accordance with a memorandum of understanding between NMFS and the USCG prior to award and commencement of the charter.

a. All vessels chartered by NOAA shall carry survival craft of aggregate capacity to accommodate at least 100% of the number of persons permitted to be aboard. Survival craft must meet USCG or SOLAS regulations based on vessel size, type, construction, and area of operation. For operations outside the boundary line, survival craft shall be outfitted with SOLAS A pack for ocean service. All survival craft must be stowed so as to float free and inflatable survival craft must automatically inflate in the event the vessel sinks. Each survival craft and stowage arrangement shall meet USCG or SOLAS maintenance, servicing, and certification requirements as evidenced by a current and valid USCG inspection or SOLAS certification. The expiration date of survival craft inspection and certification shall not be exceeded during the charter period.

b. All vessels chartered by NOAA shall carry at least one (1) Type I personal floatation device (PFD) for every person on board. Vessels chartered by NOAA operating seaward of the Boundary Line and north of 32 degrees north latitude or south of 32 degrees south latitude shall also carry at least one immersion suit for each person on board. The immersion suits and PFDs shall be of proper size and fit and shall be outfitted with ancillary equipment required by USCG regulations such as a light, a whistle, and reflective materials. The suits and PFDs shall be marked in accordance with USCG regulations, shall be stowed in locations accessible to working and berthing areas, and shall be maintained in good working order and condition.

c. All vessels chartered by NOAA shall carry at least one Category 1, 406 mHz, emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) of the type that is automatically activated and stowed to meet float-free arrangement requirements. EPIRBs shall be currently registered per the NOAA Search and Rescue Satellite (SARSAT) program and shall be tested in accordance with USCG or SOLAS regulations and manufacturer’s recommendations.

EPIRBs that fail testing shall be serviced and repaired or replaced. The expiration date of EPIRB battery and hydro test date shall not be exceeded.

d. All vessels chartered by NOAA shall carry distress signaling devices of the type and quantity required by USCG or SOLAS regulations. As a minimum, all vessels shall carry at least three (3) parachute flares, six (6) hand held flares, and three (3) smoke signal flares. Distress signaling devices shall be serviceable and properly stowed and marked.

e. Means of escape. Aboard all vessels chartered by NOAA there shall be two (2) identified escape routes from all general areas. At least one (1) of these two (2) means shall be independent of watertight hatches and doors, except for quick acting watertight hatches and doors giving final access to weather decks.

f. Fire protection. All vessels chartered by NOAA shall have in place fully functional fire protection systems and equipment, such as portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers, fire pumps, fire mains, fixed gas extinguishing systems, and fire detection and alarm systems in accordance with USCG or SOLAS requirements.

Safety briefing, emergency instructions, and drills. Prior to the beginning of a cruise, and also when new personnel embark, an orientation shall be conducted for NOAA-authorized personnel and crew by the vessel’s captain or the captain’s designee (who themselves have been trained and are qualified in accordance with USCG or SOLAS regulations) in matters related to the vessel’s safety, firefighting, and lifesaving equipment capabilities, assigned responsibilities, and emergency procedures. Muster lists, station bills, safety information, and written emergency procedures shall be posted and provided in accordance with USCG or SOLAS regulations.

a. The following USCG or SOLAS drills are required either prior to departure but no later than 24 hours after departure weather permitting, in accordance with the requirements of 46 CFR Part 199.180: Firefighting, including donning, breakout, and use of firefighting equipment; and abandon ship; including mustering and accountability procedures, and donning and use of immersion suits.

b. One (1) drill shall be conducted at least once every week while at sea for the duration of the cruise, including the above or man overboard, including procedures for ship recovery or launch and recovery of rescue craft and equipment, survival equipment, and survival craft; procedures for using general alarm systems, making voice radio distress calls, and use of visual distress signals; and control of unintentional flooding.

c. All drills shall be documented and recorded in the vessel’s official logbook.

Nautical charts and publications. Vessels chartered by NOAA shall have as a minimum one of each chart that covers the vessels’ area of operation corrected through the most current Notice to Mariners. Vessels shall also carry copies of the U.S. Coast Pilot, local tide and tidal current tables in covered areas, and Inland Navigation Rules and International Rules of the Road. Vessels may choose to use USCG approved, up-to-date, electronic charts and publications in lieu of paper charts. If relying on electronic charts, the vessel shall have on board a set of paper charts necessary to navigate safely to a port near the vessel’s area of operation.

Equipment tests. In preparation for getting underway, the captain shall ensure that visual inspections and operational tests of onboard systems and equipment deemed to be critical to the safety of the vessel are conducted, such as steering gear, propulsion engines (ahead and astern), the vessel’s whistle, navigational equipment, and emergency communication equipment. In addition, while underway, all vessels shall conduct periodic tests of critical safety equipment. A checklist of required tests shall be maintained on the bridge and entries shall be made in the vessel’s log to document safety equipment testing. Vessel equipment and systems shall be operational for the duration of the charter.

Voyage plans and communication requirements. Prior to departure a voyage plan shall be provided by NOAA Program Officials to the vessel detailing the anticipated route, schedule, and itinerary the vessel will follow. In addition, a list of crew members and NOAA-authorized personnel aboard with names and emergency contact information shall be provided and exchanged. The vessel shall communicate regularly with NOAA Program Officials regarding the status of the cruise and regarding any changes to scheduled voyage plans.

3.3 Stability

The vessel shall be of design and shall be operated and maintained in a condition that warrants it seaworthy and stable in accordance with the American Bureau of Shipping’s Guide for Building and Classing Fishing Vessels and the 46 CFR, Part 28, Subchapter E as applicable, taking into consideration itinerant loads identified herein. The vessel is required to have a Stability Letter signed by a recognized naval architect certifying that the vessel meets minimum stability requirements. The vessel shall be operated in accordance with the conditions identified in the Stability Letter.

3.4 Material Condition, Structural and Watertight Integrity

The contractor shall provide one (1) or more of the following, reflecting the vessels current configuration, as evidence of the vessel being maintained in a seaworthy condition:

evidence of a drydocking survey, or underwater survey in lieu of drydocking, and an internal structural examination within the two (2) years prior to the initiation of the cruise;

or proof of satisfactorily passing an inspection completed by the contractors marine insurance carrier within one year of initiation of the cruise. The Government reserves the right to inspect the vessel’s material condition with respect to maintenance of vital systems, vessel configuration, and watertight integrity prior to award and commencement of the charter.

3.5 Regulatory Compliance

The vessel shall be outfitted, operated and maintained to meet all applicable federal, state and local environmental, health, safety and pollution control regulations. The Contractor shall have on board during the currency of this contract all certificates, records and other documents required by applicable laws and regulation including a Certificate of Financial Responsibility meeting requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard. Vessel must not have any current operator or vessel permit sanctions.

3.6 Insurance

The Contractor shall at all times indemnify and save harmless the Government from and against all claims and demands, losses, costs, damages, actions, suits or other proceedings by whomever made, brought or presented in any manner based upon, occasioned by or attributed to the execution of these presents, or any action taken or things done or maintained by virtue hereof or the exercise in any manner of the rights arising hereunder, this provision to cover any loss or damage to the vessels, the crew thereof and all other vessels and persons.

a. Maintenance of Marine Insurance Coverage. During the full period of this Contract the Contractor shall maintain the customary full-form marine insurance coverage on the vessels including Hull and Machinery and P&I taking into account scientific personnel employed on board. The P&I policy should be adjusted to ensure coverage up to $1M per person. The expense for such insurance coverage shall be for the Contractor’s account and shall be deemed to be included in the hire payable under this contract. Copies of the Insurance Policy shall be provided by the Contractor as technical information within the quote package as outlined in Section G.4. Copies of the Insurance Policy as required by the above specifications will be submitted to the COTR prior to the cruise to ensure that all criteria have been met.

b. Limitation of Charter’s Liability. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the Government shall not be liable for any loss, damage, expense, cost or liability whatsoever and howsoever incurred by the Contractor or vessel which is recoverable under any insurance carried by the Contractor or would have been recoverable under insurance required by Section B.6.a herein.

c. Notification to Government. Contractor shall to the maximum extent practicable, keep the Government, through Contracting Officer, currently informed in writing as to the potential vitiation, suspension, lapse, or termination of any vessels’ insurance policies as a consequence of this contract.

d. Government named Assured. The Government shall be named as an assured, with waiver of subrogation noted, under the vessels’ Hull and Machinery policy (and under the Increased Value policy if applicable), under the vessel’s P&I entry, under the Vessel Pollution policy, under the vessel’s War Risk Hull and Machinery policy including P&I.

Copies of the Insurance Policy shall be provided by the Contractor as technical information within the bid package as outlined in Section G.4. Copies of the modified Insurance Policy as required by the above specifications will be submitted to the COTR prior to the cruise to ensure that all criteria have been met.

Figure 1. Station locations for Apex Predators Program Coastal Shark Survey. Similar station locations will be visited during the 2020 survey.

South Carolina

North Carolina

Florida

Maryland Delaware

Virginia

Georgia