Research Vessel Yellowfin
Planning Your Trip
Your Arrival at SCMI:
- Directions to SCMI can be found at: Where are We?
- The small parking lot in front of the building is reserved for staff only. Please make sure you park along the street.
- We advise that you arrive to SCMI no later than 30 minutes prior to your departure to allow for traffic and detours.
- There are almost no amenities in this corner of the port and the closest gas station is over the bridge in San Pedro. Remind the students to bring snacks and water bottles, and to not arrive here with an empty tank of gas.
What to Bring:
- Closed-toed shoes are required.
- Dress in layers – sunglasses and hats are strongly recommended.
- Sunscreen.
- Seasickness medicine – We do not provide seasickness medicine to individuals who are prone to seasickness. We suggest medications such as Dramamine or Bonine (less potential for drowsiness) be taken the day before and at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Wearing a Psi Band may help reduce seasickness without resorting to medications.
- Cameras and Binoculars.
- Identification Books and Keys.
- Scientific Collection Permit (SCP) – Otter Trawls and Issacs-Kidd Midwater Trawls require that the cruise leader (not SCMI) holds a SCP. The terms of the SCP require that the permit holder records ALL fish that cross the deck of our vessel, whether they are kept or not. Recording the numbers and species is the responsibility of the permit holder/cruise leads. SCMI crew can help identify species if needed.
- Any containers needed to preserve samples if you intend to collect
What to Expect on your Cruise:
- Your cruise will include a crew of the captain, vessel engineer and a demonstration technician.
- The primary responsibility of the demonstration technician is operating deck/scientific equipment, being a deckhand and explaining the equipment that is being used and the samples that come onboard. While your demonstration technician is an expert on subjects pertaining to their duties, they have the ability to aid instruction of the class, but not run the entire class without engagement from the professor.
