Course FAQ

How much is the tuition ?

$525.00

What must I bring?

This is Northern California bring two sets of warm clothing.
Shoes with non-slip soles.
Sun Glasses
A Hat
Personal toiletries

What can I bring?

Binoculars
Camera
Laptop
Nature books

What will I learn ?

The scientific method.
How to use research equipment
How to take, measure and record data for
Water, plankton, invertebrates marine birds and mammals.
How to perform marine population studies

Who are the science instructors?

Two instructors
A professional San Francisco based naturalist
A University Researcher

Where will I sleep?

You will sleep in the researchers bunk area.
There are bunks and lockers for each student.
Sheets, Blankets, and pillows provided.

What about Food ?

The R/V WHITE HOLLY employs a ships cook.
We will serve delicious hot meals and snacks during the research course.
If you have special dietary needs please inform us so we can accommodate you.

What about personal hygiene?

The R/V WHITE HOLLY has hot showers, sinks and heads.
The vessels’ crew keeps them clean and sanitary.
Towels provided.

Will I get sea Sick ?

Maybe.
The R/V WHITE HOLLY is the largest and most stable vessel
that frequents the Farallone Islands. However if you think you
may get sea sick please take one of the commonly used motion sickness
remedies upon boarding the R/V WHITE HOLLY.

SEASICKNESS:

One of the least pleasant aspects of going to sea is the possibility of seasickness. An individual's susceptibility to seasickness is highly variable. If you've experienced motion sickness in cars, planes, or amusement park rides, you may experience seasickness during the cruise. Regardless, most people feel some level of illness or discomfort when they first go to sea.

Seasickness is a result of a conflict in the inner ear (where the human balance mechanism resides) caused by the erratic motion of the ship through the water. Inside the cabin of a rocking boat, for example, the inner ear detects changes in linear and angular acceleration as the body bobs with the boat. But since the cabin moves with the passenger, the eyes register a relatively stable scene. Agitated by this perceptual incongruity, the brain responds with a cascade of stress-related hormones that can ultimately lead to nausea and vomiting.

Its effect can be magnified by strong smells (like diesel fumes or fish, which are part of daily life at sea). It usually occurs in the first 12-24 hours after sailing, and dissipates when the body becomes acclimated to the ship's motion (getting one's "sea-legs"). Rarely does anyone stay ill beyond the first couple of days at sea, regardless of sea state. There are several over-the-counter medications available to prevent or minimize motion sickness. These are usually taken about an hour before sailing and as needed at sea; you should of course follow the instructions for the particular medication you are taking. All of these medications tend to dehydrate the body, so fluid intake is important.

If you should get seasick, take comfort in the fact that recovery is only a matter of time, and the survival rate is 100%. Each ship has a trained medical officer who can treat severe cases of sea-sickness. However, all that is usually required for a complete recovery is some sensible eating/drinking and some patience. Here are a few tips and considerations regarding seasickness:

• Vomiting offers relief. Make an effort to continue eating items like crackers, dry toast, dry cereal, etc. (avoid anything greasy, sweet, or hard to digest). Keeping something in your stomach suppresses nausea, or, if vomiting, eliminates painful "dry heaves". Antacid tablets help some people.

• Maintain fluids. Seasickness and related medications cause dehydration and headaches. Try to drink juices low in acidity, clear soups, or water, and stay away from milk or coffee.

• Keep working. Most people find that being busy on deck keeps their minds off their temporary discomfort. Also, the fresh air out on deck is often enough to speed recovery. Anyway, you won't be allowed to stay in your bunk during your watch.

• Carry a plastic bag. This simple trick allows some peace of mind and eliminates some of the panic of getting sick. Do not vomit in sinks or trash cans. If you vomit "over the side", be aware of which way the wind and waves are coming. Going to the "lee" will ensure that an unpleasant experience doesn't become any more unpleasant.

• above all, don't be embarrassed or discouraged! If you get sick, chances are that others are sick too! No one -- is immune to seasickness.

Dan Brazelton at work on a research mission, retrieving under water real-time current sensors. Dan is one of our best crew techs.Dan is currently at sea working the Seattle to Hawaii trade route.

Students,Instructors and Crew onboard the R/V White Holly 2006 Farallones Oceanographic Course.

This is the Bunk area. The R/V White Holly has 19 Bunks in the aft berthing area.