Age Requirement Aboard Scripps Research Vessels

You must be 18 years or over to sail aboard Scripps research vessels.

Special exception I: Individuals over 16 but under 18 years of age

Special exceptions may be made for persons over the age of 16 but under the age of 18, at the discretion by the chief scientist. In these cases, individuals must be able to sign the scientific party status form in category 1, 2, 3, or 4.

This generally means first obtaining staff employment status at UCSD (or equivalent status from another institution carrying with it worker's compensation coverage for the cruise), whether as salaried or non-salaried (staff volunteer) employees.

Additional approvals by parents/guardians and/or secondary school authorities are required by UCSD in such cases, and it is the responsibility of the individual and their sponsoring chief scientist to comply with the applicable employment rules of UCSD or other institution as appropriate.

Status category 5 (not employed or insured) may not be used for persons in this age bracket without prior written approval of the Associate Director, which will be granted only for the most singular and compelling reasons.

Special exception II: Individuals under 16 years of age

No person under the age of 16 years will be allowed to go to sea on a SIO ship for any purpose, except in the following special circumstances:

1. Emergency involving risk to life (rescue at sea, evacuation from an unsafe port, etc.), at the discretion of the Master of the vessel.
2. Special situations in which a specific named individual under age 16 brings essential scientific qualifications to the work of the scientific party, or brings extraordinary benefit to SIO by being present on the ship. Each such case must be approved individually and in advance by the Associate Director.