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  • Planning Your Trip
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  • Measurement of pH
  • Alkalinity
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  • Plankton Sampling
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Instructor's Manual - Planning Your Trip

Following the guidelines below will help insure that the cruise goes smoothly for your group.

1. Be certain you know in advance the time and place to meet the vessel.
Particularly for D.J. ANGUS users, on the day before the cruise, please contact the GVSU-AWRI at (616) 331-3749 for the vessel location. Confirm the time the vessel leaves and be at the dock about 15 minutes before departure. Please be on time. Late classes will not be able to have the full cruise experience. If you have to cancel your reservation, please notify GVSU-AWRI as soon as possible. It is important to give another group a chance at a booking and the vessel crew needs to know schedules in advance.

2. Be prepared for any weather conditions.
The vessels will go out regardless of weather, except if conditions are severe. If Lake Michigan is too rough, other locations will be sampled. Your group should try to wear rubber-soled shoes on-board. A wet deck is very slippery. It can be colder at the lake than inland and it is usually windier as well, so encourage students to bring a jacket. If sensitive to the sun, students should wear a hat, long sleeve shirt, long pants, and bring the proper sunscreen.

3. Limit the items that are brought on-board.
Please limit what your group brings on-board the vessels. Backpacks are not needed on the cruise and must be left onshore. Student cell phones should not be taken on-board and adult use of cell phones is limited to emergencies. Especially on the D.J. ANGUS, there is little room for storage. Leave lunches onshore since there will be no opportunity for eating on the vessels. Also, note that there is no gum chewing allowed on the vessels.

4. Determine special needs of the group.
If there are any disabled (physical or mental) members of the group, or any special needs, please let GVSU-AWRI know as soon as possible so appropriate arrangements can be made. Both vessels are handicapped assessable and have rest rooms. For those needing medication for motion sickness, advise them to take their medication at the proper amount of time BEFORE going on-board the vessel. Check if anyone in the group has a need for special medication or is allergic to insects such as bees and wasps. Advise them to have any needed medication with them.

5. Prepare your list of participants (Max. 26 people).
Have a copy of your list of participants ready to give the instructors before your group boards the vessel. The Captain needs to know the exact number of students and adults prior to departure.

6. Safety procedures aboard the vessel.
The GVSU-AWRI Outreach Education Program prides itself in providing safe cruises for all participants. Be sure that everyone in your group is aware of the importance of safety aboard the vessels by reviewing the procedures with them prior to their cruise (inside front cover). Especially in the event of an emergency, these procedures are vitally important.

7. Supervision and discipline.
The aquatic science instructors are there to facilitate the education program. Class teachers and chaperones are expected to supervise and discipline students during the cruise - this is not the responsibility of GVSU-AWRI instructors, captains, or crew. A cruise can be terminated if your group is not under control.

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