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Ww FWD
1.
Charter-Contract
Ship-Safety
Crew
DOE/PASO Liason
Medical Team Problems
Charter-Contract
A,
I have discussed at some length the problem with the lack of
"walk on capability" offered by U.S. Oceanography in their proposal (enclosure
I),
H.8., C.0., and I discussed an alternative method of patient transfer via
the DOE Boston Whalers,
(The ship had failed to bring their two whalers -
listed as ship's equipment in their proposal,)
The DOE Whalers, I had been
informed by the Glcbal marine department, were in "bad shape" yet they were
the only available Loats for patient transfer,
I indicated that if at anytime
I felt the operation was hazardous, I would stop the transfer - and if necessary
avort tne trip - or move operations to tne isiana - a very poor aiternative,
since one of our prime goals on this survey was chest x-rays,
After vigorous
urging, the ship fabricated a raft to fit under the gangway so tnat the patients
could step from the boat to a semi-stable 8x8 platform before they climbed up
the gangway,
the bow,
On shore the boat was beached and the patients handec in over
At low tide this was a difficult task,
B,
When we reached Rongelap ~- and it began to rain - I asked repeat--
edly for a tarpaulin to protect the patients and the medical staff - a series
of make-shift pieces of canvas were rigged but they were barely adequate especially with the high winds,
I repeatedly asked if they had spare canvas
and a grommet machine and was told they had one - but I never saw it used,
The user's dining area - aft on the 0-1 level was completely open,
I had
commented on this in San Diego and was told a series of canvas panels would
be fabricated to protect this area from the wind and rain when we needed it,