Field Procedures Manual, April 2014.

Abstract

The purpose of this Field Procedures Manual (FPM) is to provide NOAA field units with consolidated and standardized guidelines and requirements for conducting, processing, and generating final field deliverables for Office of Coast Survey (OCS) hydrographic surveys. This manual summarizes current best practices that shall be used by NOAA field units to meet specifications set forth in the NOS Hydrographic Surveys Specifications and Deliverables. Words used in this manual to denote mandatory or permissive actions are defined as follows: • “Shall” or “must” means the procedure or standard is mandatory. • “Should” means the procedure or standard is recommended. • “May” and “need note” means that the procedure or standard is optional. • “Will” means futurity of action only and does not indicate any degree of requirement for application of a procedure or meeting a standard. Due to the rapid development of technology and continual improvement of operational methods, the FPM will require periodic maintenance. User input, particularly from field units, is critical to ensuring that the FPM is up to date. Recommended changes to the FPM will be reviewed by committee bi-annually for potential application to the FPM. Any new procedures put into effect between versions of the FPM will be implemented via a Hydrographic Surveys Technical Directive. Recommended changes and other comments regarding the manual can be made via the following online form: https://docs.google.com/a/noaa.gov/spreadsheet/viewform?usp=drive_web&formkey=dDZ1anFweXZiLUQtNXNMYWh2SktFdlE6MA#gid=0 or via email to HSSD.FPM.updates@noaa.gov. Any mention of a commercial company or product within this manual does not constitute an endorsement by NOAA. The use for publicity or advertising purposes of information concerning proprietary products or software or the tests of such products is not authorized