Healy - Shipboard Science Network & Computing

This is a brief overview of the Shipboard Science Network computing systems capabilities on board USCGC Healy to aid in cruise planning. The Healy's science network infrastructure is composed of fiber linked gigabit switches to science lab and work spaces and can accomodate gigabit copper connections. Wireless 802.11g is also supported in science living areas as well as science lab spaces and the bridge. Contact the ESU Polar Science Support Branch prior to your cruise to ensure that any additional resources that you will be bringing, or may need can be accommodated on the network. You can reach the shore side support staff at ESUSeattleScience(at)uscg.mil.

Internet Usage:

For the reasons outlined below as well as many others, Internet access is restricted on board Healy to shared use General Purpose computers provided for your use. It is important for users to understand both the usability of this connection as well as their responsibility in its use. The Healy's Internet connection while at sea is via Ku band satellites. This is an expensive and limited resource and is not like your shore based connection and can be rendered useless to everyone if not managed appropriately. Our bandwidth has a guaranteed rate of 256 kilobits/sec with the ability to burst for short periods to 512Kb. This shared internet connection is generally available to the science party as long as Healy is operating below 75N latitude. Between 75N and 80N, usability can suffer and degrade, and above 80N it is generally not available at all.

Email is restricted to 3 megabytes per message when operating with Ku band VSAT. When Healy is beyond the reach of Ku band satellite coverage email is still supported via Iridium but the size restriction is reduced to 200 kilobytes.

For guidance on the use of the Healy Shipboard Science Network see the Usage Policy. The following general usage statements shall govern the internet usage on board Healy by Science party members. The Healy Shipboard Science Network provides 14 general purpose (GP) workstations for Science party use. These machines have filtered internet access. The Healy firewall is set to restrict access to gambling, hate sites, pornography, etc. We can add legitimate sites as exclusions to the filter database should you encounter a legitimate website that is being blocked. Bring it to the attention of the on board technician.

The GP workstation includes the following software, but not limited to: Open Office Suite, Gimp, Adobe Reader and internet access. Please remember that these GP workstations allow users to conduct business with home institutions and are shared between the entire Science party, so limited use is requested. If there will be any mission specific software or other computer software that is required, please contact the ESU Polar Science Support Branch. Specifically NOT provided are installations of MATLAB or LabView. If you bring such software licensed through your institution please ensure that your versions will continue to function when disconnected from both the internet as well as your home institution's network.

The Healy Shipboard Science Network has several printers on the network and provides the capability to print in color, black and white, scan, and copy.