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that it usually takes one survey party at least one season and perhaps several consecu- 

 tive seasons to finish it. 



121. Project Instructions 



Instructions, known as 'project instructions, are written for each numbered project 

 to supplement the published manuals. The details of the instructions vary from 

 specific to general, depending on the locality, whether there have been prior surveys 

 by this Bureau in the area, and whether these were of a reconnaissance nature or were 

 adequate at the time they were made. The instructions define the limits of the project 

 area and indicate specifically what operations are to be performed, by what methods, 

 and to what degree of accuracy. Frequently the purpose of the project is mentioned. 



A copy of a chart of the area on an appropriate scale is usually furnished with the 

 instructions, on which the limits of the project and the limits of all applicable prior 

 hydrographic and topographic surveys within the area are indicated. The Chief of 

 Party is furnished, without request, with copies of all existing data which are believed 

 to be required for the operations. He should examine these thorouglily, on receipt, 

 in connection with the instructions, to assure himself that all the necessary data have 

 been included. If omissions are discovered or the data forwarded are considered in- 

 sufficient, he should request from the Washington Office any additional data required. 



Occasionally it becomes necessary to issue supplemental instructions to modify 

 or supplement the original instructions, as where tne progress of the survey discloses 

 additional facts regarding the characteristics of the area. In all correspondence, all 

 Descriptive Reports, season's reports, and special reports, which refer to the operations 

 of the project, reference shall be made to the project number, followed, in parentheses, 

 by the year in which the instructions were issued, as for example, CS-251(1939). If 

 supplemental instructions have been issued, reference to these shall also be made when 

 they are applicable. 



The Chief of Party shall acknowledge the receipt of all project instructions and 

 supplemental instructions. He is required to make a careful study of them as soon 

 as the instructions and the accompanying data are received. He should report to the 

 Washington Office immediately any revisions of the requirements which he recom- 

 mends, any parts of the instructions which are not clearly understood, or any subjects 

 relative to the project about which he desires more complete or additional information. 

 The Chief of Party is urged, if the progress of the operations discloses the need therefor, 

 to make specific recommendations for amendments to the original instructions or 

 recommendations for the requirements of succeeding seasons' operations in the same 

 or adjoining areas. 



Ordinarily the project instructions will be divided into and treat of the following 

 subjects: General, control, topography, hydrography, tides, and miscellaneous. Oc- 

 casionally additional subjects are included, among which may be magnetic and current 

 observations. 



1211. General Instructions 



In the general part of the project instructions the limits of the areas which are to 

 be surveyed are specified, the offshore limits sometimes being defined by depths. The 

 part of the area in which operations are to be begun is specified and the desired direction 

 of progress. When two or more Chiefs of Party are assigned to operate in the same 

 area on the same project, their respective operations and the division of authority 

 are defined. 



