Guide to Standard Procedure

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Regulatory Information
Corporate Regulations	Guide to Standard Procedure	Chain of Command

All Stellar Corporate Conglomerate vessels share a set of standard procedures, that are to be followed. These guide the different departments on board the vessel, outline certain points and clear up some issues that may arise.

General

Departmental Ranking

Unless stated otherwise, all Departmental Staff are equal in rank, with differing responsibilities and assignments. The exceptions are departmental assistants/interns/apprentices, and standard assistants.

It is within the capacity of the Departmental Head of Staff to promote and designate senior leaders as they see fit, within their own department.

External Partners

Approved External Business Partners ("Merchants") with a SCC merchant pass possess docking authorization from Central Command and are permitted to dock and conduct business with the vessel. Merchants are expected to comply with all vessel regulations and rules set by Command Staff while aboard the ship. A merchant has direct authority over their own vessel and may choose to provide or deny their services as they see fit. Merchants are authorized to carry a concealed weapon for purposes of personal defense while aboard the vessel, unless explicitly prohibited by Command Staff. Employees who purchase items from a merchant take full responsibility for the possession and legality of these purchases. The Security Department is neither responsible for nor authorized to confiscate wares aboard a merchant's vessel and may not charge or detain a merchant for the possession of wares that remain aboard that vessel. The Security Department may not enforce regulations aboard a docked merchant vessel, except for issues that arise between Stellar Corporate Conglomerate employees, or to neutralize an immediate hostile and violent threat to the vessel.

Off-Duty Crew

Off-duty crewmembers and passengers on the working decks are not contracted to work or otherwise assume the role of any of the actively employed crew. Even if they work for the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate, promotion of off-duty crew or passengers to vessel ranks, except in the direst of circumstances, will be regarded as neglect of duty and/or exceeding official powers. During these circumstances, volunteers will not be compensated in any fashion by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate and will not be insured against any injuries they sustain. Without exception, off-duty crewmembers and passengers are not permitted to be promoted to command ranks.

Press

Visiting and subcontracting ("freelance") journalists are not to be censored via a news channel D-Notice, unless the vessel's Captain (or Heads of Staff in a unanimous decision) determine that the content they publish directly endangers the safety of Stellar Corporate Conglomerate employees. Command Staff choosing to apply a D-Notice in this manner are expected to immediately contact Central Command to report that it has been applied, and to await confirmation by Central Command that the application of such a notice is valid. The creator of the channel is also to be made aware of both the notice and the reasoning for its implementation.

Journalists directly employed by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate voluntarily waive these protections, as per the terms of their employment contract.

Cosmetic Alterations

Cosmetic remodeling of a department may be performed by any staff with written and signed consent of the department in question. Cosmetic alteration to general areas, such as hallways, arrivals, and departures, require consent from the Chief Engineer, The Captain, or (in the absence of both) Command as a whole.

Uniforms

Personnel should be reminded that regulation requires uniform jumpsuits to be worn rolled up. Tajaran crew members are excepted from this requirement but are required to wear a non-revealing undershirt or tank top that does not bare the chest.

Shuttle Use

The SCCV Horizon's shuttles may be used at any time by designated qualified personnel for the purpose of mining and exploration. Their flight activities may only be grounded by instating a flight ban, which may be established during Code Red security situations, orders from SCC Central Command, or by a Captain-level decision.

The mining shuttle is allowed a degree of autonomy and does not require clearance to depart the SCCV Horizon for the purpose of mining operations unless a flight ban is in place. The shuttle is under the oversight of the Operations Manager, who retains the authority to ground or recall the shuttle at their discretion. The Canary is under the oversight of the Executive Officer but may be utilized by all of Command in necessary situations.

The SCCV Horizon bridge must accommodate prospecting and exploration missions before plotting course to a different location.

Horizon Weapons Systems

The SCCV Horizon has been equipped with two main weapons systems in order to safeguard its assets, personnel, and mission. Its use and operation are an expectation during emergencies.

Bridge crew and operations personnel are expected to follow command team orders on usage of the many systems aboard. In the absence of command, bridge crewmen are expected to operate the weaponry with discretion.

Weaponry should only be fired as a last resort, and all SCC personnel should consider the implications such actions may have on both the region and the greater Chainlink as a whole.

The Canary's weaponry may be used by the team lead on its away mission without command approval, but its use will be reviewed upon return to the Horizon. Misuse of any of the weapon systems are grounds for immediate termination.

Salvage Operations

During standard operation, the Horizon may come across abandoned or wrecked vessels. Due to various contracts secured between the SCC and governments of visited regions, these vessels may be salvaged by crew under the following conditions:

The site is not inhabited or occupied.
No local laws prohibit the salvage of that site.
No other organization has previously claimed the site.
No other department has claimed the site for other activities. Examples include:
- Archaeological exploration by the Science Department.
- Structural repair ordered by the Chief Engineer.
- Quarantine declared by the Chief Medical Officer.

Unless otherwise agreed upon with other organizations prior to a salvaging operation, such as Central Command or external partners, all equipment and materials salvaged from a site may be stored and used at the discretion of the Horizon.

Command

Captain Authority

The vessel's assigned Captain has full authority over the operation of the vessel and the attached shuttles. They are authorized to shut down departments at their discretion, reassign crew members, issue direct orders to all crew members of the ship, and take actions within reason that may violate regulations in non-standard situations.

The captain is trusted to act in the best interests of the company, crew, and vessel they are assigned to. Any complaints or concerns over the captain's decisions should be addressed after their orders have been carried out, and after the situation that prompted those orders has been resolved.

Command Staff

During standard operation, all Departmental Heads of Staff are equal, under the command of the captain present onboard the vessel. Should a department find itself lacking a Head of Staff, the Captain is able to either assume direct supervision of the department or otherwise appoint a senior crew member to fill the missing role.

During non-standard operation, a specific Departmental Head of Staff may be elevated above others, should the crisis situation fall under the responsibility of their department. At that point, other departments should act in a supporting role.

Acting Captain

Should the Command staff be missing a captain, it is preferred that all members of the Command staff present act as a singular commanding entity, thus negating the need to promote a specific person to the position of Acting Captain. Under such operations, the Command Staff carries the authority of the captain and can conduct actions that would otherwise require the captain's approval. These actions require a Command vote to enact a captain-level decision. Command votes to enact a captain-level decision may not occur if a captain is present.

All Heads of Staff can initiate a Command vote. This vote is considered a captain-level decision and thus carries the authority of the captain. A Command vote begins with one or more Heads of Staff declaring what the vote intends to do over the command radio. All Heads of Staff are expected to participate and vote yes, no, or verbally abstain (abstaining through inaction is not permitted). All command votes are majority-rules unless stated otherwise. In the event the command vote ends in a tie, the vote automatically fails. Any votes taken against another Head of Staff will see the implicated party automatically abstained from voting. Additionally, Command staff who have been formally detained under orders of the Head of Security will be unable to vote until they have been released and allowed to reassume their previous position.

During non-standard operation, the Command staff may vote to appoint an Acting Captain among the Command staff. This is a standard Command-level vote only requiring a majority in favor. In the event a Head of Staff is elevated to Captainship, Central Command should be informed immediately as the situation allows. Once standard operation is resumed, and any non-standard situations have been resolved, the Acting Captain must resign captainship and reassume their previous position.

Command on Leaving the Vessel

Should, during standard or non-standard operation, the need for one or more Command staff to leave the SCCV Horizon arise, it is possible for them to do so if and only if there is at least one other Command staff remaining on the ship after their departure. If any command vote is called while there are Command staff away from the ship, their vote is still required, and their return should be awaited. This particular section may be overridden by Captains if required.

Departmental Funds

Through the combined budgets of the SCC Chainlink, departmental funds have been granted to the use of each department. Command members are encouraged to make use of this allotment as needed for day to day needs to ensure smooth operation. Heads of Staff are encouraged to utilize these funds to acquire materials, equipment, or other general supplies.

Additionally, Command Members may authorize small bonuses to crew members for exceptional situations up to 1000 credits or incentive bonuses up to 500 credits. Bonuses should be documented on general faxes and sent to Central explaining the situation, employee, and amount.

Incident Management

During emergency incidents it is expected for departments to assist in the safe resolution of said incident and the recovery of standard operations. When it becomes clear that a significant incident is arising that could affect standard operations of the vessel or cause significant damage to crew or property, it is expected that (when possible) all on board personnel are provided with the following information:

A brief description of the current incident.
What steps have been taken so far to combat this incident.
Suggested action for the crew to take.
(If applicable) A brief description of the reasoning behind a change in alert level.

Exceptions to this include where the above information would compromise vessel security or safety. If this is the case it is expected that as much information as is safe to do so is dispensed for the crew.

Corporate Liaisons and Consular Officers

Command staff are expected to engage representatives (both corporate and diplomatic) through diplomacy and to consent to reasonable requests. The representative is not part of the vessel chain of command. The representative is granted special status in relation to corporate regulations:

The representative does not serve brig time for low level infractions; the fine alternative can be used in those cases.
The representative can serve brig time for medium and high-level infractions, with command staff being able to contact Central Command requesting the revocation of the representative's privileges.
The representative's office offers immunity to the representative. Security may not enter to conduct arrests under normal circumstances. Entering or refusing to exit the office is considered trespassing.
The office's immunity may be revoked by the captain or a captain level decision.
Security is only able to conduct an arrest inside the representative's if the office's immunity was revoked or if there is clear evidence that a medium or high-level infraction is happening inside the office.

Science

Scientific Experimentation

Qualified researchers in a given field of science are authorized to conduct experiments in any way they deem appropriate. However, unless authorization for their release is granted by command staff or an emergency situation requires it, the works and derivatives of the research department are to remain within their respective labs and testing areas.

Slimes Experiments & Non-sapient Xenological Lifeforms

Slimes, non-sapient xenoforms, and the subjects of transformative xenobiological experiments are not classified as crew, members of humanity or affiliated alien races, but as test subjects and property of the SCC. Performing transformative xenobiological experiments on a co-worker is considered homicide and is punishable by corporate regulations and by law.

Operations

Warehouse Contents

The operations department is expected to store and distribute warehouse supplies to the vessel's departments as deemed appropriate. The stock of the vessels warehouse is not to be regarded as contraband if it remains in the warehouse or is being transported to an appropriate destination.

Engineering

Vessel Modifications

All non-structural forms of modification, optimization, or upgrades to vessel equipment are permitted so long as the modifying engineer is qualified and has obtained written permission of all staff resident to the department in question. Large-scale structural modifications or additions require written and stamped consent from either the Chief Engineer, the Captain, or (in the absence of both) a delegated representative of Command staff.

Security

Warden Authority

The Warden's authority is limited to the brig and detainees and does not extend to the Security department or its personnel. Additionally, the Warden is not a de facto interim Head of Security in the absence of a Head of Security, unless promoted to that position by command staff.

With sufficient cause, the Warden is authorized to independently issue arrest and search warrants. This authority is subject to command staff review.

Processing Time

Personnel detained by Security are expected to be processed in a timely manner. Because a detainee's brig sentence begins after processing is completed, excessive processing times may result in the Warden or handling Security Officers being liable for illegal detention.

Uniform Regulation

On-duty security personnel are required to wear the standard uniform provided by their employer or maintain a business attire in the colours of their corporation. Casual wear, inappropriate footwear, shorts not issued with a uniform and skirts of any kind are not allowed. They must be immediately and easily identifiable as members of security.

Personnel failing to meet these requirements are in violation of failing to execute an order and are to be processed for such.

Responding

Upon arriving at the scene, the paramedic is expected to gauge the exact nature at the scene.

If the scene is clear:

Radio in the situation at the scene.
Ensure the safety of any crew in the immediate vicinity.
Identify witnesses.
Secure the scene in the event of occurrences (tape off area/disallow witness to leave).
Proceed to 'Collecting Evidence'

If the scene is not clear:

Identify nature of threat.
If threat is able to be handled by officers on scene: Proceed with mediation/detainment.
If threat is unable to be handled by officers on scene: Request immediate assistance. Upon requesting assistance, await said assistance before proceeding. Ensure your safety before ensuring the safety of others on scene.

Collecting Evidence

Crime scenes must be sealed off for evidence to be valid. Ensure non-security personnel do not enter the scene. Avoid cordoning off high-traffic areas unless a serious crime (such as murder or mutiny) has been committed. Permission from the relevant head of staff, head of security, or captain should be gained to cordon off high-traffic areas of specific departments.
If possible, cordoned-off areas should still allow access around it, via maintenance tunnels, less area taped off, or other methods. *Autopsies should be performed within the morgue.
Disrupt standard vessel operation as little as possible around the crime scene.
Investigative staff should be requested. Officers on scene are expected to ensure scene security until/during the arrival of/processing of the scene by investigative staff. If no investigative staff is available, officers are expected to secure evidence on scene.
Witness statements should be taken (either via recorder or on paper) and physical evidence should be secured.

Handling Evidence

Ensure gloves are worn to prevent contamination of evidence.
Items that can be, must be held in evidence bags for transportation.
Crime scene must be preserved until all evidence is collected.
After evidence is collected, cadavers may be removed to the morgue and area may be cleaned up.

Arrest

Proceed as follows during the event of detainment:

Announce intention to arrest and charges vocally.
Request the suspect surrender peaceably
If suspect resists, attempt to handcuff. Verbal disagreement or swearing is not resisting. Verbal threats of violence, damage, or death are considered resisting arrest.
If suspects fight back or run, apply needed force to cease flight and detain suspect. A charge of resisting arrest should be applied in this case.
Remove suspect to brig for processing.

For witnessed major/violent crime:

Immediately attempt detainment of suspect, with charges read out when suspect is secured.
Remove suspect to brig for processing.

Processing

Ensure Warden is aware of incoming prisoner.
Bring prisoner to processing/booking room. Leave secured if violent/repeat offender.
Check prisoner’s pockets (coat/jumpsuit), pack, and any containers within pack.
Confiscate any contraband/evidence found. Note: Evidence must have pertinence to the case. If there is no direct correlation, evidence should be returned to person or respective department.
Inform the prisoners superior of the arrest.
Proceed to ‘Jailing’.

Questioning

Questioning should be done in the brig. Booking/Processing is to be used for ‘informal’ interviews. Interrogation should be used in the case of more in-depth investigations.
The Investigative team should get preference in questioning a suspect unless there's a good reason. A standard processing interview for an open and shut case is probably not worth their time, but it's always good to ask.
If the person is not a suspect, do not handle them as an offender (handcuffing, stunning, or flashing them is not okay).
Ensure usage of recorder during interrogations; ensure the suspect/prisoner/witness is aware they are being recorded. Ensure the suspect/prisoner/witness states their or has their name/occupation stated at the beginning of an interrogation.
If person remains uncooperative, make note of this. Seek advice from your Head of Security.

Jailing

Move prisoner to appropriate cell.
Place personal items the prisoner was deemed able to keep upon release in cell locker.
Set cell timer to appropriate time and secure cell.
Remove handcuffs from prisoner’s person within secure cell if able to do so without severe risk to own wellbeing.
Ensure records are properly updated to reflect prisoner’s crimes/status.

Autopsies

All autopsies should be conducted by investigations within the autopsy room. If no investigators are present, the cadaver should be stored until one arrives.
More steps outlining autopsies can be found here.
Once the autopsy is completed, if the deceased was an employee aboard the SCCV Horizon, the cadaver should be remanded to medical so that they may carry out any potential post-mortem wishes.

Medical

Do not Borgify

Personnel with a Do Not Borgify order are NOT to be borgified. Failure to heed these orders is considered malpractice by law and will be treated as such.

Paramedic Helmet

Paramedics are to use their helmet on the same basis as security: on code blue and above, and in dangerous situations.

Postmortem Wishes

It is medical's responsibility to ensure that post-mortem wishes are carried out for any crew who lose their lives aboard the SCCV Horizon. Bodies autopsied by investigations should be remanded to medical for this purpose once the autopsy is completed. Postmortem wishes are expected to be followed to the letter, if at all possible, by the Horizon.

Medical Treatment Waiver

Employees that do not wish to be treated, should be provided with the Medical Treatment Waiver form from the request consoles to sign.

AI

AI Monitoring

The AI only has to monitor the following secure areas:

Armory
SAT (The big nuke room)
Telecommunications
The Vault
Command areas (Bridge, head of staff offices, etc.)
Secure Storage
Research Storage
Research Server Room
Engine Room (Supermatter specifically, INDRA if it is running)
AI Core and AI Upload

Access to the AI

In order to access the AI upload or the AI core a captain level decision is required. All command staff must be informed of the decision.

A machinist may accompany the head/s of staff if their technical skills are required.