We are delighted that you have chosen to visit the USS KIDD!
Please keep in mind that this ship was built in 1942 before modern day safety practices were in effect. The ladders are steep, the decks can be slippery and a lot of equipment is literally underfoot. In short, everyone needs to be attentive to potential hazards while aboard and observe all of the rules. These rules have been developed over the course of conducting 40 years’ worth of hosting visitors and take everyone’s safety into consideration. Also remember that we are in fact a museum, and the same indoor courtesy should be taken as in any other museum environment. Thank you for your cooperation!
Safety Zone – Ep 01 – How To Tour A Historic Ship: Doors & Ladders – YouTube
Safety Zone – Ep 02 – Respecting Boundaries – YouTube
For All Visitors
- In order to prevent falls/injuries, running is not permitted in the museum nor aboard ship.
- Open-toed and high heeled shoes are not allowed.
- Make sure shoe laces are tied.
- Watch your step & duck your head!
- Beware of slippery or wet decks. Always keep one hand free to use for support on railings.
- Parents are responsible for the actions of their children, children should be supervised at all times.
- Restricted areas are marked and those restrictions must be observed.
- When exploring the ship, campers must use the Buddy System.
- Do not push buttons, turn knobs or throw switches that you see throughout the ship as it may result in important systems being accidentally shut down (like air conditioning or heating systems).
- Vertical ladders (straight up and down) are marked and off-limits. Do not climb them.
- Angled ladders (or stairs) are okay to climb. Use both hands when going down the stairs. Only one visitor on the stairs at a time.
- When handling the 20mm guns aboard ship, pay attention to where you are swinging the mount. Visitors in your vicinity can be seriously injured if a gun barrel hits them in the head. Do not unlatch anything on the 20mm gun or stick your hands in the gun’s mechanism.
- When handling the 40mm guns, do not jump off the guns. You will hit your head on the guard rails. Sit down and slide off of the gun mount. Do not cross over the curved half-piping where the gun tracks.
- No child should be on a gun without an adult supervising him/her.
- No one is permitted to climb into either whaleboat.
- Climbing on the superstructures of the ship (supporting walls, crossbeams, pipes, stanchions, watertight doors, vertical ladders, etc.) is prohibited.
- Do not lean on railings or netting along the side of the ship or on the upper decks
- Vandalism or theft of items from the ship will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
- Smoking is not permitted on the USS KIDD.
- No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the premises.