Statement of Purpose
This policy establishes protocols for diplomatic first contact scenarios between Starfleet vessels and previously unencountered species or civilizations.
Pre-Contact Assessment
Before initiating first contact, commanding officers must complete:
- Full sensor sweep and analysis of technological capabilities
- Assessment of warp capability status
- Cultural and linguistic analysis when possible
- Risk assessment for both parties
- Consultation with ship’s counselor and diplomatic officer
Contact Protocols
Standard first contact procedure requires:
- Transmission of universal greeting on all frequencies
- Deployment of universal translator protocols
- Maintenance of defensive shields at minimum power
- Weapons systems offline unless threatened
- Senior staff briefing before face-to-face contact
Post-Warp Civilizations
Contact with warp-capable species may proceed at the discretion of the commanding officer, following standard diplomatic protocols established by the Federation Diplomatic Corps.
Pre-Warp Civilizations
Contact with pre-warp civilizations is strictly prohibited under General Order 1, except in cases of prior contamination or imminent extinction-level events.
Documentation Requirements
All first contact situations must be thoroughly documented and transmitted to Starfleet Command within 24 standard hours.