Safety first… and fuel!

    Prior to any sea expedition there needs to be discussion of, and the practice of safety. All crew members need to try on survival suits and make sure they can get into and out of life rafts. So while the vessel gets her diesel fuel, we learn the ins and outs of personal safety

    Preparing for emergency situations
    Thank you Valerie, one of our cruise IT specialists, for modeling the correct use of a mustang suit.

    The pink croc strikes again
    "Me" getting out of the lifeboat after the drill, never have I been in such a large lifeboat, and quite elaborate.

    Always be prepared
    Thanks James Monroe from New Jersey for one of todays flags. We are so glad to have you traveling with us.

    Safety gear is placed throughout the boat
    Safety gear is placed throughout the boat. Thank you Lydia Grawer for giving us a super flag from MRH Middle School in Missouri

    The initial briefing conducted by the captain gives everyone a comfortable perspective on our roles, responsibilities, and dedication to safety. Then the first mate jumps in and took us all through lifeboat, fire, and the other drill procedures that we need to be comfortable with while at sea.

    Captain Souza teaching about safety
    Captain Souza teaching about safety. Thank you to the Webber Township Trojans High School from Illinois.

    For the most part though, today we are gassing up the vehicle, yup a wonderful vessel like the Palmer needs a little diesel to propel itself through the sea, and for our research about 170 thousand gallons. I have been told that this is not as much as they have taken on in past cruises, and that it will take about nine hours to fuel. Imagine standing at the pump for nine hours!

    Diesel line for fueling the vessel
    Diesel line for fueling the vessel. Thank you Williston, North Dakota. How perfect that there is an oil rig on your flag and we are currently fueling, excellent timing.

    While waiting for the ship to fuel, work continues for all the crew.
    Lines need to be checked, equipment stowed as well as constructed so that once at sea we are ready to accomplish all research.

    Hannah one of four marine Technicians preparing the streamer
    The Caravel Buccaneers from Delaware visited the back deck today as we prepare the "streamer" which will be collecting seismic data.

    So have you been on a research vessel before? I spent about an hour this morning just walking the decks, inside and out. For me it is very easy to get lost inside as when you get to each new floor you can go right or left. I invariably go right when I should have gone left. The ship is fully equipped and I have found multiple laundry rooms, a workout room, two lounges, multiple sleeping berths, and on the main deck a very impressive display of lab space. It appears as if a plethora of experiments could happen simultaneously while on board. Thus we had our first science team meeting. Watches were discussed, and assignments ironed out for once we move out of the Straight of Magellan and head towards South Georgia.

    The scientific principals in our expedition of exploration
    Meet Ian and Larry our principal investigators. Follow along and get more details as we delve further into the Scotia Sea.

    Say hello to the science team, a wonderful collection of college students and seasoned academic professionals, from numerous countries with varied backgrounds. It is my hopes to teach you about everyone and what it takes to develop the specialties that they will be teaching me for the next 30 days.

    The 1408 Cruise Scientific party
    Please join me in welcoming the scientific party. As time passes you will meet these amazing individuals and learn even more about their amazing skills and research specialties.

    Everyone is super helpful, and friendly. I am also excited to say there is a portion of the crew that is Filipino and I am excited to practice my very rusty Tagalog.

    Todays challenge: How is it that I am able to blog from the southern ocean, not plugged into a wall outlet?

    And don’t forget, always watch out for overhead, under feet and any lines that might trip you up.

    Safety means to look up and down all the time
    Thank you Safety means to look up and down all the time. Vanessa from Phoenix, Arizona fro sending me your flag! A perfect addition to our cruise.

    Date
    Location
    Cabo Negro Fuel Pier
    Weather Summary
    Light clouds, blue sky

    Comments

    sebastian

    hi

    springs school…

    hi juillin i think the answer to the challenge is that you are using 4g or there is a hot spot.

    springs school…

    What Sound do Penguins Make? If of course you have seen one yet. Thank you for your time. Have a great time!

    springs school…

    hi juillin i think the answer to the challenge is that you are using 4g or there is a hot spot.

    springs school…

    What Sound do Penguins Make? Have you seen one in the wild, yet? Thank you for your time. Try to take a picture with one, but don't let them peck at you. Thank you. Have a great time!

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Max, Check out my answer to Colin, that might help with understanding the process, but I don't want to give way everything....
    Jillian

    On 2014-09-23 07:48, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Jeffrey, Great questions,thanks. The lifeboat is enclosed for better protection of people, and the drills are short and designed to
    keep us all on our toes and prepared if there was a real drill. Thanks
    for checking in. Jillian

    On 2014-09-23 09:32, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Kevin, Thanks for the question. When in the survival suits you take off your shoes. The person in the suit wants to be fully covered
    from head to toe with nothing exposed but a bit of face. Better
    protection that way. Thanks, Jillian

    On 2014-09-23 09:34, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Christopher, Thank you for the questions. The boat has many people with specialized jobs and amazing scientific equipment. We would see
    the iceberg before getting too close. And as you know much of the
    iceberg is below water so we would never get close enough to get harmed.
    Thanks for asking. Jillian

    On 2014-09-23 09:34, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Jennifer,
    Great comments, Ah, my mysterious black box is not a charger, but
    great response. Right now we are getting about 12 hours of sunlight a
    day. The sunrises and sun sets on the ocean are spectacular. Thanks
    for following along.
    Jillian

    On 2014-09-23 07:56, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Emily,
    Great answer on how to maintain my internet. You are right it all
    involves satellites and both internet and intranet. I am only allowed
    15 MB a day for internet, so how do I manage to upload so many great
    pictures? Jillian

    On 2014-09-23 07:47, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Colin, I wish I had a mobil hot spot, it would be wonderful to check my personal email, school email and check out Facebook. Yes, I do
    email the blog to PolarTREC, and then each picture is also emailed
    separately and the wonderful people at PolarTREC then rebuild my blog
    with text and pictures. There is both an internet and intra net on the
    ship, and I am currently using the intra net, do you know the
    difference? Jillian

    On 2014-09-23 07:55, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Caroline, Great question. I have been to the Bering Sea twice before with research expeditions. Once studying the fish pollock, and
    the other time as part of the BEST program studying a variety of Bering
    Sea science. Great question, thanks for asking. Jillian

    On 2014-09-23 07:54, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Mackenzie, Currently there are 46 people on board, some scientists, others crew, specialists, and even a captain. Thanks for following.
    Ms. Worssam

    On 2014-09-22 19:22, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Julissa, Great question. According to some data we have it was James Cook, do you think you could figure out the year from a google
    search? There were many explorers here at the same time but most
    scientists believe Mr. Cook was the first to set foot on the continent
    of Antarctica. Thanks for asking Jillian

    On 2014-09-23 09:32, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    Lisa Seff

    Hi Jillian-We'd like to submit our answer to Challenge #3 as a group class:The research team must have a data plan that goes through a satellite (wifi).

    Also we were wondering a few things.....
    1) Does the Captain get to sleep very much? (as much as other crew members?)
    2) Why does the Palmer leave from Chile and not another country or Port?
    3) How warm is the boat below deck compared to the outside?
    4) What is the water temperature outside of your boat right now?
    5) Will the ship ever land at a Port on Antarctica, or will you be at sea the entire trip?

    Thanks so much for sharing your travels with us!! Look forward to seeing what you're up to next?

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Shane,Ok, I am giving this great question a whirl. The ships engines have
    12,720 HP from four Caterpillar Diesels. The vessel can say out I think
    for around 75 days. I imagine that would be a great adventure. Jillian

    On 2014-09-23 09:34, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Andres, I have not seen a penguin yet, but when I do for sure I will take a picture. I do not know their sounds. Maybe that is a
    google question. Kepp following for more pictures. Jillian

    On 2014-09-23 09:39, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    springs school…

    How tall is the ice in Antarctica, and how cold can the water there get.

    Lina guzman sp…

    Hi Jillian I think I know the answer to your chanallge how you can blog with pulged into wall outlet is because of the satetile dish and your network (wifi)

    Lina guzman sp…

    Hi Jillian I think I know the answer to your chanallge how you can blog with pulged into wall outlet is because of the satetile dish and your network (wifi)

    Lina guzman sp…

    Hi Jillian I think I know the answer to your chanallge how you can blog with pulged into wall outlet is because of the satetile dish and your network (wifi)

    katrina spring…

    Hi Jillian Thank you so much for responding to my comment It was nice to learn something new have a fun safe trip.

    Thank You so much
    Katrina

    John-Henry, Sp…

    Thank you so much for responding!

    charlie

    hi jillian how are u doing keep warm have you seen any penguins thank you bye!!!!!!!!

    period 1

    thank you so much for answering my question, hope you have a good trip

    Christian

    thanks jillian for responding to my question!

    Jillian Worssam

    Hello Everyone,
    Ok, yes the mail is sent through a satellite connection, but the
    interesting part is that there is both Wifi and Intranet on the vessel.
    While aboard I have a nbp email address, and even as I write this to you
    I am not on wifi or the internet, but the intranet. Once I hit send
    this message will sit in an outbox, and then about every half hour the
    ship will conduct a group mail upload and down load from the satellite.
    This method conserves bandwidth, and is monetarily cheaper. I do have
    access to internet each day with only 15 mb. How must do you think I
    could get on Facebook with such a small size. And once I hit 15, the
    system kicks me out.

    The bridge is run by four people the captain, and a first, second and
    third mate. The mates each run a rotation of four hours on and eight
    off, the captain is always available and sleeps as necessary.

    Currently outside it is about 5 degrees C, inside warm and toasty. The
    ship has what are called water tight doors so inside is very protected.

    The Palmer left from Chile because it is the closest international port
    to the area where we wanted to research.

    The water temperature outside right now is currently 5.6 degrees C

    Sadly for me the entire research will be at sea, I might have a chance
    to go on land at South Georgia, but it depends on what the scientists
    need to accomplish and if I can be of assistance. By not touching
    Antarctica it just means I need to come back for another science
    expedition.

    Thanks everyone for the great questions, keep them coming. Jillian

    On 2014-09-23 12:09, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    Colin period3s…

    Thanks for responding! Hope you have a wonderful and safe trip!

    caroline

    HI Julian Thank you very much for taking your time to answer my question have a great time researching !!!
    -Caroline

    Jennifer sprin…

    hi Jillian thank you for responding and answering my questions. I hope you have a safe and calm journey.

    Jessica Spri…

    Hi, I think that 22 degrees is 57.2 in Fahrenheit.

    Thank you for responding me.

    Shane springs school

    thanks for answering my question thats alot of horse power

    Kevin 8 Period…

    Thank you so much for making time to respond to my question! :)It means a lot

    ~Kevin Eras

    Kenverly sprin…

    hey Jillian thank you for taking the time and answering my questions. I hope your having a great time and learning new cool things.
    - Kenverly

    Julianna Vargas

    Thank you so much for answering my question! I hope you have a great time for the rest of the trip. :)

    christopher sp…

    Oh wow that's cool. Okay thank you for answering my question.

    Julissa Spring…

    Jillian, thank you for answering my question. I found out that Captain James Cook was the the first to well-documented with evidence on his second expedition in the beginning of 1772. He didn't actually see the continent but he did cross the Antarctic Circle and saw much of the icebergs and and frigid water of the south ocean. Thank you for your time answering my question and teaching me something new! Hope you have a lot fun on your adventure and be safe. Julissa

    Tiffanie Sprin…

    Hi Jillian, where do you exactly stay over night? What is your room like? could you send us pictures?-Tiffanie

    Tiffanie Sprin…

    Hi Jillian, where do you exactly stay over night? What is your room like? could you send us pictures?-Tiffanie

    Lisa Seff

    Jillian-the entire class (of awesome 6th graders!) thanks you for your thoughtful answers!Have fun!
    (:
    Lisa, Nick Christian, Matthew, Destiny, Justin, Jacqueline, Mia, Sarah, Jess, Daniel, Joselyn, Gavin, Michael, Logan, Lina, Steve, Evan, Reese, Katalina, Danielle

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Charlie, SO far I am warm because I am inside the vessel, the temperature is perfect. No penguins yet, but I hope for some sightings
    in a few days when we stop at South Georgia to complete some GPS work.
    Thanks for following along. Jillian

    On 2014-09-24 05:55, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Lina, I am able to blog because of two systems, but mostly an intranet on the vessel that once every half hour uploads messages to a
    satellite. Excellent guess. Jillian

    On 2014-09-23 14:34, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    Jillian Worssam

    Hi Julissa, Great evidence of research on your part. Who knows, as you get older you too might become a polar explorer. Thanks for
    following along. Jillian

    On 2014-09-24 09:23, webmaster@polartrec.com wrote:

    Lisa Seff

    Jillian-Hi! My entire 8th period class (of awesome 6th graders!) thanks you for your thoughtful answers! We're glad to hear the captain does get some sleep! Also, we checked the temperature in Fahrenheit and decided that 41 degrees isn't too bad for Spring in the Antarctic! Have fun learning, keep warm and be safe!
    (:
    Lisa, Nick Christian, Matthew, Destiny, Justin, Jacqueline, Mia, Sarah, Jess, Daniel, Joselyn, Gavin, Michael, Logan, Lina, Steve, Evan, Reese, Katalina, Danielle and Susan.
    p.s. don't forget to sleep too