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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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