6th week with JASON – WHOI
Monday, August 7th – Sunday, August 13th
The new week marked the end of the Orcutt Cruise as we began transit back to port. Unfortunately we hit a few “bumps” in the cruise and are heading home with a faulty winch/level-wind system and an elusive ground fault in the temperature probe that we have been unable to track down. The demob kicked off with emptying the vehicle’s oils to remove science cables from the j-boxes, repeated test casts to try and identify the level-wind issue, and clearing out the rov’s front basket to prepare for the next mission.
Once at port, the team detached JASON’s sled and swapped it out for a heavier, slightly shorter sled made for the heavy lifting Kelley Cruise. The last cruise is actually broken up into 4 legs, each lasting between 1-2 weeks and will go until the end of my at-sea internship, approximately September 20th. The days this week were spent mobilizing for this new, highly-technical cruise. I have been informed that when we leave port, the first dive will be within a couple hours and only 80 meters deep. We will be launching JASON up to 5 times a day to transport equipment to the seafloor, bring up old set-ups, and make adjustments/altercations as requested by the science/engineering party. The shifts will also be changing to 12 hour on/off shifts. Each shift will consist of 5 people; 3 in the control van and 2 on deck for launch/recoveries. This is a welcome change from the split shifts primarily because during your 12 hours off, you get the full 12 hours. Even if there are issues with the vehicle, the shift that is on is the only one that responds.
The weekend was spent reterminating the tether cable and completing a pull test. After that was successful, I was able to spend an afternoon prepping and splicing the optical fibers, fed it into JASON’s mainframe, connected and tested them to ensure acceptable light levels. It was my first solo optical fiber term and I was able to do it next to the vehicle, during high wind gusts, and constant crane operations overhead. It tested my focus but I really enjoyed doing it!
By Sunday, we finished all repairs and maintenance and were ready to leave port. Unfortunately, due to high winds offshore, the departure was pushed to tomorrow. I am looking forward to the new style of dives and fast-paced, technical aspects of this cruise.
Tip of the week: “Treat yourself”
It can be hard being away from home/family for long periods of time, but one perk of coming back to port is that you can receive packages that either were sent to you or that you ordered. Since coming out, I have ordered some colder-weather gear and it was almost Christmas-like when we loaded everyone’s mail onto the ship. Some people get mail from their loved ones, and others get the packages and shipments they purchased while at sea. It is also a nice treat to order some snacks or healthy options (whatever you prefer) to have while you are working. There are some snacks/food in the mess hall, but there is something special about having your own little snack station at your desk area. The comfort of your favorite treat is a little reprieve you can get while so far away from home.
For me, I like to have a bag of jerky, honey roasted pistachios, peanut butter m&m’s, electrolyte packets to flavor my water, and protein powder to have. It is a little mix of healthy and snacky that suits me just right!