Leg 2 Operations will consist of dredging and habcam operations. I have been trained by my mentor for this leg on how to safely bring the dredge on deck, attach it to the dredge table, and empty the bag. This involves three people: the engineer, the other tech and myself. After the dredge is secured, the other tech and I shovel the contents of the dredge to the sorters from the science party at the edges of the table. Habcam operations are the same as the first leg.
On the technical side I have been assisting the WHOI and NOAA technations with troubleshooting on the habcam. After the end of leg one the malfunctioning sidescaning sonar was taken from the habcam to be troubleshooted. The WHOI technation and I opened the electronics bottle and began troubleshooting using the schematic. we found that the computer would recognize that there was an ethernet signal but the sonar software would crash when we attempted to communicate. This made us think the issue was either in the software itself or the wiring for communications from the sonar. Unfortunately, there were multiple sources for the proper wiring of the communications block and they contradicted each other and none of them worked. After switching the communications cables every possible way we were not able to get a signal. Later it was found the software we were using was incompatible with the model of sidescan.
I have also been assisting with other ship operations like lowering the transducer keel after we leave port. This involves closing and opening valves and then hand signaling the engineer operating the crane to move it in place and attaching the hook to the crane and moving the keel into place.
Overall I am doing well and working hard to assist the crew as much as possible. I am really enjoying dredging operations because they keep me physically active and engaged. Although I do not want more equipment to fail I have enjoyed learning from the NOAA and WHOI techs and I am excited for future opportunities to work with them. 