WEEK 9
September 4-10
As I mentioned in the previous blog, R/V Walton Smith is scheduled for a month-long cruise to Cuba in October in order to conduct studies on the coral reef using an ROV. One of the many preparations requires all of the scientific equipment to be inventoried. An Export Control Classification Number, (ECCN), must be provided for each piece of equipment.
I was given the responsibility of tracking these down, which involved speaking with each manufacturer. I also had to record all serial numbers for each item, original purchase price paid, quantity, and a basic description. After all the data was entered into an Excel file, it was sent through the governmental channels for approval.
Early Wednesday morning we prepared to depart for a two-day cruise with NOAA as part of their continuous studies on the Gulf Stream current. The Chief Engineer was absent due to jury duty, and it appeared that the ship did not want to leave without him. Before we had even left the dock, problems with the electrical system forced us to abort.
It was later determined to be an issue with a breaker, and it was promptly replaced. Since next week’s schedule only consists of a three-day cruise beginning Wednesday, NOAA’s cruise is deferred to this coming Monday and Tuesday.
I spent the rest of the week fitting our CTD with brand new Niskin bottles, part of the shipment that arrived from Brazil last month. With new bottles and freshly calibrated sensors, and a newly terminated 322 cable, the CTD is now in tip top shape.
On Friday we were given the opportunity to attend shipboard crane operation training, conducted by Captain Lake. We were instructed on proper rules and safety involving crane operation and will be given the chance to be tested in order to obtain an official certificate.
Captain Lake is also a beekeeper on the side and I have had the opportunity to assist him in several related activities. This weekend we began a removal job that involved hives located in two different spots up inside a soffit of a house in North Miami.
It always impresses me that people spend the time and money to have honey bees removed, rather than simply killing them. By the end of the weekend we had one of the hives relocated into frames and placed into a special wooden hive, which was left in the yard in order for the stragglers to move into. We’ll return next weekend and tackle the other hive.
Stripping the CTD of the old Niskin bottles