Author: Sarah Sergent Page 2 of 3

Weeks 4 & 5 with JASON

Holy wow! The last two weeks have been very eventful!

The 4th week we wrapped up the HUBER cruise with 2 more successful dives where we completed water sampling objectives and began our transit back and arrived in port on Wednesday, July 26th. The team got right into demobilization mode and we spent the next 3 days replacing the winch level-wind motor, removing the SUPR sampler from JASON’s aft underbelly, drained the j-boxes and removed all of the science cables/wiring. The most exciting part of this demob for me was that I got to complete a retermination of JASON’s optical fiber on Thursday July 27th. I started at 8am and was overseen by the lead ET (electrical technician). I was able to follow the manual and complete the entire process, including wiring the finished fibers into JASON’s port-aft j-box and testing to ensure minimum signal loss.

On Friday, July 28th, the leaving team members and science crew departed, and it gave those of us staying the chance to relax while also moving our rooms to prepare for a much larger science party to come aboard the following day.

Saturday, July 29th was the official start of the Orcutt Cruise. New JASON and science team members arrived and by 8am, and mobilization began. The port manipulator has to be broken down and repaired since it has started leaking during the last couple dives. The next 3 days our team wired in new science cables, arranged and secured new equipment and mounts on the basket, built and assembled 18 push cores for sediment sampling, filled the vehicle with oil, bled all lines, comps, and thrusters, and made sure the electrical harness was solid. The Thompson departed port on Monday, July 31st and JASON’s predive checks were completed.

5th week:

We launched our first dive on Tuesday, August 1st and continued to recover and launch almost daily until our last recovery on Sunday, August 6th. This last week of dives were successful, but the team faces numerous challenges ranging from port manip leaks, port swing-arm actuator leaks, air motor replacement, temperature probe ground faults, and winch issues. Each one, the JASON team tackled together, and the turn around time for repairs was amazing. This team really loves what they do and are dedicated to vehicle maintenance to ensure science objectives are met. It can be quite daunting when things seem to go wrong, but this crew faces what is in front of them, one thing at a time, and still take the time to teach others about this amazing system.

In the mix of trouble shooting, diving, and water sampling from corks, I was given the opportunity to fly JASON while transiting to new locations. It was so exciting, I felt like I leapt into the main chair! I was able to practice my lateral transiting, landing on fine sediment surfaces without kicking up dust, and centering the vehicle for science cam visuals. It was a blast and I even got to stop and check out a skate, weird sea cucumber-like tailed marine life, and a sort of bubble-like growth at depths of 2600 meters. I still gasp when I see new marine life and absolutely love every minute of being out here. 

The Orcutt cruise dives came to and end Sunday, August 6th when the winch level-wind started making an intense, vibration sound. This lead to cutting the last dive short, but we were able to complete all of the testing and science equipment retrieval before recovering the rov. As we head back to port, we will begin demobilization and continue testing the winch system to identify exactly what this reoccurring issue is.

Tip of the week: Find some balance.

Having a career out at sea has its own set of challenges. Being away from home and loved ones can be a hard thing to adjust to, but also finding some sort of balance for yourself. Some people enjoy watching movies, reading books, or exercising. It is important to find a little “you” time while out here. I try and stick to a schedule, even though it can change considering what is happening at that very moment. Luckily, we have a small gym room, and I really enjoy working out. It is a little time for myself to stay active, work off stress or overthinking, and I always feel better after. Whatever helps ground you, I suggest making time each day for it. Especially if you are staying out for months at a time.

Week 3 with JASON

Monday (7/17)

Last morning at port! Today was spent discussing alterations such as adding a wrist camera to the port manipulator, so science is able to have views from both wrists when sampling hydrothermal vent sites as well as basket changes to house all of the sampling equipment and storage needs.

We then continued mobilization for the HUBER cruise with:

Securing and testing the SUPR water sampler.

Adjusting NISKIN water samplers.

Attaching the port manip wrist camera.

Predive checks.

We began our transit around 3pm. This should only be a day transit and are hopeful to dive tomorrow afternoon.

Tuesday (7/18)

For this cruise, I will remain on the 8 to 12 shift starting when we dive.

This morning we finished mobilization with:

Securing JASON’s electrical harness.

Completing a final predive check.

The first dive launched at 12:30pm and recovered at 9pm. We were able to pilot JASON down to approximately 1600 meters to position water sampling equipment near hydrothermal vents around Mount Axial.

Wednesday (7/19)

This cruise will entail daily dives if everything goes well.

This morning we launched JASON at 3am and I was able to work my 8am-12pm shift in the engineering/copilot seat. This position is where I will mainly work during my at-sea time, and it has responsibilities such as:

Overseeing vehicle functions, pressures, ground faults, gauges, etc.

Completing hourly checks on pressures, temps, winch system, and jetway voltage/amp output.

Operating/adjusting JASON’s cameras to help support pilot’s job.

Cable management.

At 8pm we recovered JASON and completed post dive checks.

Thursday (7/20)

4am launch! By this time, we are like a well-oiled machine. Each JASON team member takes part in the launch and recovery of the rov. Somedays I get to hold all the tether football floats while someone else clips them onto the cable, other days I am the one latching the floats. There are so many steps to launching and recovering, but we have trained again and again what to do, who will do what, and it has become muscle memory for most of us.

8am-12pm shift: Copiloted while collecting water samples from hydrothermal vents.

Recovered JASON by 6pm and completed post dive checks.

Friday (7/21)

Midnight launch did not go as planned this morning. When JASON was lowered into the water, a wave jolted the rov upward, which resulted in cable on the drum to loosen. This can be a huge issue, but with the quick thinking and communication of team members on the crane and in the control van, the situation was resolved, and adjustments made so we could successfully launch at 3am.

8am-12pm shift: Copiloted.

Recovered JASON at 4pm and completed post dive checks.

Saturday (7/22)

Another successful midnight launch.

8am-12pm shift: Copiloted. While overseeing the vehicle, I noticed a leak in the wrist of the port manipulator. I informed the pilot, and that arm was stowed to stop the leak.

4pm: Recovered rov and swapped out leaky manip with a spare. Unfortunately, while I completed vehicle checks later in the evening, I noticed this spare arm was also leaking. I made sure to clean the area of possible residual oil from the change over, but upon observation, identified more oil seepage and notified my team lead. The arm was serviced, and a second comp system added to help support the arm in case the leak continued.

*At this time I was nicknamed “the problem finder” because I have a knack for finding air bubbles in tubing and hoses, water or air in j-boxes, and oil leaks…even really small ones. I just can’t wait until I can also be a fixer of all of these problems, I am able to identify.

Sunday (7/23)

Another midnight launch……and I copiloted for my 8am-12pm shift.

The vehicle was recovered and on deck at 4pm with hoped of a “quick” turn-around.

Launched JASON at 8pm and stood on “winch watch” until it was at a depth of 1500 meters.

From 9:15pm-12am I copiloted. 

Tip of the Week: “Review and repeat”

I have adopted the habit of checking the vehicle’s comps, hoses, securings, connectors, bleed valves, etc. every time I am even near JASON. If we are standing nearby, I find myself surveying the parts nearest me, and even checking the ground for oil drops that could potentially be coming from a leak. This thoroughness and awareness of the vehicle allows one to pick up on issues that may present small in the beginning. Instead of just wiping away oil and forgetting about it, I wait and observe. Sometimes a leak is so small it takes several minutes for the oil to accumulate and form a droplet running down the arm. I try to practice this diligence every time I am in view of JASON, even if I am off shift. This potential leak could end a dive early, so it is important to identify it and resolve the problem. And as always, if you have questions or concerns, just ask your team lead.

Week 2 with JASON

Monday (7/10)

This was a day of transiting spent servicing parts and completing predive checks to ensure JASON is ready to dive at midnight.

The next set of dives are considered “bounce” dives, where the rov will carry down new science equipment to swap out with older ones on the ocean floor.

Tuesday (7/11)

12am – Successfully launched JASON to complete the first “bounce” dive. The depth is more shallow, only 650-700 meters. Science equipment was switched out efficiently and we recovered by 2:30am.

6am – Prepared JASON for another “bounce” dive, but while launching faced some mechanical issues and aborted dive. The team worked together to identify and resolve the issue at hand, and we were able to resume diving.

1:30pm – Completed a second “bounce” dive to exchange equipment at the same depth and has JASON back on deck by 3:30pm.

Post-dive checks were completed, and new science equipment was secured for the next dive.

Wednesday (7/12)

Last dive for this expedition!

2pm – Launched JASON and switched out the last of the equipment on the ocean floor at a depth of 700 meters. The dive went smoothly and there was extra time to collect visual images of the area so science members could complete a mosaic of the study area. During the collection, everyone was able to enjoy a vast assortment of marine life like octopus, fish, crabs, sponges, and corals.

6pm – Recovered ROV, completed post dives and began transiting back to port.

Thursday (7/13)

On the transit today we started our demobilization with:

Removed science cable wiring from the front port-side j-box. 

Stripped down the front basket to prepare for the next cruise.

Drained the vehicle’s fluids and serviced the ROV.

The ship docked at 2pm and the team was able to have the rest of the afternoon off to relax. We ended up disk-golfing and having dinner at a local restaurant. This shorter cruise had gone quite well, and the science and rov team were satisfied with the amount of work completed. 

Friday (7/14)

Today was spent servicing the rov. We reconnected hydraulic lines and equipment, filled the junction boxes with oil, secured all lines and hoses with zip-ties, cleaned and situated all pieces on the vehicle so it was neat, organized, and easily manipulated, if needed.

The science team departed this morning and the new one arrives tomorrow.

Saturday (7/15)

New day, new cruise!

Today began our official mobilization of the HUBER cruise. Some of the science team joined us on the R/V Thompson, while others’ schedules have them arriving tomorrow.

A few WHOI personnel flew out to help with this mob and I was able to reconnect with some who I worked with last summer.

This cruise will be heavy on the sampling side, so we began assembling and mounting:

The single bottle slurp system

A SUPR sampler for water samples

3 NISKIN water samplers

-I got to spend a few hours under JASON’s “belly” running and securing trigger lines. Although some of the mob duties require fitting into smaller places, I really like being able to “get inside” the rov and implement new tools for sampling.

Sunday (7/16)

Continuation of mobilization:

Rechecking mounts and lines from yesterday

Tested NISKIN trigger lines

Create a layout for the basket which will hold multiple sample bio-boxes, milk crates, 3 major water samplers, temperature probes, the slerp hose/handle, and other science equipment as needed.

Trained for operation and troubleshooting of the SUPR sampler. 

Tip of the Week: “Safety first”

No matter what the situation is while at sea, always remember the most important thing: Safety First! This career focuses on maintaining and operating rov systems for science purposes, but one’s safety outweighs any equipment or operation at any time.

This is extremely important, especially when deploying or launching the rov. As the crane lifts JASON, we do help stabilize the vehicle with a person at each corner. For every lift/lower event, always remember to watch where you position your feet and hands. Equipment can be fixed and replaced, your health and well-being cannot.

Be safe out there!

 

Week 1 in the books!!!! (7/2-7/9)

Sunday (7/2)

Here we go!!!!!! I’m leaving……on a jet plane………and heading from Traverse City, MI to Portland, OR. The official start of MATE’s long-term internship 2023!

Luckily these flights were merely delayed a few hours, so I made it to Portland by 3pm.

This first evening will be spent catching up with the JASON team members who I worked with last summer. We reminisced about the previous science cruises, successes, and struggles while discussing this summer’s objectives.

Monday (7/3)

After breakfast, we divided into groups and loaded up to head from Portland to Newport. The few hours spent transiting allowed a few of the newer individuals to get to know each other before reaching our next hotel. We stayed the night at a location right on the coast and celebrated our arrival with dinner at the hotel restaurant while watching the sunset over the ocean. I really enjoy watching the JASON team members come together like an extended ROV family, sharing stories of their previous endeavors, future goals, and many laughs throughout the night. It really sets the tone for the upcoming cruises.

Tuesday (7/4)

Happy 4th of July!!!!

Up and at ‘em early! We arrived on the Thompson early enough to unload our belongings into our berths and begin work at 8am sharp!

Mobilization is the name of the game! This morning was intentionally started early so the crew could prepare the back deck so the tool and rigging (equipment/storage) vans could be loaded and secured in place. We were able to load the control vans on top of the tool and rigging vans before having to break.

There is a local race every July 4th, and runners come through along the dock, which pumps the breaks on our mobilization efforts.

Once the vans were secured and runners exited the dock area, we set up the stairway to the control vans, unloaded all the storage vans, set up the ROV lab, and brought JASON onto the deck of the ship.

It is impressive to see how quickly an empty back deck can transform into a major ROV workspace. The communication and teamwork make the process faster than one would expect.

Towards the end of the day, we began vehicle checks and focused on the pan and tilt(p&t) cameras. We removed, cleaned, filled the comps, and remounted the pilot and science cams.

Wednesday (7/5)

While in port, the schedule tends to be from 8am to 5pm, but once we depart and dives begin, the shifts change to the 4-on and 8-off split. For this cruise, I will be on the 8-12 shifts, so 8am-12pm and 8pm-12am.

For today, the team divides to conquer mobilization tasks. The team I am working with focus on vehicle checks and maintenance.

In continuing the work from yesterday, we verify the brow p&t is good to go, but had to comp the aft p&t.

Mounted 2 deck cameras, secured their cables, and tested their systems.

Retermination of the Optical Fiber****

I was really excited to be involved in this! My marine electronics fiber fusion splicing practice was essential here! Once we finished connecting the new fibers to JASON’s aft, port-side junction box (j-box), we tested and verified light levels. And success!!!! This was a bit tedious and the retermination process is too much to try and describe here, but it is a favorite of mine. Last summer I was only able to observe, but this year with having completed classes specifically relating to this, I was able to assist with completing this. 

Thursday (7/6)

Continuation of mobilization:

Wired science cables into the front port-side j-box and verify voltages. 

Tested fiber cables and cleaned connectors, then rested. 

Brought up Jetway voltage (105 volts).

Completed Predive checks for ROV.

Friday (7/7)

Last morning in port! The team’s goal is to wrap up loose ends and prepare for departure. The first dive is scheduled for tomorrow, is all goes smoothly.

Tasks completed today included:

CTD configuration and mounting.

P&T camera adjustments

Fill junction boxes

Bleed all of the air out of everything! -J-boxes, comps, manips, cams, etc……on the hunt to remove any and all air bubbles from lines.

Preparing for departure included securing everything that could move once the ship is underway.

Completed Predive checks.

The Thompson departed at approximately 4:45pm and we are officially at sea!

Saturday (7/8)

Back at it again with adjusting the Pilot p&t motion adjustments. We had to ensure that it only rotates a certain distance left-right, and up-down. This morning was spent verifying topside and predive checks.

I identified a small amount of water in the port-side aft j-box, so we drained it, removed the water, and refilled the j-box with oil.

We then completed another set of predive checks, which were successful.

4pm: JASON’s first launch

I was able to participate in the first launch, and it went very well.

This first dive should be around 800 meters deep and is scheduled to last anywhere between 6-24 hours.

8pm-12am: First split shift

Co-piloted from 8-10:30pm, overseeing the vehicle’s systems and completing hourly voltage, pressure, and temperature checks.

By 10:30pm we completed dives tasks and added objectives before recovering vehicle.

10:30pm: Recovered ROV, completed visual inspection, and washed it.

Sunday (7/9)

This morning we completed Post-dive and Predive checks, tidied up the tool van, and now have some free time on our hands.

We will be transiting to our next location, and our second (and possibly last) dive will be in a couple days.

My first week back with JASON has been wonderful. There was no “readjustment” period, it seems we all stepped right back to where we were last summer. The group is fantastic! Each willing and enthusiastic to share their knowledge with others.

 

Last summer I shared a weekly tip, so I will do my best to carry on this tradition.

Tip of the Week: “See something, say something.”

-In this line of work, the idea of double-checking and triple-checking your work as well as other’s work is essential. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes, no matter how experienced they are, is just what is needed. If you are newer in this field, always ask questions. The only bad question is the one not spoken. Or even just an observation. A small amount of water in a j-box could prove to be detrimental to mission success, so pointing it out to your team lead is vital.

Everyone contributes to these cruises, and everyone has a voice. This team makes you feel included, heard, and important.

So let’s do this!

 

Hello and good morning! I am this year’s long-term internship recipient! I wanted to jump on and introduce myself. Last summer I was honored to complete the MATE short-term internship where I ventured out with WHOI’s ROV JASON team to tackle sample collection/exploration/data acquisition of areas around the Blanco Fracture Zone and Mount Axial from May 23rd through July 5th, 2022.
This year, I will again be setting sail with WHOI onboard the Thompson, off the coast of Newport, Oregon. The first three months-ish (June 29th-Sept 24th) will be at-sea, and then I will travel to the east coast and finish the final three months (Oct 1st- Dec 23rd) at the WHOI facility where I get the opportunity to be apart of the maintenance/rebuild of JASON. 
I just graduated with my associate’s degree in the Marine Technology Program at Northwestern Michigan College. I cannot wait to get back out with WHOI and look forward to keeping you all updated on the adventures along the way!

Final week with WHOI / JASON team (Friday 6/24 – Friday 7/1)

How the time has flown by!

This was a week of perseverance. JASON struggled with a reoccurring ground fault in the starboard horizontal thruster. Regardless, the pilots were able to continue the mission and complete all tasks on time. The only real difference was when JASON was transiting, it had to fly laterally to make decent time. Adapting is most definitely an essential skill in this position.

Question of the week: What is the longest JASON has remained on the seafloor?

As of now, the longest recorded dive JASON has completed was 7 days. With it’s tether supplying the needed power, it has the capability of staying down even longer, if everything operates smoothly.

Friday (6/24)

Second day of a continuous 4-day dive and things have gone according to plan.

• Both of today’s 4-8 shifts were spent copiloting in the engineering chair, overseeing JASON’s operating systems. Each hour I go through a check list ensuring pressures and temperatures are being maintained. Some of these include:

• Hydraulic Compensator, Main compensator, and the Thruster Compensator Pressures
• Jetway Voltage and Amp Levels
• Level-wind motor, cable drum, and break temperatures
• Winch motor-control room temps and system free from ground faults

• I also was able to log 1.5hrs of JASON piloting

Saturday (6/25)

• 4-8am: co-piloting

• During this shift JASON’s stbd horizontal thruster had to be disabled after grounding

• 10:30 am: JASON was recovered on deck and the thruster was removed, serviced and the inner seal was replaced.
• 2pm: JASON was deployed
• 4-8pm: co-piloting, and was able to log another hour of piloting

Sunday – Monday (6/26 – 6/27)

Both these days were spent co-piloting in the engineering position.

• The same stbd horizontal thruster had to be disabled due to grounding issues.
• The overall goal these days were to transit to specific locations that contain “benchmarks” where we deploy a pressure sensor for 20 minutes to collect data. The sensor is then recovered and then transition to the next area.
• During the collection time, we were able to see a number of different creatures at depths between 1400-1600 meters.

Tuesday (6/28)

This morning JASON was recovered at 4am.

• We completely replaced the grounding thruster with a new one, and then continued to bleed the system for air bubbles throughout the day.
• Due to weather conditions, we were unable to launch again until conditions improved.
• Pre-dive checks were completed throughout the day

Wednesday (6/29)

• 6:30am Pre-dive/launch checks and procedures were completed
• 8am: JASON launched
• 4-8pm: co-piloting

Thursday (6/30)

• 4-8am: co-piloting.

• While relieving the previous shift, we were informed that the same thruster again had grounding issues and was disabled.
• The decision was made to bring JASON back up and inspect the thruster connectors.

• 4-6pm: co-piloting and winch operations/supervision while JASON was being recovered.
• 7pm: JASON back on deck
• Thruster connectors were replaced and resealed.

Friday (7/1)

• 2:30am Predive checks completed
• 4am: JASON launched
• 5-8am: co-piloting

• While overseeing JASON’s systems, I noticed the AC ground fault sensor jumping from 40M ohms to 1.1M ohms, and reported it to the pilot.
• I investigated each sensor and thruster system and determined the same thruster was again having issues and the decision to disable it was made.

• JASON was recovered for the last time at 1pm.

Although the thruster issue kept reoccurring, all of the mission objectives were completed on time. Tomorrow during the ship’s transit back to Newport, the team will be troubleshooting and identifying what caused this reoccurrence. I have a sneaky suspicion it is the motor-control pod connector that the thruster connector attaches to. Either way, this amazing team will work together to resolve the issue and prep the vehicle for the next cruise.

It has been a privilege to work alongside such amazing individuals and am looking forward to what possibilities may come from this experience. I am grateful for every day I was able to spend out here and plan to continue my goal of pursuing a career in this field.

If you would have asked me last year ago, what my dream job would be…the answer was: working on the JASON team for WHOI. And then after applying for internship opportunities through MATE, I was lucky enough to be chosen for this internship!

It is incredible what things are possible if you continue to put the work in and remain open-minded!

This second cruise I was able to accumulate:

• 14 days at sea
• Mobilization Days: 2
• Demobilization Days: 2
• Co-Piloting JASON (engineering chair): 68hrs
• Piloting JASON: 5hrs, plus 30 minutes operating the manipulators to collect lava rocks

•  

  Tip of the week:

  Know your knots! When you are at sea, you have to secure pretty much everything to ensure it will remain in place during transit. And sometimes you will need to help prepare scientific equipment that will need to be able to break away while at the seafloor. Knowing some basic knots will definitely help like the clove hitch, bowline, half-hitch, square knot, and also the double-sheet bend knot (where you join 2 lines).

  

 

Tip of the week:

Know your knots! When you are at sea, you have to secure pretty much everything to ensure it will remain in place during transit. And sometimes you will need to help prepare scientific equipment that will need to be able to break away while at the seafloor. Knowing some basic knots will definitely help like the clove hitch, bowline, half-hitch, square knot, and also the double-sheet bend knot (where you join 2 lines).

 

Week 5 – New cruise, new crew members, and new objectives!

Question of the day!

What is the most active volcano in the Pacific Northwest?

Most people only consider land-based volcanoes like Mount Saint Helen or Mount Hood when thinking of volcanoes, but there is an underwater volcano that claims this title! It is Mount Axial, which has erupted 3 times in the last 25 years.

Mount Axial is located approximately 270 miles off the coast of Newport, OR and is one of the over 450 volcanoes that make up the “Ring of Fire”, which spans over 25,000 miles! This underwater “hot spot” last erupted in 2015 and has slowly been building up with magma and scientists are studying the seafloor changes to track and possibly detect when the next eruption will occur. This is where JASON comes in!

The objective is for JASON to transport and then set up scientific equipment at depths ranging from 1500-1600 meters. This project should only take around two weeks to complete.

Friday (6/17)

This morning the new crew members came aboard and as before, went straight to work!

Main tasks for today included:

• Tether cable termination (in the previous cruise there was some damage to the cable near JASON’s docking head).
• Once the cable was finished, a pull test was completed to ensure the cable termination was s+uccessful. This required rigging the cable up to the ship’s deck and applying approximately 18,000lbs of pressure with JASON’s crane/winch systems.
• The end of the day was spent regreasing the winch system and attaching the grated mesh fencing to the back of the system.

Saturday (6/18)

Much like the first cruise, this day was filled with basic prep tasks:

• Creating a layout of Jason’s basket (extendable/retractable front porch) to include collection boxes, empty crates, the slurp nozzle mount, and scientific equipment mounts. The empty crates were also prepped to hold knives on the sides which could be used for severing ropes, weighted plates that could be removed, and the temperature probe was also added to the basket layout.
• Filled the primary and auxiliary boxes.
• Bled the air out of the lines.
• Completed Pre-Dive procedures to test systems

Sunday (6/19)

Day of Departure!

• The rental manipulator arm was removed after an oil leak was observed during a check and a repaired manip-arm (which was sent out previously and just returned before the cruise) was attached.
• The first three hours was dedicated to strapping down and securing all JASON systems, equipment, and supplies to prepare for vessel launch. Anything that could potentially move needed to be secured.
• Zip-tie party time! JASON’s cables, wires, and connections were zip-tied to ensure total security. This is where we double and triple check to ensure electrical harness system is stable and secure.
• The thrusters, auxiliary and primary boxes, and comp systems were bled for air bubbles and will be bled multiple times over the next couple days. The ship’s movements will help shift any air bubbles to the top of the lines so by deployment day, the air will be completely expelled.
• Today we completed the Pre-Dive vehicle checks twice and will continue to complete until our first launch.
• At 6pm, the vessel left port and the 20hr transit began.

****On the way out I was able to perch up on the fourth level of the ship and spotted 3 orcas! I was hoping to have the opportunity to see a whale at some point and it took my breath away! At least, until I yelled to the crew on the deck so they could also witness this spectacular sight.

Monday (6/20)

Much of today was spent training. The new team leads walked through the Engineer and Navigator duties and responsibilities thoroughly. This JASON crew had 2 new individuals, and this would be their first cruise.

Afternoon tasks included:

• An all-crew fire drill. Everyone met in the main science lab with their float suits and life jackets and went over the steps of how to react to a fire on the ship and possible abandon-ship situations.
• Twp more Pre-Dive checks were completed and successful.
• Continued bleeding of JASON’s systems.

At midnight the first launch of the Nooner cruise was successful.

Tuesday (6/21)

Shift schedules began and I stayed on the 4-8am and pm shifts.

• 4-8am shift: co-piloting in the engineering position (engineering chair).

• I noticed while completing hourly checks that the Jetway Voltage output (which is always set to 105 volts) had jumped up to 113 volts.
• I manually decreased this back to 105 volts but within an hour, it began to increase again up to 108 volts.
• I again decreased the voltage and started checking every 5 minutes to ensure it did not continue to fluctuate.
• At 8am, the next shift started and the voltage issue was communicated and would be monitored.

• At 9:15 am, wake-ups were done to gather everyone on deck because we were recovering JASON.

• The voltage fluctuation continued after my shift and JASON lost power twice. Though it was restarted, the decision was made to bring JASON back on deck to address the issue.
• By 10:30, JASON was on deck.

• The Jetway voltage issue was due to the adjustable potentiometer knob and was repaired.
• JASON was relaunched at 2pm.
• 4-8pm shift: co-piloting as engineer chair.

Wednesday (6/22) (THIS WAS A VERY EXCITING DAY!!!)

• 4-8am shift: co-piloting as engineer chair and then……

I was able to pilot/fly JASON for a full hour. I then got to land on the seafloor at a depth of over 1500 meters and operate the starboard manipulator arm and retrieved a piece of pillow lava about 3.5 x 5 inches big.

• From 4-6pm I continued to co-pilot.
• 6-8pm was spent overseeing the winch and crane system while JASON was being recovered.
• At 8pm, JASON was back on deck and being serviced.

Thursday (6/23)

Early start to the day! We launched JASON at 4am and started a 4-day dive (as long as everything operates accordingly).

• 5-8am: co-piloting
• 4-8pm: co-piloting

The seafloor that JASON flew above is quite the sight! Layers of pillow lava, large crevasses that end in overspilling lava formations, and caved-in structures just amazed me! Absolutely stunning!

 

This week was filled with total amazement! I now have my lava rock sitting next to me as I write this and am considering how to get it back home with me. I am filled with gratitude and so thankful to MATE and WHOI for allowing me to be a part of this.

Tip of the week:

No map is better than a bad map. This may sound a bit silly, but it has been said a few times over the last few days. The navigation system has been going in and out, so when it tends to be “glitchy” and not display all of the data, we fly without it. If you were to operate with inaccurate readings and presume what is being shown is correct, catastrophe could follow! Especially in this environment. At one point, the seafloor went from 1547 meters up to almost 1450 meters! If you were to have insufficient navigation/mapping and set an auto course and depth, a collision would most definitely occur and potentially result in vehicle devastation. The 100-meter incline was abrupt, like climbing the side of a cliff. Though it was an unusual occurrence on this transit, it is a very real example of a possible event which could occur.

Week 4 – End of Escanaba Cruise and back to Port (6/10-6/17)

The last week of the Gartman Cruise finished off strong!

Thursday afternoon last week the team was unable to launch JASON due to weather conditions, but by Friday (6/10), it cleared up and we were able to launch at 2pm for a 12hr dive.

Friday – Monday (6/10-6/13)

Each day JASON was successfully launched, completed dive missions, and recovered. The samples obtained during this cruise met the scientific party’s objectives and the last dive was spent exploring a new area that had not yet been mapped.

During this time, no vehicle issues or malfunctions occurred so turn-over time from recovery to relaunch was minimal.

Monday (6/13), after recovering JASON at 9am, the ship began its voyage back to port and JASON crew member’s shifts adjusted back to 8am-5pm.

The afternoon was spent demobilizing JASON and prepping it for the next cruise.

Some tasks included:

• Draining the vehicle’s oils and prepping it for the next cruise.
• The front “basket” or “porch” area that held the sampling equipment was dismantled and cleaned.
• Washed down the vehicle to clean the saltwater off
• Tested hydraulic swingarm lines and found blockage issues, so then removed faulty lines.
• Secured vehicle for transit

Tuesday (6/14)

Today the demobilization/preparation continued with:

• Removing and cleaning all bio-boxes, side-arm boxes, and crates.
• Began cleaning the winch area (de-greasing everything) to prepare for land crew members to replace the wind-level motor
• Tested primary and secondary auxiliary lines, light cables and drained the boxes.
• Replaced cable fluids and bled air from lines.

At 3pm, the ship arrived in Newport and the crew were able to have the rest of the afternoon off to pick up rental cars, clean their bunks, and do laundry.

At 7pm, all the crew members (JASON, SENTRY, Science Party, Thompson Crew) met in town to celebrate together. We found an outdoor venue (covid protocols) and spent the evening reflecting on the trip.

Wednesday (6/15)

Demobilization/Prep continued with tasks such as:

• Removing and replacing the swingarm motors. (The swingarms are located on the starboard and port side of JASON) They house the bio-boxes (sampling boxes) and when triggered, the swing the boxes from underneath JASON to the front section, where the arm manipulators can open them, insert samples, and close them back up to preserve whatever was obtained. Then you trigger the swingarm to rotate back into its “home” position in JASON’s belly.
• Since the oil lines leading to the swingarms were found to have slight blockage, we replaced the lines and had to reroute, label, and secure them.
• Removed the grated fencing from the back of the winch system so the wind-level motor replacement could begin.
• Terminated JASON’s tether cable
• Began cleaning, organizing, and preparing specific parts/equipment for shipping back to WHOI’s office in Massachusetts.

This evening the JASON crew met at the top of Tsunami Hill and had an end-of-cruise barbeque. The team leads picked up a small grill and loads of food! For the last time this trip, the team worked together, and each person took a role in either preparing, cooking, organizing, overseeing, or taste-testing the buffet-style dinner. It was bittersweet to share stories and a lot of laughs with each other!

 Thursday (6/16)

This morning the crew members who are departing spent the morning packing their belongings, cleaning their berths and workspaces, and wrapping up loose ends.

The people who continue onto the next mission (myself included) prepare the hydro lab (JASON’s main work area) for the new crew members. The previous crew is scheduled to depart at noon while the new team arrives shortly after.

The boat’s crane system is being used to transport equipment on/off the ship and the winch wind-level motor is also being replaced, so crew are remaining inside to keep the deck clear unless instructed otherwise.

This first cruise I was able to accumulate:

• 20 days at sea
• Mobilization Days: 3
• Demobilization Days: 3
• Co-Piloting JASON (engineering chair): 57hrs
• Piloting JASON: 1hr

Tip of the week: Cutters/snips and a knife

• Seems like we are always applying and removing zip ties, cables, or ropes so I have found to always have a decent pair of cutters on you! As soon as you think you are done and put them away, you will find something else that needs to be removed. Specifically on this cruise, there was a brand-new pair of diagonal cutters, and everyone wanted them. It is quite satisfying to be the one who obtained them for the day, and the ease of snipping away zip ties without struggle was coveted by all.
• Having a good knife is especially handy for this line of work! When you have to secure and remove lines non-stop, having one that clips to your side is more convenient and saves a lot of time!

Week 3 (6/4-6/10)

Saturday (6/4)

Today the R/V Thompson went back to shore to drop off a member of the scientific party. The trip back was approximately 14 hours, and as soon as the “drop off” was concluded, we were on our way back to the mission site.  

During this time, the JASON crew had extra time to work on miscellaneous tasks such as:

• Rewiring the Brow pan/tilt Camera. It spontaneously will refuse to pan for one shift, but then be completely operational for the next. This camera is perched at the central top of JASON’s “face”.
• We also replaced the connections from the motor-control pods to the thrusters. The previous dive ended when three thrusters had to be disabled due to grounding issues. JASON was able to still operate with two thrusters down, but when the third became problematic, the dive was aborted, and JASON was recovered.

Sunday – Thursday (6/5-6/9)

Each day JASON was launched and recovered within 20 hours. The launch and recovery procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to have JASON deck-to-water and vice versa. It is the ascent and decent of 3200 meters that usually takes around two hours. While the rise or dive is being initiated, the pilot and navigator stay in the motor-control van, while the engineering member is on Winch Watch.

This week’s dives have all been successful with no issues and all desired samples were obtained.

Thursday evening the weather was too severe for another launch, so it was postponed until

Friday(6/10) afternoon at 2pm.

This week was especially exciting not just because of the success of the dives, but I was able to pilot JASON for a portion of the dive on Tuesday (6/7). I was surprised how stable JASON was when maneuvering around the area. A big difference from the smaller observation ROVs that I have flown in the past. Though it was a shorter dive, it was one of the most exciting moments I have ever experienced!

What extra time I had this week was spent learning different hydraulic fittings. I was even quizzed on them later in the week.

We only have a few days left on this cruise, so the team will try and get in as many dives as possible before we head back to port. I am lucky enough to remain on the vessel and accompany the next cruise, which will go until July 2^nd.

This week’s tip: Napping & Rain Gear

On a cruise such as this with the different shift times, you will most definitely want to become accustomed to napping. Some days that may be the only sleep you get. If recovery and launch times fall in between your shift, then a few naps are what you will get. But after a couple days of this reoccurring, your shift leader will work it out to where you can take a whole 6–7-hour sleep time.

Also, if you are to venture out on a project like this, make sure you bring rain gear. Even if it is not raining, it comes in handy! When recovering JASON, you complete post-launch checks which require you to climb up into the vehicle. And you WILL get soaked! I brought a pair of water-proof bibs, so those have been quite beneficial for this endeavor.

The second week of work has been quite the challenge.

Due to weather conditions, JASON was unable to safely deploy on Saturday (5/28). This hiatus gave extra time to train in the Control Van. That is where the magic happens! There are twelve screens that allow us to see and operate all of the camera angles on the ROV, JASON’s hydraulic pressures and sensors, wench diagnostics, navigation settings, sonar displays, and so much more! To monitor and operate JASON while diving, it takes three people.

The pilot sits in the center, where they have the best views of all the screens. The Navigator sits on the left and is responsible not just for the navigation of JASON, but also the R/V Thompson. They also document the target points and locations as well. Lastly, the Engineer Tech sits in the right chair (this is where I will be). I will be responsible for maintaining, operating, and overseeing all of JASON’s hydraulic equipment such as:

• Thruster Comp Pressures                            
• Main Comp Pressures
• Manipulator sensors
• Camera settings and positioning
• Ground Fault alarms
• Basket (front retractable porch), slurp (suction system for retrieving samples), side sample bio-boxes, niskin sampler triggers, etc.
• I also am able to help operate the manipulator arms as needed by the pilot
• Completing hourly checks of all temperature and pressure levels, alarm systems, and reacting to every alarm that may go off.
• Tether management

I would be lying if I said I was not nervous, but the WHOI team training me are so helpful and insightful and I have no doubts they will support me the whole time.

The rest of today was spent rebuilding the sampler MAJORS from last week. These devices, when triggered, retract, and suck up whatever water or sediment they are inserted into. I ended up replacing the inner seals because they were worn and had a build up of gritty residue on them.

I also lead the Pre-dive check for the vehicle, which consists of over forty-five checks ranging from:

• Upper Vehicle & LARS checks
• J-Boxes & Comps
• Powering Up the vehicle/devices
• Laser & Light testing
• Thruster checks
• Hydraulics
• Manipulators
• Misc. checks like vehicle safety vests, securing inner cables/wires, etc.

Sunday (5/29)

First JASON dive is a go!  

– Completed Pre-Dive checks.                                                  

– Secured and arranged sampling tools inside JASON’s front porch/basket.

– Added front weighted plates and rear weighted bricks that can be removed during the dive.

JASON was successfully launched at 11 am.

For my 4-8pm shift, I sat in the Engineering Tech seat in the Control Van and was witness to the amazing capabilities of JASON. This vehicle is capable of unbelievable things, but it is the crew that makes it possible. The dive was successful with its decent and sample collection at over 3200 meters, but towards the end of our shift, it was noted that JASON’s Thruster Comp levels plummeted from 9 to 0.5, and the decision was made to recover the vehicle.

It takes almost two hours for JASON to get to the surface, but only 40 minutes to get him safely back and secured on the vessel. The team removes all 38 tether floats (which are quite large and heavy). One person ropes off the cable to bring it closer to the side of the vessel, another holds the float ropes to secure it and one last person unlatches the lock. With the crane operator timing the retracting carefully, it only takes minutes to clear the cable and finish the recovery.

It would be too long to list off everything that happens with each of these tasks, but I can tell you that everyone has several responsibilities, and each one is vital to mission success.

Monday (5/30)

4-8am shift:

• JASON investigation revealed possible water seepage into one of the thruster lines. Cleared and bled thruster lines.
• Pre-Dive checks at 6am
• JASON launch at 8am

• Unfortunately after securing all of the tether floats onto JASON’s cable, a thruster alarm triggered and JASON was brought back onto the vessel.
• The day was spent replacing the vertical thrusters and trouble shooting cable issues.
• Though my shift is scheduled 4-8, when JASON is down, everyone is working. We spent the whole day triple checking all of the adjustments and hope tomorrow’s dive is successful.

Tuesday (5/31)

• 12 – 1am – JASON was deployed.
• Both 4-8 shifts were completed in the Engineering Tech position.
• Sample collection was successful and JASON operated without issues.
• Some of the sampling tools did not perform as expected, so it was noted and will be addressed upon recovery/ post-dive.
• 8pm – JASON was recovered and secured on deck.

Wednesday (6/1) – Friday (6/3)

• JASON was launched each day and successfully completed sample collection objectives.
• The normal dive time was approximately 20 hours each dive.
• Trouble shooting and repairs were completed during post and pre-dive times.
• The brow pan/tilt camera suffered ground fault issues and was replaced.
• The thruster control pods for the vertical thrusters were disassembled, cleaned, repaired, and reattached.
• All lines were continuously bled for air and the junction boxes \checked for water leakage.

This week’s lessons:

• Oil pads are lifesavers! (We call them diapers) While replacing thruster lines, camera lines, whatever lines…they are all filled with either royal purple (an oil) or mineral oil. Even with clamps, sometimes the amount of oil lost can be substantial. So plan ahead, layout a “diaper” to collect whatever oil may spill. Clean everything!
• I was able to diagnose a thruster connector leak by making sure to clean the area after replacing the vertical thruster.
• Be meticulous. Ask questions. Double and triple check everything. Have someone else check your work. Good practice!