Blog – Marine Technical Internship Blog

Today makes 42 days on the R/V Thomas G. Thompson. As the monsoons close in and the winds pick up, it is safe to say it has been a complete and total whirlwind!

This research cruise is focused on gathering meteorological data. The use of weather balloons allows the science group to record various data through the atmosphere. The giant balloon is filled with helium, and attached to the bottom is a spool of wire with an instrument known as a Radiosonde. The instrument package measures atmospheric parameters such as pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and wind direction. This information is sent back to the scientists via radio signals. Our highest balloon yet rose to 27.5 KM! The team releases a new balloon every few hours, for continuous data streams. I was able to release one as well!

As well as atmospheric data, the science group is interested in oceanographic profiles. This device, called a Scanfish, is towed behind the boat for days at a time. It swims up and down through the water column, and collects profiling data. Deploying the device means all hands on the stern, working to get it over the back smoothly.

Another data source is the CTD. This is one of the most used pieces of equipment on board a research vessel! This science group is interested in water samples as well, so the large bottles you see will be full once we retrieve the device. The role of the marine technician in this deployment is mainly to operate the hydroboom, which is a horizontal crane of sorts. It can carry an enormous amount of weight, and carries the payload up to 10 feet off the side of the ship. The marine tech also communicates with the bridge and the winch operator, ensuring that the deployment goes smoothly. The scientists are responsible for the control of the CTD electronically, and triggering the bottles to close at whatever depths they want water samples from.

It has finally come time that the buoy on deck can be deployed! This specific buoy is experimental, meaning it is the first of its exact kind. The configuration of instruments is hopeful to provide insight into the air-sea interface, having both air and water sensors attached. This also means, however, that no one is sure exactly how the buoy will behave, or if it will be successful at all. Deployment was a slow, and very careful process. Once the buoy was in the water, all we could do was wait and see.

Our buoy has proven to be a bit cantankerous! After less than 24 hours in the water, the electrical systems onboard the buoy began to fail. The buoy is equipped with several large batteries that are charged by 3 solar panels, yet all charge had been lost. Either the solar panels were not functioning properly, or the equipment on board was too demanding for the batteries to keep up with. We decided it was the best option to recover the buoy, and see if repairs could be made on board. Every day spent at sea can be very expensive, so there is no time to waste. Science must go on!

The team was able to repair the electrical issues within the buoys system, and redeployed successfully. For several days, we received good data from the buoy with no signs of further electrical issues. In the meantime, we worked on other operations in the area. We continued to tow the Scan fish, with occasional stops for CTDs, and other data collection. Once it was time to revisit the buoy, disaster had struck. As soon as the buoy was in sight, we could see that the mast was broken. Sadly, there is no telling exactly how it happened, but the most likely culprit is simply weather conditions. The seas and winds have been very high, and the aluminium mast was under much stress. Trying to recover any equipment that is broken is unpredictable at best. The captain of the ship gathered the crew and scientists, and preformed a risk assessment of the potential recovery operation. With the uncertainty, and possible loose pieces that could come off at any point, there were concerns and discussions about the safety of such an operation. We were able to find solutions to our concerns, and decided that recovery was possible. We very slowly approached the buoy, and after two attempts and nearly 3 hours, were able to safely recover the equipment.

At sea, there are an infinite amount of problems and solutions you can encounter. It is important to keep an open mind and to think outside of the box when performing research! This week has proven to me that there are always work arounds and more chances to be had. Though the buoy is officially out of commission for this cruise, theres no doubt that it will float again, eventually. The beauty of an experiment such as this, is that it will only improve from here. The scientists now know the weak points, and how to improve it for its next deployment!

The rain here is picking up, so as we all don our foulies and our rain boots, we wish you luck on all of your endeavors! Stay safe and stay dry out there sailors.

Micah Barton – God Bless – 06/11/2025

Pre Mobilization – 01

By Namith Kennedy

On June 8, 2025

In R/V Hugh R. Sharp, University of Delaware, College of Earth, Ocean and Environment

Hello readers,

I have completed my first week on the Hugh R. Sharp. My mentor was kind enough to have me come a week in advance of the planned missions to help ease me onto the vessel. This week, I learned and assisted with the remaining general maintenance tasks that marine techs must complete before mobilization.

I loved my mentor’s teaching method. He understood that real skill is built through action. From the first day, rather than feeling like an intern, I felt like I was working on the ship and was part of the crew.

A Brief Day in the Life

Since we are still at port, every day I would wake up at 4 am to go to the gym with a crew member roughly my age. We would get back at 6:30 am to eat and get ready for our work day. The day would start roughly at 7 am, and it almost always began with discussing a brief plan for the day. We would have to coordinate with others to formulate our daily plans, sometimes making material orders or checking on part fabrication orders. Once the day was done, I would usually shower, then relax and go to sleep.

First Work Day

From the first day, my mentor allowed me to take an active role.

I spent the first half of my Tuesday touring the facilities and meeting the crew. The second half of the day, I was between a cable spool and a cable-level management system (Caley). I was adjusting, loosening tension, or cutting the slack of wires as needed to ensure the Caley had its full range of motion while having a clean-looking wire management. Once I completed that job, I became a tool fetcher for the engineers of the vessel for the remainder of the day. The engineers needed to complete their checks before we could continue with the tech’s responsibilities.

The Rest of the Days

Shortly after, I was notified that our first mission would be canceled and replaced with a Sea Trial. The University that was originally scheduled had a conflict and was unable to make it.

On Wednesday, I did more wire management. It was a multiple-person job, as one person had to be on the bridge, carefully pulling the individual wire up to spool it, and the other had to signal when to stop pulling and hold the wires in place.

In the latter half of the day, I did a mechanical CTD cable termination under the supervision of my mentor. There are multiple phases to the mechanical portion of the cable termination, one of the last was pouring molten aluminum to secure the cable, and then tension testing our mechanical connection.

On Thursday, I did the electrical portion of the CTD cable termination. This includes stripping the wire casing, then color coding and crimping the wire ends together. I got to use special wire crimper connectors that used solder, helping waterproof the connections. Once the connections were made, we encased them with scotch cast using a mold. The remaining portion of the electrical work is to connect the cable to the CTD.

At the end of Thursday, we needed to get the Caley stats computer (showing stats like tension on the cable) to display its information on the main computer. This would make it easier for the people on the bridge operating the Caley. We found the supposed IP address and Port Number, but we could not get it to connect to the master display software of the main computer. Thus, I thought to look up command prompts to show IP addresses that the main computer can detect. Once I used the command netstat -ano, and saw that the Caley Stats Computer IP was not detected. From this result, I knew either the Ethernet cable was not plugged in all the way at the Ethernet switch, or the IP address was wrong. Luckily, it was the Ethernet cord not being plugged in at the switch.

Friday was a half-day, the marine techs and I went to a couple of places and stores to pick up a custom transducer mount and other materials that we will need.

Conclusion

The whole crew is extremely nice and fun, and helped me have an amazing first week! On Monday, the 9th, we will start mobilization for the Sea Trial. I cannot wait to learn even more during this upcoming week!

Bay of Bengal – 05 – Micah B.

By Micah Barton

On May 30, 2025

In Host, R/V Thomas G. Thompson, University of Washington, School of Oceanography, Vessel

Tomorrow marks one month spent aboard the R/V Thomas G Thompson! I am beyond blessed to have such an incredible opportunity to sail through the Bay of Bengal, chasing storms and deploying equipment throughout this warm and ancient ocean. I am always amazed by how things come together with such a vast array of personnel, all coming from different backgrounds, educations, and experiences. I am inspired by their stories, and for the pursuit of knowledge. I am excited to let my ambition go unchecked and see where it can take me!

Leg two of this research cruise has been a bumpy start, in more ways than one. Learning how to navigate complex shipping schedules, crowded dock space, and working with immigration has proven frustrating at times. And then came the rain! Monsoon season here in Thailand is beginning, with some regions getting up to 3 meters of rain annually. Rain introduces new complications, but also brings data along with the low pressure systems. Meteorological information is what we are seeking, after all.

AB Brian donned his foulies to work through the rain, securing down a deck full of instruments.

Everyone involved is responsible for their part, including the marine technicians on board. The first few days may be our busiest ones, all going according to plans (spoiler alert: it never does!). Techs and ABs are responsible for getting the science crew, and all the gear they bring, settled onto the ship as quickly and smoothly as possible. The decks fill quickly with equipment and instruments.

The Thomas G. Thompson is by far the largest ship I have sailed on. She is outfitted with oceanographic and meteorological sensors in every nook and cranny. On the very top deck, known as the 05 or the flying bridge, we replaced an anemometer, or a ‘wind bird’. It is a lofty feeling to be climbing a ladder so far above the sea, being able to look out on the vast expanse of blues! There’s me on the ladder (Hi me!). Leg one of this scientific mission was smooth sailing, both in terms of the unusually calm seastate, and the workflow. Now, after about 10 days in port, back and forth between dock and anchor, we are underway! We finally received the shipments we were waiting for, and finished our mobilization phase on the dock.

Now, the science can begin! We are deploying weather balloons equipped with radiosondes every 6 hours. The balloon will rise into the stratosphere, and using the attached sensor, measure parameters such as temperature, humidity and wind speed. This information is vital for understanding weather patterns. Look at ’em go!

“toil and turn under the sun,

c’mon Greenhorn! work’s just begun;

heave the anchor, tie the lines,

now sailing feel the winds divine;

a sailors job’s a rotten one,

when waves crash and thunder drums;

make way through twisted course like vines,

’til you again see brave coastlines;

dream not yet of landlocked loves,

lest the days escape and hands be dumb;

barely from the harbors brine,

sail out to sea just one more time”

Each time the ship comes to port, personnel board and disembark from their hitch. Some may spend weeks at sea, while others months. The time away from home can be both adventurous and at the same time draining. With each sea going person I meet, I come more to the understanding of this balance.

We have just about 3 weeks to deploy the buoy, drifters, weather balloons, CTD/UCTD casts, gliders and more! The increasing swell of the sea can make deck operations difficult and unsafe. We work with the captain and the science team to adapt plans that best suit everyone’s needs. So we’ll be here, watching the weather and deploying balloons! Catch you on the next setting sun, scallywags…

Micah Barton – God Bless – 05/30/2025

Namith Kennedy Introduction

By Namith Kennedy

On May 29, 2025

In R/V Hugh R. Sharp, University of Delaware, College of Earth, Ocean and Environment

Hello Readers,

My name is Namith Kennedy. I am moving on to my sophomore year of college in Northwestern Michigan College’s Marine Technology B.S program. I am extremely honored and excited to intern with the University of Delaware’s Hugh R. Sharp Team. I hope to learn as much as I can, tackling everything with a growth-oriented mindset!

If you shoot for the Stars,

Worst case you end up on Mars

By Namith Kennedy (realistically someone has probably said this before)

This is one of the quotes I came up with to help nurture a growing mindset that moves through failure.

Where it started

In the picture above, I was an upcoming junior in High School and just completed my first sound velocity cast. Since my sophomore year of high school, I knew of my desire to be involved in marine technology. This interest led me to reach out to the NMC Marine Technology program director at the time, Hans Van Sumeren, to ask for a summer internship. I had an absolute blast with the experience. Everything from the team environment, the work, the views of nature, and the unlimited possibilities helped ignite my growing passion for the field.

A little fun fact about me

During high school, I played football and rugby. Football has been in my life since I was five years old. I love all formats of football, including fantasy football.

In the picture above, I had the honor of shaking hands with many Vietnam veterans and other service members during a tribute game called the Patriot Game. This upcoming fall, I will pursue my passion for the sport of football by coaching middle school football.

Conclusion

Since discovering the marine technology field, my enthusiasm for it soars higher every day. The opportunity that Unols and the R/V Hugh R. Sharp team have provided for me will act as premium kindling, supporting my growth. I am excited to share my month-long journey with everyone!

Daniel Silguero-introduction

By Daniel Silguero

On May 28, 2025

In Host, R/V Atlantis, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Hello readers! My name is Daniel Silguero, and this is my introduction. I am not quite a writer and never have been, so bear with me. I am currently a student at California Polytechnic University, Pomona, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Collecting the coherent thoughts to write this post is not an easy task. My mind is flooded with anxious excitement because later today I will board the RV Atlantis, setting sail on an adventure I have dreamed about since I was a little kid. Every academic goal and achievement I have accomplished have been small and deliberate stepping stones toward this moment!

For as long as I can remember, I have had a fascination with the aquatic world and a passion for engineering. I would spend much of my free time building, breaking, soldering, and sealing small underwater robots attempting to see what’s deeper than I can swim. Now, its finally time to step onboard and play my role in real-world deep sea ocean research, working alongside some of the most brilliant technicians in the industry.

Over the next 5 weeks, I will be part of the Alvin submersible team, sailing along the Aleutian islands of Alaska. I will be learning the intricacies of maintaining and operating a state of the art manned submersible system while finally experiencing what my younger self could only dream of.

I don’t think its possible to effectively describe the way I feel. The emotions of knowing how hard I have worked to be here are immense and I just know this is where I belong!

Over the next few weeks, I look forward to posting updates of my journey, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store!

Phuket, Thailand – 04

By Micah Barton

On May 20, 2025

In R/V Thomas G. Thompson, University of Washington, School of Oceanography

The days are seemingly long but the weeks are so short offshore! Today is day 20 on my journey around the world. Even as Leg 1 of our trip has come to a close, the work never ceases. Monthly, weekly, and even daily there is maintenance and upkeep that makes a ship operate smoothly.

Our CTD rosette took a few dips into the water on this leg of the cruise, and it was time for some much needed TLC. In addition to a classic fresh water wash, the weights attached to the frame got a new stunning, hi-vis look. Previously, they were painted to keep the rust away. We noticed that the paint had begun to chip off, and there was a high likelihood of paint chips contaminating our water samples. Without the proper materials to repaint them onboard, we had to get creative with a temporary solution of tape. One of the things I have learned the quickest is outside of the box thinking. You must become self sufficient while offshore, as all you have is what is in your ship stores!

As we rolled back into port in beautiful Phuket, Thailand, the scientists of Leg 1 prepared the way for those of Leg 2. On the bow, scientists Charlotte and Carlyn taught me how to do some of the daily maintenance and cleaning of their instruments, collectively known as PYSAS. As we began this Leg of the cruise, the marine tech and I were able to help set up the machine. It is very rewarding to come back and learn how to maintain it as well, and hopefully help to deconstruct it once the cruise is over. Scientific support is what my education has prepared me for, and it is definitely proving to be invaluable in this experience. This was also the International Day for Women in Maritime! I am constantly inspired by the women I see working hard in STEM, and it was great to appreciate the work being done by Charlotte and Carlyn. Thank you to every woman in the maritime industry, keep reaching for your goals and making an impact!

The science crew for Leg 1 has officially parted ways with us, moving on to their next grand mission. It is fantastic to see people from so many different backgrounds, coming together with one common goal. Best of luck, everyone! Go forth and do science!

As is often the case in the marine industry, plans change. Rather often in fact! As we are anchored in port, we await both dock space and a delivery of containers. The days get extended, and we find solutions as best we can. This has given the crew an excellent chance to stretch our land legs! The people in charge of the ship have very kindly made arrangements for both a shuttle boat to get us to the pier, and a scheduled taxi van to get us into the center of town.

Phuket has a rich cultural essence, fantastic architecture, and bustling markets. Endless stalls sell fresh-caught fish and lobsters, handmade goods, and tropical fruit. If you dare, you can even suffer the experience of eating durian. Good luck!

As we continue making preparations for Leg 2 of our cruise, we get to see how vibrant Thailand truly is. The marine industry is wide and active here, and it is a wonderful thing to see how tradition, culture, and the local economy intersect. With each large container ship that passes us by, there is a local fishing boat with a small tiller engine, full of people feeding their families and communities. I look out at the islands with awe, struck by how truly wild an oceanic jungle can be. Until next time, I’ll be here eating fresh watermelon and swabbing the deck!

Micah Barton – God Bless – 05/20/2025

Science While Underway – 03

By Micah Barton

On May 13, 2025

In R/V Thomas G. Thompson, University of Washington, School of Oceanography

Today marks my 13th day aboard the R/V Thomas G. Thompson. What a fantastic whirlwind so far! The science crew onboard has gotten up to a little bit of everything, and it has been a privilege to be a part of the action. This cruise has had its fair share of deployments, recoveries, troubleshooting, and deck operations under the searing sun.

The ABs and the Marine Technicians aboard have a special role to play while assisting the scientific crew with their mission. Safety of both people and gear is of the utmost priority when working on the deck. With the help of the experienced crew, the science team can rest assured that their gear will get into the water with no incident. Using the A-frame, a large winch powered lift on the stern, we can pick up large gear and deploy it into the water. As the Marine Tech intern, I was allowed to operate the A-frame for a few deployments (That’s me at the controls in the photo, hi me!). We helped the science team deploy 4 wave gliders and 3 sea gliders, as well as countless wave drifters. Each instrument has a specific purpose, and measures a different ocean parameter. The data collected by this equipment is vital to oceanographic research and works towards the scientists ultimate goals.

Another aspect of research at sea is troubleshooting. One of the wave gliders that we had previously deployed was having some issues, according to the software connected. The science team made the decision to bring the glider back on board, and attempt to repair it. This time, we used the starboard side crane to retrieve the drifter from the water. In this situation, as you can tell from the photo above, there are many moving parts that everyone on deck must be aware of in order to avoid accidents. We work slowly and thoroughly, talking through each phase of the operation so that everyone is aware of what is going to happen. Through patience, team work and coordination, the drifter was recovered successfully! The science team got well under way with their repairs, and we re-deployed it.

Science never sleeps on board, not when there is data to be collected! Arguably, what we have done the most of is UCTD operations. This is a device that is towed behind the ship, and collects sea water parameters as we move, such as conductivity, temperature, and water depth. We pulled the UCTD for up to 6 hours straight, for several days. This operation requires two people on deck at all times, meaning we had to work in shifts to ensure that everyone was able to rest fully. Often times, we would pull the probe through the night, and into the wee hours of the morning. We’re willing to do anything for the data!

As the first leg of this research cruise is coming to a close, we are all still busy as ever. Breaking down equipment, preparing for port call, and getting the ship ready for the next set of scientists is no easy task! Though it is sad to see the first round of scientists move on to their next mission, the next group will need our help to get their scientific mission underway. So, it’s a good thing we’re here to help!

Micah Barton -God Bless – 05/13/2025

Mobilization- 02

By Micah Barton

On May 6, 2025

In R/V Thomas G. Thompson, University of Washington, School of Oceanography

Three flights, two cabs, and one boat ride later, at long last I have R/V Thomas G. Thompson within my sights!

Flying international solo for the first time was nerve racking to be sure. In my home airport, I waved goodbye to my family. In LAX, I struggled to find my gate. In HKG, I had a tight squeeze to make my connecting flight! But finally, in Thailand, I have made it aboard my new home for the next 6 weeks.

The first day, I was amazed with how large the ship is. I have sailed before on much smaller vessels, and this was definitely the first time I have been worried about getting lost on a boat! Now, on the 7th day aboard, I feel I have found the lay of the land. Err, sea? Anyways…

In the beautiful port of Phuket, Thailand, we pulled anchor on the morning of the 1st of May and set sail! Everyone on board got busy with their work as we began transit to our first science station. The captain, science crew, and the technicians have been working together to get through the EEZ’s, which is a zone we cannot sample or log data in. Because of international restrictions, transit days can be limited in the science that can be conducted on board the ship. In no way does that mean we don’t keep busy! Even though we can’t do any science, we still have much to accomplish. While shadowing the Marine Technicians aboard, I have already had many opportunities to refine my abilities and learn new skills;

We have terminated the winch wire to our CTD.
We have problem solved HTML coding issues.
We have found creative workarounds for connection issues.
I have begun the deep dive of learning wiki syntax.
We have tested on board sensors, plumbing, and electrical components.
We certified that the UCTD system is functioning properly.

As the science teams set up is being assembled, and the days of data are quickly approaching, I am thankful for the opportunity to observe and be a part of something so exciting. The crew and staff aboard the TGT has been very welcoming and fantastically helpful. I can’t wait to see where the next few weeks take us, and to be able to be apart of the science operations coming soon. Special shout out to Maria for helping me get to where I am in this process!

Fair winds and following seas to you!

Micah Barton – 04/21/2025

Introduction- Micah Barton

By Micah Barton

On April 22, 2025

In R/V Thomas G. Thompson, University of Washington, School of Oceanography

Voyage Beginnings – 01

Hello sailors and scallywags! My name is Micah Barton. I am a recent graduate of Cape Fear Community College, with an associates degree in Marine Technology. The privilege of a high quality education has forever changed my life for the better, and I have developed a deep love and passion for marine sciences. Every moment has been wonderful, from surveying in the rain, watching sharks circle the trawl, troubleshooting software for hours, and even to counting thousands of shrimp- fantastic. I can’t imagine my life without it. I have an amazing crew of educators and classmates that have worked tirelessly and pushed me to make it this far; I work hard every day to make them proud!

This is a picture of my last cruise at CFCC aboard the R/V Cape Hatteras. Since day one of sailing, I knew that there was no going back for me- life at sea or bust! Like countless others before me, I have felt the breeze on my cheek and heard the voice of the sea;

Voice of the sea that calls to me,
Heart of the woods my own heart loves,
I am part of your mystery—
Moved by the soul your own soul moves.

Dream of the stars in the night-sea’s dome,
Somewhere in your infinite space
After the years I will come home,
Back to your halls to claim my place.

by William Stanley Braithwaite

Here I am! I love to fish, explore, and create. I will be starting my internship on the R/V Thomas G. Thompson. Through this blog I hope to share my journey, my perspectives, and the things I learn along the way. Thank you for joining me, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Micah Barton – 04/21/2025

Final Dispatch from the RV Sikuliaq – Cybersecurity in the Wild

By Raymond Gallant

On April 20, 2025

In R/V Sikuliaq, University of Alaska Fairbanks

The SECURE-IT cyber training cruise aboard the R/V Sikuliaq has come to an end, and I’m writing this final post while taking in the cold Alaskan air after days of navigating the Pacific. It’s hard to put into words how transformative this experience has been, both technically and personally.

Each day onboard was a full-immersion dive into maritime cybersecurity and cyberinfrastructure. We configured segmented networks using Fortinet firewalls, utilized Proxmox virtual environments, and worked with legacy systems still commonly found in real-world maritime operations. We tackled bandwidth limitations, satellite communications, and network segmentation in a way that mirrored actual at-sea constraints—and that’s not something you can fully simulate in a classroom.

One of the most impactful parts of this experience was the people. Having such a diverse crew—ranging from seasoned technologists and marine technicians to undergraduate students from across the country—created an environment rich in what’s known as tacit knowledge. These are the kinds of insights that aren’t always written down—techniques, workarounds, and instincts that come from time spent in the field. Watching the experienced professionals troubleshoot or explain their setups gave me a much deeper appreciation for the human element in technical problem-solving.

Another standout for me was having Tyler Peterson, a former MATE intern, onboard. His background as a marine technician and his experience with more traditional MATE internships helped bridge the gap between the classic marine tech path and this first-of-its-kind cruise focused on Information Technology, cybersecurity, and cyberinfrastructure. While we weren’t supporting an active science mission during this cruise, Tyler helped connect the dots between shipboard IT systems and how they ultimately enable and support scientific research. That context was incredibly valuable—it made the purpose behind the tech we were building feel real and relevant.

Something else that really stuck with me: it takes a variety of disciplines to make scientific research at sea possible. From satellite communications and data acquisition systems to physical deployments like the ARGO floats, the cruise was a reminder that meaningful science only happens when engineers, IT professionals, technicians, and scientists work in harmony. This cruise wasn’t just a training exercise—it was a snapshot of what that collaboration can look like in action.

One of the personal highlights: I earned three cybersecurity certifications during this cruise—two from Fortinet and one awarded by the R/V Sikuliaq team. These credentials not only boosted my technical skill set, but also marked a real milestone in my journey toward becoming a cybersecurity professional in the maritime world.

Massive thanks to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) for hosting, Fortinet for the technical resources, the MATE program for making this internship possible, the crew of the R/V Sikuliaq, and everyone who made this adventure happen. Special shoutout to Julian Race for leading the charge and creating space for real hands-on learning. I’m leaving this cruise sharper, more inspired, and more confident in my future as a cybersecurity professional in the maritime space.

Until next time—signing off from the Gulf of Alaska.