Category: Moss Landing Marine Laboratory

It all started with great excitement and enthusiasm. Arriving to Dutch Harbor and meeting the crew was amazing. I exchanged words with young scientists, the marine tech and the captain. Being at sea has its challenges due to the inestabilty of the vessel and the particular metereological conditions of the day. You don’t know what to expect. However, over time you learn from previous experiences and master working at sea. The food was terrific and always on time. One could relax from time to time as the conditions were calm. I feel I gained much control over myself during those hours aboard a Research Vessel and was able to connect with the crew as the day went by. Now this internship is over and I am about to head home soon but I will remember those days I spent during the transit and the beautiful images of the Pacific Ocean.

As  I continue on this transit,  I have engaged into more conversations with Alex and Holly who are the scientists who collaborate with Professor Collins in taking CTDs measurements from the Ocean. Stian has repeatedly shown me how to act as a console operator and how to take information from the CTDs. Most of my work has consisted on assisting Alex and Holly with bottles fillings and labeling. Cocking up the bottles in the CTD and deploying and returning the CTD back on the Ship.

Every once in a while Professor Collins asks me to help with removing some hardware from the CTD or wiring.

As far as getting along with my cruise mates, I have become more used to them. We share lunch and dinner and have interesting conversations about language, school, work. During times I exit the galley and stare at the ocean.  There are times when the ocean calms down and one can relax while at the same time appreciate being on board the R/V Point Sur.

Today, I experienced sea sickness. After a long rest I woke up around 10 AM with the motions of the vessel. The sea was now agitating and kept rocking the vessel side to side. It was difficult to take a shower and after a while it got me to the head. I had some lunch prepared by Tara and resumed to meet Stian, Alex, and Tori for another day of CTD. We found out that our logs were not properly marked and made the goal of the day to make sure we were more consistent and through in our data logging. Around 12 pm I could not stand the nausea and had to step out from the wet lab and sit by the deck to get some fresh air. It helped me recover but I was yet not cured. After half an hour I went back to my bed and laid down for two hours. I think I was exhausted and the effort I did on taking a shower in the morning definitely affected my balance today. Later in the afternoon, I grabbed some dinner and took another nap and resumed work .

CTDs are now easier to deploy, and data logging and bridge communication can get done quicker. Practice has definitely help in managing our team work more efficiently.

Today I met sea sickness and learned to overcome its first effects. Sitting still and taking naps were the best solutions and I am relieved for the conditions may get worse in the next coming days but for now I feel relaxed.

First impressions of the Harbor were an abundant and fresh smell of a fishery port with many fisheries vessels and amazing views.

Later that day, I was able to meet the Captain , the cook, and some other students who were also part the crew. We were given a safety talk and a demonstration of how to put on a life immersion suits.

I visited the church and catch a glance at the eagles and fish going down the river and tour inside the defender fishery boat where I learned about the fish industry and technology employed to maximizes efficiency in fishing. The captain and I exchange some words about the harbor past and some anecdotes. The chief scientist also gave a small instruction in oceanography after the safety talk.

I feel great and can’t wait to start my duties on ship.

Next week I will be onboard the R/V Point Sur. As of now, I have been reading practical boat mechanics books and CTD operation manuals. Working at sea will be a new experience for me but I welcome it with excitement. I could not have asked for a better place to start my ocean journey than Alaska. With the guidance of senior marine technicians and scientists, I feel this experience will serve as a stepping stone in my career and future interest in marine engineering. So far my interactions with Stian, Nandita, and Tami have been great. They have been very supportive and effective at getting me prepared and I am thankful for that.  I look forward to fly to Dutch Harbor and meet the crew.