Category: University of Washington, School of Oceanography Page 1 of 7

Land Ho! – 07

On June 19, 2025

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

It is hard to believe, but my final day aboard the Thomas G. Thompson makes for a total of 50 days. I am so very grateful, and have been blessed so abundantly to be a part of the awesome crew even for a while. Before we do some reminiscing, lets see how the last week has been.

Oh yeah, monsoon! Thailand can receive around 15 feet of precipitation in a year, which makes for some pretty rainy days at sea. The most important thing I brought with me on this cruise was my foul weather gear, and my great sense of style as you can see. No matter what the latest fashion tips may say, high-vis is always in fashion. The neon colors you may be used to seeing on constructions sites or warning labels have an important purpose- you can’t miss them! Highly visible colors such as neon orange, yellow, green or pink ensures that you are seen. In worst case scenarios, such as falling overboard, you are clearly distinct from the endless waters so you can be rescued quickly. So, you can always catch me on deck, in my glowstick cosplay- also known as my foulies. My rain jacket and pants kept me dry and toasty on all of the misty mornings and downpour afternoons.

AB Brian steadies the CTD rosette with a tagline.

The science team and crew worked tirelessly through the rain. To study monsoons is to endure the storms! Our final days of science consisted of VMP, or the vertical microstructure profiler, CTD, weather balloons, and scanfish operations. The winds and increasingly high seas made for a tumbling time on deck, and made operations run longer than normal. Taking the extra time to practice safe working tactics prevents injuries and accidents. It is better to lose an hour to work through things slower, than to lose days for an injury on deck!

On one sunny afternoon, we were greeted by some playful dolphins bow riding! The glare on the water makes them a bit difficult to see, but there were around 10 of them playing in the wake of the ship. We determined them to be *Tursiops aduncus*, or Indo-Pacific Bottlenose dolphins. Though this cruise was focused on meteorology, it was exciting to be visited by a bit of biology during our trip. Biology is my first love, and has been my main focus. Though I am enjoying and learning a lot about the other aspects of marine science, it is lovely to have the comfort of the incredible creatures of the ocean grace us on our journeys! *(Advancement unlocked: Echolocation)*

Science has officially concluded for this cruise, and we began our transit back into port. The next couple of days involved removing all of the scientific equipment and devices that had been installed around the ship. This is no small task! In the above picture, science requested my help to remove some wires from the MCT. A lot of them, as a matter of fact! Though it looks like a tangled mess of spaghetti, it is a sense of controlled chaos that eventually comes together. We snipped zip ties, unplugged the devices and sorted out the cables with time. Cables have been bundled and stored in their appropriate boxes for shipping or storing, and the MCT sealed up to prevent any water from dripping in.

One of the larger deconstructions was a LIDAR on the forward 02 deck. It had been set into a gyroscopic mount for the duration of the cruise, which meant a more difficult time dropping it back onto deck. The ABs, captain, and the science crew all converged to develop a plan. Using many lines, hands, and some precautionary foam bricks, we were able to lower it onto deck in about 2 hours time. The master rigging skills of AB Brian (pictured above, climbing the frame) were invaluable to the operation. I find careful procedures such as these to be oddly beautiful, almost in a mathematic sense. A well thought out plan and attentive hands make for easy work!

For our final night at sea, God painted the sky with a lovely sunset to send us homewards! Our cruise, though there were many bumps and bruises, has been a success. We have just set our anchor back in the port of Phuket, Thailand, and everyone is busy at work preparing for their journeys home. Laptops packed and memories made, shipping labels slapped on every crate and palette. The data has been collected, and the scientists are eager to return to their labs for processing. The ships crew is cleaning, storing, and readying the vessel for the next science party to come aboard. Science never sleeps, and the R/V Thomas G. Thompson is bound to go to sea again shortly.

A sincere thank you to the crew, captain, and science parties for allowing me to join them on this cruise. I hope that I have been a helpful and optimistic force for their work, and that I can cross paths with them once again in the future. As I make my own way home, I will set out for another adventure in a few short weeks. Thank you so much for reading along, and following my journey across the world. To the other UNOLS interns this season, fair winds and following seas to you! Shout out to Maria and the entire UNOLS team for making my dreams reality!

I want to extend a special thanks to my brilliant educators that inspire me to this day;

Jason Rogers, for sharing his dazzling love of invertebrates and indomitable spirit. (The variety of marine worms truly is inspiring). Jacqui Degan, for never once losing enthusiasm and for pushing us all for greatness. Shawna Rowe, for great kindness and diligence unfailing. Joel Clem, for unwavering faith in our abilities and a patient heart. Nathan Whited, for generosity and constant cheerfulness through tough times. Brian Bradley, for taking the time to teach in every moment, and encouraging our curiosity always. Brian Jeno, for holding us to high standards and working tirelessly. (And for not sinking the R/V MarTech with us aboard when Blue and I ran over the Sidescan Sonar. Sorry again.) Crew and captain of the R/V Cape Hatteras, for putting up with our student shenanigans, and welcoming all of us for incredible cruises. Much love to my Marine Tech Club family and classmates.

Buoy Blues – 06 – Micah B.

By Micah Barton

On June 11, 2025

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

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

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/Laboratory

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

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

11th & 12th week with jASON/WHOI

By Sarah Sergent

On September 24, 2023

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

Monday, Sept 11th – Sunday, Sept 24th

The first week started off with adding and attaching hydraulic lines to JASON and mounting a frame on JASON’s basket/face which would hold a large crawl profiler. After testing, we were able to launch and attach several profilers to lines at different locations. After completing the attachments, we then would lock into old profilers and recover them for servicing.

We spent several days transiting back and forth to and from locations to swap out equipment and complete water sampling and visual inspections of hydrothermal vents. During this time, JASON’s main power box (Jetway) began to produce a burning smell. Once inspected, we realized the mount for the large transformer had given out, so the team worked together to remount the transormer using what materials and tools we had at hand. Luckily, it stabilized the system and once testing was completed, we were able to resume diving within a day.

The water sampling dives continued through until the 12th week. JASON’s last dive was at a depth of 2900 meters, where we connected and tested cables/connectors to junction boxes and then surveyed the surrounding area. Once finished, the team immediately began demobilization. Some of the first tasks were to complete one final post-dive check, drain the vehicle, cut the cable/tether, replace all filters, and remove fiber and power connections.

Once at port, the demob was in full swing. It only took a few days to disconnect the remaining power, network, and video connections, organize, fill, and load the tool, rigging, and control vans, break down the crane and winch systems, and crane over all equipment, vans, and systems off of the R/V Thompson. It was impressive to see how efficiently the team worked together to complete a full demob in only 2.5 days.

On Sept. 20th, once everything was loaded off the ship and onto trucks, the team left to head to Portland. We celebrated a successful season by having dinner together and reminiscing on the last few months. I felt honored and priveledged to have been with these amazing individuals, I learned so many things from each one, and I look forward to seeing many of them out at Woods Hole.

Tip of the Week: “Take notes.”

One of the biggest suggestions I could offer is to make sure you take notes at the end of each day, and even during the day too! There were so many times I would go back, again and again, to verify procedures, hardware, tools, helpful hints, or even small notes to myself as reminders when working this summer. When I would learn a new skill, or replacing thruster seals, or even draining and filling the vehicle, I would refer to my notes to confirm I remembered the steps involved.

The time out here goes by quicker than you think, and I am grateful for all of it. We have been home a few days now, but we are already checking in on eachother to see how people are adjusting to home life again. This team, the science members, and the ship’s crew were all fantastic! I hope to work with them again someday.

Best time of my life!!!! Thank you MATE!!!

10th week with JASON/WHOI

By Sarah Sergent

On September 10, 2023

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

(9/4/23-9/10/23)

Another exciting week with the JASON team! This week we wrapped up leg 3 of the Kelley Cruise. On Monday the team had to reterminate JASON’s cable because it was compromised on one of the dives. Luckily with everyone working together, the turnover time was approximately 8 hours, and we were back in action and launching by 5:30am. The multi-dive shifts continued into Tuesday where we ended up flying around some really amazing hydrothermal vent sites! Some of them ranged in height from 12 to 18 meters! Absolutely fantastic to see. By 6pm Tuesday, we began the transit back to port. We were able to finish all science objectives for this 3rd leg and spend the last little bit of time exploring and surveying the area.

Our days back at port were spent prepping the ROV for the 4th and final leg of the Kelley Cruise. I was even able to replace the starboard horizontal thruster seals on Wednesday by myself! Since I was trained the week before, the steps were fresh in my mind and then I was able to help guide another team member through replacing the port horizontal thruster. On Thursday, September 7th, our team met at a local park called Tsunami Hill, where we grilled steaks and had ourselves a team cookout. It was a really nice reprieve to get off the ship and get together for something like this. We shared our stories of struggles and successes on not just these current cruises, but previous ones as well. There was music, super delicious food, and a lot of laughter.

By Friday, September 8th, we were prediving the ROV and preparing for transit. Those of us on the midnight shift had to adjust back from a couple of day shifts to the midnight shift, so we primarily napped in the afternoon so we would be ready come midnight. The first dive of the 4th leg started at 1am Saturday morning. JASON was used to carry down and attach a float to a buoy system, survey cable hookups, and was recovered by 4am. We then launched again at 5:30am, where we attached a large winch system to JASON’s basket and connected it to the buoy. By 7am, JASON was back on deck and the science and ship’s crew were switching the buoy’s line from JASON to their own winch system on the back deck. They were able to recover the buoy but lost a beacon that was placed on the buoy for location. It most likely popped out of its location on the buoy while they were recovering it.

On Sunday, September 10, we started our shift with recovering the lost beacon and then flying around the seafloor, following different cable systems from junction boxes, and verifying their locations while dodging hundreds upon hundreds of fish. One even wedged itself in our latch/winch system and I was able to remove it once on deck. By 2:30am, JASON was recovered, and science started work on deploying moorings.

My time at-sea is quickly coming to an end. There is only another week left before we head back to port, so I am making sure to enjoy this last week and learn as much as I can.

Tip of the week: “Timeout while at port.”

When working at-sea for extended periods of time, make sure you take time off the ship while at port. The days can melt together, and especially working the midnight shift, you never really know which day is what, or what time it is. One of the port days, I was able to walk over to a local beach and lay out in the sun for a few hours. It was invigorating! Many of us will go out to eat together, have bonfires on the beach, or just run to the store for needed essentials. Although there is work to be done, I have found that in our time off in the evenings, we each tend to leave the ship and spend some self-care time on land. This little oasis time off ship can reignite your energy levels!

9th week with JASON/WHOI

By Sarah Sergent

On September 4, 2023

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

Monday August 28th – Sunday September 3rd

Started off this week with multiple dives on the midnight to noon shift. My team continued to swap out junction boxes, BEPs, and cameras. I was excited on Monday to take the port vertical thruster apart to replace the seals, clean, and reassemble it. During the previous dive, I noticed that the thruster comp had dropped slightly, so I knew there was a slight leak somewhere. Once JASON was on deck, I was able to identify the leak coming from the port vertical thruster.

On Monday, August 29th, I sat copilot until 6am, and then was able to finish off the dive flying JASON for an hour while transiting to an undervator location. I was able to practice flying laterally around objects on the seafloor, landing JASON without kicking up sediment, and maintaining appropriate altitudes so science could complete visual inspection of the area being covered. Once this dive ended and we recovered JASON, we finished our post-dive checks and began our transit back to port.

Unfortunately, over the last few days, multiple covid cases were verified on board so when we reached port, the JASON crew was sent to a local hotel to help minimize the potential exposure. We spent 2 nights there and enjoyed a much-needed rest. By Thursday morning, we were back in action prepping the vehicle for the 3rd leg of the Kelley Cruises by draining the junction boxes, wiring in, and testing the science cables, and then filling the j-boxes and bleeding out the air bubbles. We were originally scheduled to leave port this afternoon, but due to weather concerns, our transit was delayed until the afternoon on Friday, September 1st.

For this leg, we started out near the Axial Seamount, which meant around a 24 hour transit, so Saturday was spent transiting and completing notes/logging/data management tasks. When we first arrives onsite, the weather was not adequate enough to safely launch JASON, so my shift completed predive checks and set up the basket so when the weather calmed down, we could go right in the water. Luckily, by 9am, the weather subsided, and we began launching JASON at 11, but while the rov was hovering over the water, about to be lowered down, the winch’s emergency stop alarm was raised, so we immediately returned and secured JASON onto the deck. The vehicle was in good condition, but the next shift who relieved us after this incident would have to work on identifying and fixing the winch issue.

Tip of the week: “Covid caution is still appreciated.”

We have been lucky the first 7 weeks to have no covid issues on board during previous cruises. The covid protocols were no longer in effect as of the spring, but caution is appreciated for these kinds of jobs, especially working so closely with others for extended periods of time. Even though people have relaxed a bit surrounding covid, it can quickly end a cruise when not taken seriously. Before coming out on the Thompson, I minimized my exposure for 2 weeks and made sure to test a week before leaving, 3 days before traveling, and the morning I boarded the ship to keep my possible exposure at a minimum. When at sea, if someone becomes ill or is injured in any way, there is minimal medical assistance out here, and depending on where you are located, can take days to get back to port for emergencies.

In this situation with positive covid cases, it was nice to see that people responded appropriately, and worked together (or technically, separately) to stop the spread so we could continue with our work.