Dive #7

 We're on dive #7 today. The submersible is currently sitting around a depth of 2500 meters depth. When the sub gets back to the surface the ship has to maneuver to keep the sub forward of the bow and starboard. A small boat takes swimmers to the sub so that they can manually hook up the lines that are needed for recovery. The current carries the sub along the side of the ship. One of the Alvin ops members has to throw a tow line off the stern which the small boat grabs and brings to the sub which gets attached to the back of the sub by the swimmers. The tow line gets pulled in by a winch and the swimmers deploy a water anchor (unerwater parachute) on the sub to create drag. When the sub gets to the ship the main line and tail line drop and the swimmers attach them so that the A-frame can lift the sub onto the deck. There are more steps than that but that is the general procedure for recovery. There have been white tip sharks waiting for the swimmers everyday now they seem conditioned to when we are doing operations, so the third mate is an extra swimmer on shark watch duties. 

As for how everything else is going, I am still having a blast. I just finished my geological oceanography class for my masters program the other day. Classwork is difficult with my current schedule, but manageable. I am still not used to the humidity and the sun, being sweaty 24/7 sucks but it's beautiful out here. We had a cookout on deck with music for lunch the other day. I am getting along well with everyone, especially the kitchen staff. One of the first days I saw the white board from afar which displays the menu, and I thought it said banana pie, but it said basmati rice. The handwriting is medicore at best, I'm not bashing anyone but I was very dissapointed. However, I asked the chef how hard it would be to make one and he said he'll make one tonight so I'm pumped. We are scheduled to be back to port in San Diego by the 19th of March, and at the moment I am trying to get on the next expedition out of San Diego. The higher ups want me to stay, there are just some formalities to figure out so we'll see what happens. But the next expedition would leave San Diego on April 1st and return later in April. I don't know much about that one but they will be operating in the gulf of California. 

I feel like this is where I am meant to be, so for however long it lasts I am taking it all in.

First Submersible Dives

I was going to post last night but I was unexpectedly extremely busy. The general description of what the Alvin ops group does is they operate the submersible in order to help scientists do what they want. It becomes quite annoying when the scientists don't understand the limit to what we can do and why. Either for safety reasons or for efficiency reasons we will say no you cannot fit more than what you already have on the sub. There is a platform called the basket on the front of the sub, and that holds all the science gear which the hydraulic arms of the sub utilizes on dives. It has to be oriented in a way that doesn't hinder pilot vision, doesn't become a hazard by entanglement. Before last night there was a plan discussed between the Expedition leader and Principle investigators (Alvin team and scientists) about what they want for each dive. Last night however, the plan was changed last minute and we were working until 2300. It's not an issue I enjoy the work, but when we have to stay up that late and we have to be up at 0500 to inspect and prep the sub it becomes a concern. It's a dynamic environment and I enjoy that. You never know what to expect, and when things need a solution I have a whole mechanical shop with tools and machines to work with. During prep this morning there was a ballast blow box that was malfunctioning, so we replaced it with the spare which I took apart and reassembled. Of course I was always supervised but knowing that I did the work makes it a little crazy. It passed all the pressure tests and worked after it was installed, so I felt good about it. There are also a lot of pelagic white tip sharks hanging out around the ship now it's a cool sight.

First Days at Sea

 Nothing could prepare me for what life at sea would really be like. I gotta say, I am loving it. The ship is constantly rocking and moving around, making walking from one space to another a fun ride. I am enjoying laying in bed with my eyes closed listening to music, it is a different experience. Fingers crossed but I have not felt sick so far. My room is decent sized and my roommate is very easy going. I don't mind the small shower, although I need to get my sea legs because I keep bumping into the walls. I love working in the machine shop and getting a lot of time working with the submersible. These first few days of transit are filled with prep work for when we get to the site and begin diving. I am constantly keeping myself busy. Whether I am just observing or actually participating, I am taking advantage of everything. I'm up around 0600, breakfast at 0710, start work at 0800. From 0800 to 1800 I am usually working with the team not counting other meal times, and until 2300 or 2400 I am reading manuals or looking at the various parts on the sub. I wish I had more machining experience and maybe a minor in engineering, but I am learning as I go. The days are flying by, and I am living the dream. I went out on deck at night for the first time accompanied by my section lead. It's very ominous looking at the dark waters, and the moon was particularly bright. I can't get pictures through my email and into this blog, so if you want to see pictures check out my instagram @nobourassa14

Last Night in Golfito

 Yesterday I went diving with two senior members of the team I am working on. We went out to two wreck sites. Going from cold water diving in Maine to Costa Rica is mind blowing. We saw a spotted eagle ray, some moray eels, spiny sea urchins, giant sea stars, many many fish. Sadly I could not fit my GoPro into my duffle bag. After the dive we took a cab with a group of us and went to a nearby waterfall in the jungle. Costa Rica is a beautiful country, and the people are very kind (at least those I've interacted with). Today was the first official day of work. We had a packed day of working on pre launch tasks. I first assisted in securing spaces with line, and then I helped in the mechanic shop. For the majority of the day I helped the team install new parts onto water samplers which are used to take water samples from hydrothermal vents. I was able to operate a mill to drill out some corroded set screws. I am offering help wherever and to whomever. I am really enjoying the dynamic environment and the fast pace. With everything that goes on the attention to detail is critical to this team and I have a newfound respect for organization. We set sail in the morning around 0930, so the next post will be from sea.

Golfito, Costa Rica

 Met up with a group who flew in a day later, and we took a twelve seater plane to Golfito. Checked into the hotel, then went straight to the pool and bar where everyone else was waiting. Introduced myself to the team, and grabbed some refreshments. There are some incredible people here and I still can’t believe I’m doing this. Costa Rica is a beautiful country, and fortunately the Alvin team has tomorrow off so my roommate, my mentor and I are heading out early to do some scuba diving. I’m extremely excited since my experience diving has been cold Maine waters. My state room on board is fairly big which is a pleasant surprise. My roommate's name is Jeremy and he is a design engineer/research engineer who primarily works for the ROV Jason team at WHOI. He’s super helpful and knowledgeable, and we’re diving together which will be amazing. Got the tour earlier today of the whole ship as well as the submersible hangar. We aren’t even underway yet and my mind is still blown. More to come very soon, until next time.

Arrival to Costa Rica

Made it safely to San Jose, Costa Rica. No issues on any connecting flights or at customs. Although I was feeling fatigued due to the fact that the only thing in my system was a cold brew and coffee cake, I did not hand my bag to the random man outside the airport. If someone claims to work for the hotel shuttle, but is not wearing a uniform, don't give your bag to them. Upon reaching the hotel I was happy to see there was a Denny's located in the same parking lot as the hotel. I want some authentic Costa Rican cuisine, but there will be more opportunities, so I got myself some pancakes. I have a domestic chartered flight to Golfito tomorrow night, which is where the ship is in port. I will post when I can, or when there is something notable/interesting that people would want to hear about.