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Day 3 - Transit Day Activities

by Carlie Wiener

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Day Three the scientists practice launching the dive boats, Carlie Wiener.

This morning the crew woke up to dark clouds followed by rain. We are still in transit today and the weather is not as good as it has been. None the less, everyone’s spirits are up as we continue to head closer to our first destination. After breakfast, we had an opportunity to go into the launch boats (the boats used in the water to do research). While they were propped up on deck we went in them to review the boat release and scuba diving procedures. The scientists gathered on the deck to practice assisting with the launching of the boats. We also carried out oxygen administration and general emergency training in case any circumstances arise.

Practicing oxygen administration and general emergency care, Carlie Wiener.

This afternoon the divers received their neurological assessments. This is important so that the medical staff have a baseline of people’s responses in case a diving accident occurs. Stephen Karl’s group worked in the wet lab organizing the brightly colored tags for their upcoming dives. These tags will be used as markers to put on coral heads in order to track, photograph, measure and sample. By tagging the corals at the beginning of the dive, the scientists have a way of cataloging their observations.

Stephen Karl prepares the tags for coral identification, Carlie Wiener.

I was also fortunate enough to receive an invitation to visit the commanding officer out on the bridge. This is where the boat is steering and directed, with lots of complicated and technical looking equipment. It was really neat to see how the boat is run and navigated. There are many factors that the bridge needs to look out for such as boat placement in relation to the Monument, weather patterns or swell direction. Tonight, is the lunar eclipse but unfortunately there is quite a bit of cloud cover which makes visibility difficult. From the NOAA Ship Hi‘ialakai a hui hou!

View from the top, look out desk on the bridge, Carlie Wiener.

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