NOAA Teacher at Sea
Linda Depro
Onboard NOAA Ship Albatross IV
July 31 – August 11, 2006
Mission: Sea Scallop Survey
Geographical Area: Georges Bank, New England
Date: August 3, 2006
Science and Technology Log
Life happens here aboard ALBATROSS IV in twelve-hour intervals. My watch is from twelve noon until twelve midnight and the other watch is from twelve midnight until twelve noon. I feel fortunate to have the “day watch” because at midnight I fall into bed dead tired and let the ocean rock me to sleep. After breakfast I have time to write in my journal, read, do laundry, or sit and talk to the many interesting people who are aboard. Lunch at 11:15 and then it’s off to work at 11:50. If the stations are close together that means there is not much steam time and hauls can come in in 45 minutes or less. So far that has been enough time to log all the data from the previous haul, freeze any biological samples to be worked up at the on shore lab, and clean up. If steam time is longer I can read a book, get a snack (there is always fresh fruit out – I am a happy camper!), or eat dinner.
Personal Log
Yesterday morning I was showering before breakfast. As I was soaping I looked out the port hole that is in the shower. It was one of those “wow” moments. Where else can a person take a shower with white caps splashing against the window? I recounted my experience with the watch chief. She said, “Wait until the porthole is underwater.” I certainly will be holding on the grab bars!
I’ve talked to the head cook and his assistant several times, both very kind men who obviously enjoy their jobs. Their food is excellent. Each meal includes two entrees and many sides. One lunch entree was unbelievable – blackened scallops prepared by using the scallops that had been part of the biological sampling in the wet lab. Talk about fresh – and were they delicious!!
