NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jennifer Fry
Onboard NOAA Ship Miller Freeman (tracker)
July 14 – 29, 2009
Mission: 2009 United States/Canada Pacific Hake Acoustic Survey
Geographical area of cruise: North Pacific Ocean from Monterey, CA to British Columbia, CA.
Date: July 14, 2009
Weather Data from the Bridge
No data (In port)
Science Log
After arriving at the Eureka airport I found my way to the Miller Freeman thanks to many friendly Eurekan locals. What a lovely town with many interesting sights including the dock area, downtown with its renewed turn of the century architecture. Upon arriving at the Miller Freeman I was greeted by Ensign Heather Moe who graciously gave me a tour of the ship.
There were four decks or levels to the ship which include:
- Flying Bridge Deck: observations take place as well as storage
- Bridge Deck: Navigation can take place from the bridge or the trawl house. The trawl house faces toward the stern of the ship and is used to control the ship during “fishing.”
- Boat Deck: Officers’ & Chief Scientist’s staterooms. A stateroom is where you would sleep on a boat or ship. Your bed is called a “rack.” Most staterooms on the Miller Freeman have bunk beds. The boat deck is where the small launches/rescue boats are stored.
- There is: a FRB, Fast Rescue Boat, and a small launch.
- Quarterdeck/ Main Deck: Ship’s store, survey officers’ staterooms and the back deck, used for fishing. *The term quarterdeck was originally, in the early 17th century, used for a smaller deck, covering about a quarter of the vessel. It is usually reserved for officers, guests, passengers. It is also an entry point for personnel. Lower/ Galley Deck: Crew’s and scientists’ staterooms, library, two lounges, galley, where everyone eats their meals.
- Hold: Gym for exercising and engineer’s storage area.
Question of the Day
Where did the word quarterdeck* originate? (see answer above)
Animals Seen Today
Egrets Blue Heron Gulls
