James Miller

August 25, 2005March 18, 2021

James Miller, August 25, 2005

NOAA Teacher at Sea
James Miller
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
August 13 – 27, 2005

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: North Pacific, Alaska
Date: August 25, 2005

Science and Technology Log

Woke up last night at 2:00am during transit to Seward to catch some of the Northern Lights show. For a short while they jumped around the sky in the distance but never came directly above like they often do. If it is clear enough, I’ll try again tonight in Seward.

After racing out to the public phone to make my first call home in two weeks, I spent the day touring Seward. It’s a beautiful fishing town with great views of the glaciers and lots of tourists. It is much like Homer but better in that the town is in walking distance of the ship.

I went to the Sea Life Center, which has great exhibits of Alaska’s wildlife. They have huge tanks with birds, sea lions, and harbor seals. They also had a live video feed of the sea lion rookery about 35 miles outside of Seward. There were three or four cameras set high up on the rocks overlooking the seals and the adjoining harbor. While I was there, a pod of transient killer whales entered the harbor at the sea lion rookery. They would zoom-in on the whales, and you could see them clearly through the video feed hunting and waiting for an unfortunate pup to fall off one of the rocks. It was an amazing sight and apparently uncommon because many of the center’s employees came to watch. In the half hour I watched, the whales just swam by closely with their heads out of the water, but they didn’t get any meals.

Met with surveyor, Dave Sinson, to get some training on a 3-D surveying software program that he’ll be burning onto a disk for me to show my students. The software is actually downloadable for free off the internet and comes with sample data. It will be tremendously useful in demonstrating, visually, the crucial mission of the RAINIER.

Going to hike up Mt. Marathon tomorrow, which leads up to a glacial dome. On Saturday I’m going with some crewmembers to hike the famous Exit Glacier. Should be fun! From there it is home to N.Y.

Personal Log

Being this is my last log, I just want to direct my final personal comments to any potential Teacher-at-Sea candidates. I have learned much over the last two weeks from this experience. There are so many real world lessons to be learned working on a NOAA ship such as the RAINIER. At first I was a bit reluctant about the parallels that could be drawn between the work onboard and my math classes, but it didn’t take long before I saw the endless number of connections that can be integrated into K-12 classrooms.

The crew of the RAINIER is very professional, patient, and friendly. As I mentioned in an earlier log, I was amazed at the depth and breadth of their knowledge. I am the fifth TAS member aboard the RAINIER this year. You would think the crew would get tired of having to train another TAS member only to have them leave in a couple of weeks. At sea they are teachers, and I was grateful by how they would go above and beyond in terms of training me.

With regard to life aboard the ship, you adapt to it quickly. There’s really something to the whole “getting your sea legs” thing. Your body does seem to adjust to the constantly moving world of a ship. Even the other visitor aboard, who had a difficult time with motion sickness early on, did fine after a few days.

I’m thankful for having been afforded this tremendous opportunity. I’ve grown personally and professionally, and I’m sure my students, in turn, will benefit from it.

TAS Miller out.

August 24, 2005March 18, 2021

James Miller, August 24, 2005

NOAA Teacher at Sea
James Miller
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
August 13 – 27, 2005

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: North Pacific, Alaska
Date: August 24, 2005

Location: Kodiak Island Coast Guard Station
Weather: Sun and clouds, 60’s
Wind: variable
Seas: calm
Itinerary: Refuel and depart for Seward

Science and Technology Log

We arrived into the Kodiak Island Coast Guard Station around 8am for refueling. The seas were calm and the views were great. The island is much bigger and mountainous than I anticipated, and most of it is uninhabited. The Coast Guard base is immense, and as I understand it, the largest in the country. Many of the people that live on the island either work on the base, or on one of the many fishing boats.

A brand new NOAA ship the OSCAR DYSON was also tied up at the dock. The DYSON is a fisheries ship that takes out researchers for up to forty days. It was an impressive ship to look at; it actually seemed as tall as it was long (~200 ft). I received a full tour of the DYSON with the captain and XO of the RAINIER. It’s inevitable that new ships have kinks that need to be worked out by the crew. The DYSON certainly has its fair share of kinks, and it will probably take several years before they correct them all.

The DYSON was designed to make little to no noise, the theory being they would be able to come up on schools of fish or whales without them scattering. The hull is rounded to prevent noise, and the propeller, which was designed with declassified submarine technology, is also built for stealth. However, they were actually having some noise trouble with the propeller (go figure), so they asked the RAINIER to send down some divers to check if something got fouled in it or the shaft. They didn’t find any problems.

The Coast Guard has a few vehicles that they permit NOAA to use for the time that they’re in port. So I had an opportunity to go with some of the crew to visit the NMFS Wildlife Center. It had some interesting displays and a large aquarium with all sorts of marine critters.

Personal Log

It was nice to put my feet on stable ground and walk more than 30 yards today. I wanted so much to make a phone call home, but unfortunately I didn’t have a calling card and that was the only way the phones on the dock worked. The phones were quite busy though, the crew wastes very little time getting to the phones. We’ll be in Seward at 7am tomorrow, so one more day. We’re getting into port a day early, so I’ll have all of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday to see Seward. The RAINIER doesn’t leave for Prince William Sound, the next leg of the trip, until Monday morning. I’ll be staying on until Saturday Morning.

August 23, 2005March 18, 2021

James Miller, August 23, 2005

NOAA Teacher at Sea
James Miller
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
August 13 – 27, 2005

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: North Pacific, Alaska
Date: August 23, 2005

Location: Anchored in Fish Range Bay; north of Mitrofinia Island
Weather: Sunny, low 70’s
Wind: variable
Seas: 1-2 foot swell
Itinerary: Working in Fish Range Bay area for couple of days

Science and Technology Log

We are anchored in Chiginigak Bay on the peninsula to basically wait out the weather. Since there is no needed surveying in the area, the plan of the day is to have the less experienced crew and officers train in the launches and small skiffs. For safety concerns, it’s important to have all crew and officers comfortable with all operations regarding the launches. Everything from learning how to lower the launches using the davits, to maneuvering the launches safely near the shoreline was covered.

I had an opportunity to get instruction on the use of the heavy davits and how to secure the launches for getting underway. The deck hands know their jobs really well and every move is deliberate and geared towards safety. The RAINIER has been doing this kind of work with these exact launches since 1968, so all the kinks have been worked out of the procedures. Everything has to be done a certain way, and if you do it differently you get an earful of why your way could be dangerous.

During the long transits, I’ve begun working on the lessons required by NOAA. I’ve come up with the framework for about eight lessons so far that align nicely with the classes I’ll be teaching this upcoming school year. I haven’t found it very difficult to find potential math lessons while onboard. My lessons thus far cover topics ranging from basic geometry and trigonometry, to calculus. I’m also working on getting some visuals such as charts to display on my classroom bulletin boards.

Personal Log

Before departing for Kodiak in afternoon, I tried some more salmon and halibut fishing. No luck on the salmon, but I caught a couple of small halibut in the 3lb range, which I released. I eventually caught a larger fish (~ 8lbs) that I decided to keep.

I’ve talked about the food often in my logs but haven’t mentioned much about the menu. All the meals are very large, and it’s hard to resist not eating until your completely stuffed. Anything can be made to order at breakfast, which is served 7 – 7:30 am. (I usually go for the waffles and eggs). Lunch is served at noon and is basically equivalent to an early dinner with meat or vegetarian dishes, soup, and salad. Then dinner comes along at 5pm, which is again a full course meal that includes a dessert. You never seem to go hungry on the ship and I’m sure I gained a few pounds.

We’ll be arriving in Kodiak in the morning for refueling and then departing for Seward later in the afternoon. Each day the captain sends the crew weather updates through e-mail. It is welcomed news to hear the weather is supposed to be good for the reminder of the trip.

August 22, 2005March 18, 2021

James Miller, August 22, 2005

NOAA Teacher at Sea
James Miller
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
August 13 – 27, 2005

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: North Pacific, Alaska
Date: August 22, 2005

Science and Technology Log

Due to the deteriorating weather forecast for the entire area around Mitrofania Island we are packing up and moving out. There were two things that needed to be done today. First, a tide gauge that the crew installed on Mitrofania earlier in the season had to be removed. The gauge sent tide information via satellite to a facility on the mainland. Second, the differential global positioning system (DGPS) that was also installed on the Island earlier in the season had to be removed. The DGPS was installed to enhance GPS signals when launches are surveying in the area.

I was assigned to help break down the DGPS with two officers and a survey technician. We headed out early in one of the skiffs for the island. The DGPS consists of a tall antenna mounted on aluminum framing which is supported by lines tied off to stakes in the ground. It also has a watertight box that acts as the main processor for transmitting and receiving. The processor is powered by six 12v car batteries, which get charged by a series of solar panels. Soon after being dropped off we realized we all forgot to bring bug dope, and soon after that the bugs were swarming. It’s amazing the motivational power of flying, pestering insects. We had the station apart and lugged down to the beach in under an hour. Unfortunately the amount of gear and people exceed the capacity of the skiff, so it required more than one trip. I drew the short straw along with one of the officers to wait on the island for the skiff to return. It took about an hour so we did a little treasure hunting along the beach at the high tide line. Earlier in the season, some of the crew found antique fishing trap floats made of blown glass. I’m unsure of how old they are, but let’s just say very. We didn’t find anything as interesting.

Personal Log

I’m sorry to be leaving Mitrofania Island, partly because it is so beautiful, and also because it marks the end of the work for this leg of the trip. We got underway for Chiginigak Bay around 4:00pm to basically run from the oncoming storm. The travel time was about 8 hours. The seas had already started to build when we left. For the first half of the trip we were traveling with the seas, which made for a smoother ride, however, we had to turn broadside (parallel) to the seas for the second half. When running broadside to the sea the ship pitches from side to side at pretty steep angles. I was typing up some logs in the computer room when all the books and games on the shelf came tumbling down, what a mess. Anyway, it certainly wasn’t as bad as we anticipated and we arrived in the bay some time around midnight.

Before bed I went up to the bridge to see how the ship was handling in the seas. One of the newer officers to the ship gave me some more navigation lessons, which was cool.

Sleeping hasn’t been a problem, even with the constant noise of the engines and rolling of the ship. In fact, I sleep deeply and have to drag myself out of bed in the morning. My cabin doesn’t have a porthole so NO light gets in. It could be the middle of the day and I wouldn’t know it.

Despite all the fun I’m having, I have to say I really miss my home and family. I give the crew a lot of credit for doing this all year long. One of the crewmembers said that longing for home is a great feeling, it keeps you going, and that’s why you can’t make the ship your home. Seems like good advice for newcomers on the ship.

August 21, 2005March 18, 2021

James Miller, August 21, 2005

NOAA Teacher at Sea
James Miller
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
August 13 – 27, 2005

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: North Pacific, Alaska
Date: August 21, 2005

Location: Anchored Northeast side of Mitrofinia Island
Weather: Sun and clouds, low 60’s
Wind: 5-10kts
Seas: Calm
Itinerary: Working around Mitrofinia Island

Science and Technology Log

To ensure completion of some of the longer lines located further out in the open ocean, the ship spent the day running surveying lines. The RAINIER is also fitted with sonar transducers and is used when the lines are 8 miles or longer. I was assigned to work in the plotting room with the surveyors cleaning up data that was collected the previous day.

Many processing steps must be performed on the bottom contour data before it makes it onto a chart. On the ship, the surveyor performs a basic “cleaning” of the data with powerful computers, and very sophisticated software. The surveyors pull up the bottom contour data on the screen and analyze it for stray signals. It is very cool software because they look at the bottom in 3-D and from any angle. At first it doesn’t look like much but a chaotic grouping of lines; however, after the surveyor selects areas and stray signals to cut out, the bottom contour emerges. The surveyor definitely develops an eye for understanding these 3-D images, but it didn’t take long before I was performing some of the basic cleaning tasks. I also downloaded some of the images onto a disk to be used in a PowerPoint presentation.

I had an interesting conversation with one of the surveyors whose background is geology. He said that this entire area is a geologists dream. He described how much of the area was probably form by Mt. Veniaminof volcano, which is visible in the distance and is still active. The thing is immense and stands above all the other surrounding mountains. Additionally, he has also seen clear evidence of structures formed by seismic activity.

Personal Log

It was actually nice to have a day off from the launches. I had time to do some laundry and get caught up with some e-mails. I’m definitely used to the daily routine and I’ve finally learned all the crew and officers names and responsibilities.

We’re scheduled to leave the area in the afternoon tomorrow because of very poor weather forecasts. Winds to 40kts seem to make the captain a bit nervous, so we’re going to run for cover in Chignik Bay on the peninsula about 80 miles or so northeast of the Mitrofania Island. Since it might be my last opportunity to fish, after dinner I went out to the fantail to try for halibut. I was determined and planned to put in some serious time. After about a half hour I hooked and landed a 25 pounder, and then ten minutes later lost a 15 pounder. Then within another 20 minutes I caught one about the same size as the first. By this time many of the crew started fishing. I saw LT Evans wrestling with a fish on the other side of the boat. It was apparent he had something big, so I put my rod down to watch as he slowly reeled it up. About 20 minutes later this hulk of a halibut appeared, it was huge. It took two harpoons, and me and another guy to haul the fish up onto the boat. We didn’t have a scale but it was estimated at over 100 pounds. It also took all night for LT Evans to clean it and bag it.

August 20, 2005March 18, 2021

James Miller, August 20, 2005

NOAA Teacher at Sea
James Miller
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
August 13 – 27, 2005

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: North Pacific, Alaska
Date: August 20, 2005

Location: Anchored in Fish Range Bay; north of Mitrofania Island
Weather: Sunny, low 70’s
Wind: variable
Seas: 1-2 foot swell
Itinerary: Working in Fish Range Bay area for couple of days

Science and Technology Log

I was assigned to RA-3 today to do some deep-water surveys northeast of the Island. Had a big breakfast of waffles and eggs because I figured with the rough seas I wouldn’t be interested in eating much for lunch. I was one of three assigned to the launch. In addition to myself, there was an officer and coxswain. The past couple days I was the fourth, so I felt good that they trusted me enough working with the boat and equipment that I made up the third spot.

We were delayed about an hour because they couldn’t lower our launch into the water. One of the tracks on the boom that lowers the launch bent the day before so the wheels couldn’t pass through. They had to pull out torches and all sorts of equipment to repair it. Within an hour they were able to temporarily fix it to get the launch in the water but it took the rest of the day to finish the job. The crew is incredibly skilled and ready to fix anything that breaks onboard.

The survey lines we had today were about 8 miles long. Considering we can only cruise at about 7 knots when surveying, it took about an hour to complete one line. The weather wasn’t too bad until we got out into the open ocean. It was just sloppy. A three to five foot chop tossed us around. In addition, what made it worse was that the survey lines ran parallel to the seas; we were getting tossed from side to side for hours on end. I was amazed that the sonar signal could accurately collect the bottom data in such rough seas. Apparently the POS System that senses and records all the movement of the boat using an accelerometer is designed to compensate for these situations.

Again, the first thing we had to do was send down the cast. The cast is the device that collects water temperature, salinity, and density at varying depths, which is then used to calibrate the sonar. We were in 300 feet when we sent it down and it took forever for it to hit bottom and bring it back up. The pitching boat made it all the more challenging.

We had a very knowledgeable and seasoned coxswain onboard. He is a big burly guy with a white beard like Santa Claus, and he’s the type that can drink cold black coffee and lukewarm clam chowder in 5 foot seas. He also made us do two man-over- board drills. When we weren’t paying attention, he would throw a fender overboard and yell out man-over-board. I learned quickly that they take these drills very seriously. During the first one, the officer was at the helm, and I had to pull in the fender (person). During the second one, I was at the helm, and had to turn the boat around and approach without running it over. It definitely broke up the day.

Personal Log

I have to say I was glad when the day was over. When I got back onto the ship my head was spinning. Luckily I had no problem with seasickness though and was able to perform my job on the launch. Had a big dinner of ziti and chicken and then went back to the fantail to try my luck at halibut fishing. After about an hour, I called it quits. No luck today. At 7:00 a skiff was running people to the beach for a beach party. It was a good time, but as the sun started setting the bugs started biting.

I’m barely finding time to work on my logs. Although tomorrow I’m not scheduled to be on a launch and I might be able get caught up. I’d also like to get up to the plot room where they begin processing the data.

The ship will be getting underway tomorrow to do some deep-water surveying itself. I think we’ll be anchoring on the northeast side of the Island to get out of the bad weather that’s heading our way. Unfortunately the weather will be with us until we get back to Seward. We will be making a stop off at Kodiak Island for refueling which will be cool. Officer Evans said I might be able to check out the sights for a couple of hours.

August 19, 2005March 18, 2021

James Miller, August 19, 2005

NOAA Teacher at Sea
James Miller
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
August 13 – 27, 2005

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: North Pacific, Alaska
Date: August 19, 2005

Science and Technology Log

I am assigned to launch RA-5 today, which will be working what are called holiday lines. These are small areas that didn’t get adequate coverage the first time they were scanned. Most of the lines were situated very close to shore near the peninsula and a bunch around Mitrofania Island. Being assigned to holidays is very labor intensive for the coxswain (boathandler) because he/she is constantly turning the boat and working very close to shore. Often we had to put somebody (usually me) on the bow to watch we didn’t plow into any rocks. The geology in the area is strange in that it could be 300 feet one second and then 3 inches the next, so running onto rocks is always a concern especially when working close to shore.

The entire crew is working extremely hard to finish up this area on this leg of the trip. The RAINIER is scheduled to be in Prince William Sound on the next leg and will continue surveying until mid-October. Between November and March the ship is in its homeport of Seattle, WA, getting repairs and preparing for the next season.

There are a few crewmembers onboard who are college students either working for the summer or taking time off to make some money. Then there are some crewmembers, such as the Chief Steward, that have been on the RAINER for over 30 years.

The surveyors rotate between collecting data at sea and processing the data at NOAA Headquarters. They are required to be at sea for several months out of the year. Most of them have a four-year college degree and majored in geology or Graphical Information Systems (GIS), but there are a couple of assistant surveyors with associate degrees.

The officers are onboard for two years before moving on to their next assignment. They rotate between two years at sea and three years on land. It’s clearly a difficult lifestyle for those who want a family. They all have four-year college degrees and usually majored in some sort of engineering, math, or one of the sciences. After signing on to the NOAA Corps, they are sent to Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy for 3 months of intensive training before getting their first assignment.

Personal Log

Since we worked so close to shore, my day on RA-5 was great for getting some pictures of wildlife. There are puffins, and loons everywhere. When the launch approaches they try to fly but can’t seem to get their fat little bodies airborne, so they skid across the water for about thirty feet and then dive. Along the shore of the peninsula there were a lot of fresh bear tracks. The grizzly bears in this area are among the largest in the world due to their high protein diet of salmon. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see any. Several Sei whales breached near the boat, which was really cool. It happened very quickly, but I think I was able to get some pictures. We also saw lots of bald eagles. They nest high up on the bluffs and when they get hungry they swoop down and grab a puffin or small gull. The highlight of the day was the seals. There’s a large rock structure on the south side of the Island that a family of seals inhabit. The survey we were doing required us to get right up next to the island. There were at least two dozen seals some of which were huge—over 1000 pounds! When we approached they stood up and barked at us. Got some great pictures!

When we returned to the ship I decided to do some fishing off the fantail for halibut. Yesterday someone caught a 50-pounder in Fish Range Bay. After about 45 minutes of bouncing this glow-in-the-dark squid on the bottom, wham. It felt like I was snagged. It only turned out to be about a 20-pound halibut, but it fought like mad. My arms were killing me from reeling it up from 200 feet of water. These fish get over 300 pounds–I can’t imagine! I just finished cleaning the fish and writing some logs, it’s midnight. Assigned to RA-3 tomorrow for deep-water surveying. I’ve got to prepare myself for some rough seas and a long day.

August 18, 2005March 18, 2021

James Miller, August 18, 2005

NOAA Teacher at Sea
James Miller
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
August 13 – 27, 2005

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: North Pacific, Alaska
Date: August 18, 2005

Science and Technology Log

Got up early this morning (6:30am) so I could eat a big breakfast and get my gear loaded into the launch and. I was assigned to launch RA-3 with an Officer, a Surveyor, and a Coxswain (boat handler). Last night I was briefed on all the safety equipment on the launches as well as how to board and disembark. The survey launches are 29-foot aluminum boats with a small cabin that houses the survey computers. There’s a total of 6 survey launches, two of which are water jet powered for shallow surveys, and the remaining launches have single inboard diesel engines.

The launches are also fitted with either multibeam or single-beam sonars. The multibeam sonars scan a wide path of the bottom, about three times the depth of the water. For example, if we are in 50 feet of water the sonar cone is scanning a path about 150 feet wide. The multibeam sonars are less powerful than single beam sonars, therefore, are primarily used in shallower waters. The single beam sonar scans a much narrower path and also uses a more powerful signal and is often used in deeper water. An astonishing fact for the day is that a single sonar could cost as much as $500,000. The launch I was in today was fitted with a multibeam.

Our Plan of the Day (POD) indicated that we would be scanning areas around Fish Range Bay. The POD has the track lines that you are to work on laid out on a paper chart. The track lines are also set up on one of the onboard computers. There are basically three main computers onboard that are all interconnected.

One computer acts as a GPS and has all the track lines we are to follow pre-programmed. The coxswain also has a terminal at the helm so he/she can steer the boat onto the track line. It’s kind of like a PacMan game for the coxswain, or as they call it “mowing the lawn”. Depending on where you are working, the track line can be as long as 8 miles long or longer. We were working relatively close to the shore so our lines for the day were no longer than one mile.

Another onboard computer is designed to record data related to the movement of the boat. As the boat scans a track line the boat rolls (side to side motion), pitches (from front to back), and heaves (up and down). The sonar single coming from the bottom of the boat is similar to the shape of an ice cream cone. These motions have an impact on the way the signal records or sees the bottom. So to ensure the quality of the bottom data collected, this motion information is fed into a complex algorithm that will calculate a percent error and apply it to the data. It’s truly some amazing stuff.

A third computer shows the actual sonar signal and the data it is collecting. On one of the screens you can see how the signal changes with the motion of the boat. Another screen shows the track lines you create with each pass of the sonar. See, the track lines are set up parallel to each other and close enough so that there is overlap. As you complete a track line the screen shows the actual signal coverage. On the boat they call this “mowing the lawn” because that is exactly what it looks like you are doing on the computer. Scanning every inch of the bottom. Another screen produces a 3-D image of the bottom, and yet another screen shows the motion of the boat in the form of sinusoidal curves.

In addition, before we can begin scanning the bottom we also have to lower a gauge called a cast down to the bottom to record temperature, salinity, and density of the water. After we retrieve it, we hook it up directly to the computer to download the information. These factors have an impact in the way that the sonar signals travel through the water column; therefore, this data is also fed into the algorithm to ensure high quality readings.

It’s truly amazing how much effort and attention is given to obtaining an accurate image of the ocean bottom. Their philosophy simply seems to be, if we’re going to do it, let’s do it right!

Personal Log

It was a very interesting day and I learned much. I had an opportunity to rotate into each of the positions including steering the launch on track lines and operating the computer. Since the weather was so good, the CO extended the working day, so we were in the launches for about ten hours today. At lunch, I couldn’t resist fishing for halibut, so I dropped a line down for about ten minutes and caught my first. It was very small for AK halibut standards, but definitely a trophy fish where I come from. It’s after eleven o’clock and I’m exhausted. I looked on tomorrows POD and I’m on RA-5 (the leaker). This should be interesting!

August 17, 2005March 18, 2021

James Miller, August 17, 2005

NOAA Teacher at Sea
James Miller
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
August 13 – 27, 2005

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: North Pacific, Alaska
Date: August 17, 2005

Weather

Sky: Clouds and rain, low 60’s
Wind: 10-15 kts.
Seas: 6 – 8 foot
Itinerary: Should arrive in work area tonight (9:30pm). Anchor in Fish Range Bay on peninsula.

Science and Technology Log

Went up to the bridge last night prior to going to bed. There’s usually an officer and three crew on a rotating four-hour shift schedule. It’s reassuring that there is so much redundancy regarding navigational equipment. The officer on duty (OOD) is constantly checking our position on the chart and comparing it to the radar, and GPS chart plotter. He also does some quick time, distance, speed calculations to determine where we should be at half hour increments, these he marks on the chart (good lesson potential).

We also had a good conversation regarding compass headings. Typically, smaller boats navigate using magnetic compasses and therefore always steer toward magnetic north. The problem with magnetic north is that charts use true north (north pole) and depending where you are in the world there is a deviation between true and magnetic north (close to 20 degrees where we are). The ship is fitted with both magnetic and gyrocompasses. The gyro compass points towards true north but requires power. The ship uses the gyrocompass to navigate but would have to fall back on the magnetic compasses if the ship lost power (which is highly unlikely).

I met with LT Ben Evans and Commanding Officer Guy Noll after lunch for a briefing. They were interested in what specific classes I teach, and the things I wanted to get out of the cruise. They also briefed me about the RAINIER’s mission and where we would be working. They showed me a chart in and around Mitrofania Island. Charts will typically have depth soundings (in fathoms) every ¼ inch or so. The map they showed me had a lot of white space with only a few limited depth soundings. The reason for this is because the area is literally uncharted. Very few ships or even fishing vessels come into the area because, in Alaska, the ocean bottom rises very quickly and they are concerned about running aground. This is where the RAINIER comes into play. Its mission is to collect the data to eventually be put on charts. It sounds like an easy task, however, the process is very complex and lengthy. I’ll be learning more about the details of this process over the next week and two days.

Seeing the charts really gave me a good visual of where we are heading and the importance of the RAINIER’s mission. I plan on putting together a bulletin board in my classroom detailing my experiences and the charts would be an excellent addition to it. I wrote down the chart numbers and asked Navigational Officer Pounds if they had any old ones on board they could part with. He’s going to check for me, but if they don’t, I’ll just order them through NOAA.

Just before dinner I attended a briefing for the survey crew. These are some of the things I learned:

1) This leg is considered a clean-up leg since they worked the area for three weeks on the previous leg. Apparently there are five open sheets (sheets are designated areas that need surveying) that need to be completed.

2) There is an unstable weather pattern in the area and it will obviously determine whether or not we can finish in this area on this leg.

3) In addition to taking soundings, we will need to pick up a tide gauge and differential GPS station that they put on the island the last leg.

4) The tide gauge sends tide information via satellite to NOAA Headquarters. Again, very little is known about this area including tide variations.

5) As I understand it, the GPS stations that are set up on the Alaskan peninsula are too far away to be effective, therefore, the differential GPS was temporarily set up on Mitrofinia Island so that the RAINIER could navigate better while working in the area.

6) We will initially be anchoring north of Mitrofania Island in a protected bay on the peninsula called Fish Range Bay. We will spend a day or two there and then move to Cushing Bay, which is on the north side of Mitrofinia Island.

7) They once again reiterated the fact that they are a bit short-handed this leg and will be relying on me to be part of the launch crews. I should expect very long days for about 5-6 days.

Personal Log

I slept very well last night. I was in such a deep sleep that I almost missed breakfast. I guess it was the rocking of the ship. The seas are about 6-7 foot and the boat seems to handle it well. We’re going with the wind so it’s more of a soft but rolling ride. It’s kind of a funny sight seeing everyone on board bouncing off the walls as they walk down a hallway. My cabin is on the port side on the bottom of the ship, so you can hear the water rushing by the hull, a bit eerie. Although, I guess it’s much better than a cabin next to the engine room. I’m feeling fine; in fact, I had a big greasy breakfast and a hot dog for lunch. You can be assured I would not eat that kind of food if the seas were getting to me. I feel bad for another visitor onboard whom I’m friendly with. Unfortunately, he hasn’t found his sea legs yet, but I’m sure he’ll feel better when we get the Fish Range Bay tonight.

The other bad side to this weather is the visibility is terrible. On our right (starboard) has been the Alaskan Peninsula, and we passed Kodiak Island to our left (port) but could barely make them out. I hope the weather clears at some point so I can get some good pictures. I promised my wife!!!

I have to get a good night’s rest tonight because I’m scheduled to be out on a launch for close to 9 hours tomorrow. After dinner I’ll be working with the survey crew to analyze the data. So it’s going to be a long day, but I’m looking forward to it.

August 14, 2005March 18, 2021

James Miller, August 14, 2005

NOAA Teacher at Sea
James Miller
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
August 13 – 27, 2005

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: North Pacific, Alaska
Date: August 14, 2005

Science and Technology Log

Most of the day was set aside for administrative duties; however, I did get to meet my temporary roommate, Dave Sinson. Dave works for NOAA as a surveyor and is assigned to the RAINIER for this leg. Dave and I had an interesting discussion about statistics and his goal to integrate a new software algorithm for analyzing and reporting bottom contour and depth data. When bottom contour data is collected, the sonar reports points every 10 centimeters. This, as you can imagine, creates a tremendous amount of data, which explains why their computer system has over 12 terabytes of storage. Anyway, it would be impossible to illustrate all of this data on navigational charts; therefore it must be averaged in the most efficient and accurate way. Apparently, to date, all of this “averaging” has been done by hand and there has been much discussion regarding the best method. In any event, Dave is interested in my knowledge of statistics and I’m obviously interested in hearing more about the new program, in addition to the manual process they are currently using. This has great potential for lessons because next school year I will be teaching a unit on probability and statistics.

I am also getting a grip on the organizational structure of the ship. There are six main departments. You have the Officers (Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, and Junior Officers); Survey Dept. (scientists and survey technicians); Deck Dept. (deals with launching and operating boats, cleaning, and gear); Engineering Dept. (responsible for keeping all the engines and mechanical devices operating); Steward (all food preparation); and Yeoman & Electronics (Administrative and IT).

Personal Log

Although a bit overwhelmed, I’m enjoying every minute. I’m never bored and seem to always have something to do or someone to meet with. When I do have a few minutes I just wander around ship getting more familiar with it, or introduce myself to crewmembers and ask them questions (without being a pest of course).

I did get my ship e-mail address and password for the network. Although, the computers that I have access to are giving me some trouble, which I’ve heard is not uncommon. I lost some files that contained a couple hours worth of work—we’ve all been there—very frustrating. Dave came to the rescue though and gave me a removable storage chip that I can use to back up all my files. I think this will solve any future issues.

Went into town today to buy some personal things. On the way back, I saw a 311-pound halibut hanging outside of one of the charter boat weigh-in areas. Amazing sight!

The beds are very comfortable and I am sleeping well. Love the food.

Things to do for tomorrow:

1) Type my daily logs and e-mail them to NOAA Headquarters.

2) Visit the engine room.

3) Talk more with Dave regarding his work with the data.

August 13, 2005March 18, 2021

James Miller, August 13, 2005

NOAA Teacher at Sea
James Miller
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
August 13 – 27, 2005

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: North Pacific, Alaska
Date: August 13, 2005

Science and Technology Log

I was picked up at the hotel by the ship’s liberty van at noon. At the ship, I was greeted by Officer Laurel Jennings who assigned me temporary sleeping quarters. To my surprise, the room was two doors down from the captain’s cabin and across the hall from the executive officer’s – which probably explains why they said temporary. Typically, crew and guests are assigned shared rooms down in the bottom of the ship and officers and scientists have more private and comfortable rooms near the Bridge.

Following the room assignment, Officer Jennings gave me a thorough tour of the ship. I was amazed at how much space there is onboard a ship that appears, from the outside, to be relatively small. I also had an opportunity to meet Commanding Officer Guy Noll. He was very friendly and informative. He said that on Tuesday the ship will be hosting some Congressional staff visitors from the Senate Appropriations Committee. Later that afternoon following the visit the ship will depart for Mitrofania Island that is located several hundred miles south of Kodiak Island. He also said the ship has been fortunate to have successful cruises this season with favorable weather; however, it seems we may encounter a strong weather front on Wednesday or Thursday. The forecast is calling for gale force winds and seas to 17 feet. So it appears I will be experiencing what it is like to work on a ship in rough seas right from the get go!

There were many details that I learned about the ship during my tour. Some of them included:

1) Ship Specifications: The RAINIER was built in 1967 and is 231 feet long. Its complement is 10 commissioned officers, 35 crew, 4 engineers, and 4 scientists (and 1-2 Teacher-at-sea members). The RAINIER was designed mainly to be a coastal waters ship. Due to its relatively shallow draft (only 15 feet) and high center of gravity, it is susceptible to rough seas. The ship cruises at 12 knots and has a range of 5,898 miles.

2) Ship’s Mission: The RAINIER’s primary mission is to collect and analyze bottom contour data to eventually be used in navigation charts. The ship is equipped with six 29-foot launches fixed with various bottom sonar devices that are deployed to map the ocean bottom in coastal waterways in and around Alaskan waters. The process from data collection, to analysis, to navigational charts is a lengthy one. Currently it takes up to three years for the data that the RAINIER collects to make it onto charts. I was amazed to hear that many areas around AK have never been charted. In fact, the waters around Mitrofania Island are one such area. Other responsibilities of the RAINIER are GPS mapping of obstructions, and bottom and seawater temperature collection.

3) Propulsion System: The engine is always in gear, meaning the propellers are always turning. Forward, neutral, and reverse is obtained by varying the pitch of the propeller blades. Neutral pitch yields zero thrust, positive pitch yields forward thrust, and negative pitch yields reverse thrust.

4) Other than food supply, the ship is totally self-sufficient. It generates its own 110-volt power; it produces its own fresh water by a process of desalination; it cleans all wastewater prior to discharging it; and it has its own incinerator to dispose of burnable waste such as paper, cardboard, and rags.

Personal Log

I’m really excited and find myself fascinated about the smallest of details regarding living onboard ship, the facilities, its mission, and the crew’s job responsibilities. One such detail is they have a small workout area with treadmills. I couldn’t help but wonder how in the world they run on the treadmill when the ship is underway or tossing? Liberty is given to the crew on weekends; therefore, there is only a fraction of the crew on board. Everyone I’ve met thus far seems friendly and happy to have me aboard. Two TAS members left the ship as I arrived, so the crew is very familiar with the myriad of questions coming from us greenhorns. I had my first meal on board (beef potpie), which was excellent. I’m having a bit of trouble remembering all the crewmembers names and responsibilities, but I’m sure it will come with time. I suppose as soon as I do commit it to memory it will be time for me to leave. I’m looking forward to being put to work. I was told that they are a bit shorthanded this leg and there going to use me every chance they get. Sounds good to me!

Things to do tomorrow

1) Get a computer network password and email address. 2) Watch the computer network security video. 3) Get assigned a survival suit and all other required gear. 4) Get mandatory survival suit training. 5) Fill out new crewmember packet and get proper clearance from Officers.