Jeff Lawrence

June 19, 2009April 5, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, June 19, 2009

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard Research Vessel Hugh R. Sharp
June 8-19, 2009

Mission: Sea scallop survey
Geographical area of cruise: North Atlantic
Date: June 19, 2009

Weather Data from the Bridge In port at Woods Hole, Mass.
W winds 5-10 KTs, cloudy overcast skies Light rain, 2-3 foot waves Air Temp. 66˚F

Jakub Kircun watches as a beautiful sunset unfolds.

Science and Technology Log

The Research Vessel Hugh R. Sharp finally made it into port this morning at the National Marine Fisheries Service in Woods Hole on the Cape Cod coast of Massachusetts. Although this cruise was not terribly long it is great to be back on land. Scallop surveying is tedious work that is ongoing on a research vessel 24/7. The people onboard were great to work with and it is always a pleasure to get to know other people, especially those who share a passion for ocean research and science. Few people realize the great effort and sacrifices that people in the oceanography field have to give up to go out to sea to complete research that will help give a better understanding to three-fourths of the planet’s surface. They must leave home and loved ones for many days to get the science needed for a more complete understanding of the Earth’s oceans.

The noon to midnight shift includes myself, the Chief Scientist onboard, Stacy Rowe, watch chief Jakub Kircum, Shad Mahlum, Francine Stroman, and Joe Gatuzzi. We are responsible for sorting each station on our watch, measuring and weighing the samples into the computer. These people are very good at what they do and quite dedicated to performing the task with professionalism, courtesy, and a great deal of enthusiasm. It is clear to see that each person has a passion for ocean sciences especially the fisheries division. The NOAA fisheries division carefully surveys and provides data to those that make regulations about which places will be left open for commercial fishing and those which will be closed until the population is adequate to handle the pressures of the commercial fishing industry. I have observed many different species of marine animals, some of which I did not even know ever existed. Below is a photo of me and the other TAS Duane Sanders putting on our survival at sea suits in case of emergency. These suits are designed to keep someone afloat and alive in cold water and are required on all boats where colder waters exist.

The Goosefish, also called Monkfish, is a ferocious predator below the surface and above!

Personal Log

The fish with a bad attitude award has to go to the goosefish. This ferocious predator lies in wait at the bottom of the ocean floor for prey. On the topside of its mouth is an antenna that dangles an alluring catch for small fish and other ocean critters. When the prey gets close enough the goosefish emerges from its muddy camouflage and devours its prey. I made the error of mistaking it for a skate that was in a bucket. I was not paying close enough attention as I grabbed what I thought was the skate from a bucket, the goosefish quickly bit down. Blood oozed out of my thumb as the teeth penetrated clean through a pair of rubber gloves. I pay closer attention when sticking my hand in buckets now. There are many creatures in the sea that are harmless, but one should take heed to all the creatures that can inflict bodily damage to humans.

Questions of the Day
Name four species you my find at the bottom on the Atlantic:
What is another common name for the goosefish?
What is the species name (Scientific name) for the goosefish?
What are the scientific names for starfish and scallops?

June 14, 2009April 5, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, June 14, 2009

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard Research Vessel Hugh R. Sharp
June 8-19, 2009

Mission: Sea scallop survey
Geographical area of cruise: North Atlantic
Date: June 14, 2009

Weather Data from the Bridge
East winds 3 KTs
1015mb pressure
Seas 2-4ft
Partly cloudy early, clearing sunny skies late afternoon

Science and Technology Log

The bridge of a ship is a very busy place where all activities that are occurring on the ship being managed from this location. When any equipment is going overboard it is the responsibility of the captain or first mate to ensure that it is done safely and correctly. The ship must follow a predetermined route for each stations sampling and be kept on tract by precise navigating from the bridge. Whenever anything goes overboard the bridge has to be notified, it is important for the bridge to know everything that is in the water to avoid the boat from being fouled up by miscellaneous line in the water. This could be dangerous and costly for the ship and crew.

Left: The bridge of the ship; Right: Crewmembers on the bridge discussing the cruise operational procedures

Captain Bill Byam has been very helpful to me and my fellow teacher at sea making sure we have the availability of the crew and ship to write our journal entries and then submit them online to NOAA. The ship’s crew is also responsible for deployments and retrieving of all instruments put overboard the ship. Along with the dredge and occasional CTD is deployed to get a profile of the water column and collect water samples at varying depths. The water samples can be used for a variety of things, such as water filtering to see what microscopic critters may be present, chemical analysis, as well as conductivity or salinity of the water. The CTD is standard instruments used on most science research vessels. The crew on the Sharp are very proficient, professional, and hard working as they also help with assisting the scientist with some of the work on deck.

Personal Log

Shad and Stacy repair the net on one of the dredges

The cruise has gone very smoothly with lots of scientific data have been collected for future analysis. I have worked closely on the deck with members of the noon to midnight shift for almost two weeks. In that time we have collected many samples of scallops, crabs, starfish, sand dollars, sea urchins, many varieties of fish, and even occasional pieces of trash left from man’s misuse of the ocean. I hope to be able to take the knowledge gleaned from this experience and the scientist onboard the ship and give my students back in Oklahoma a better understanding of our oceans and how their health impacts everyone around world even those in land-locked Oklahoma. It has been my goal to better inform my 5^th-8^thgrade students, my college students who are training to become teachers, and the general lay member how all of us impact the health of the oceans and how important the oceans are to us all in maintaining a homeostatic balance with the Earth’s biosphere and atmosphere. We all have much to gain with a healthy ocean system and much more to lose if we are not adequate in our stewardship of our oceans.

I would like to give a special thanks to Chief Scientist Stacy Rowe for allowing me to participate in all aspects of the cruise and collecting samples. The team I am with are very cordial and extremely helpful in answering all my questions. They made me feel a part of the team and not an outsider. It was great to work with a group of people who are so dedicated. When one team member finished a task they simply moved to help another team member until the whole catch was sorted, measured, and weighed. It is good to work with people who are equally vested in their work. No one person stood and watched as others worked, each did an equal share of the work and made sure the task was completed in a timely and organized fashion. This made the long hours of the shift seem shorter and the days went by much quicker. It is always good to be a part of a good team. Thanks to the crew aboard the Sharp, and the scientist that made this trip a profitable one, not only for me but also for my students back in Oklahoma. Thank you Bill Byam, captain aboard the Sharp and all of his dedicated crew. The ship’s crew, were hospitable host and I really enjoyed meeting you all. Thanks to NOAA for allowing a previous teacher at sea another opportunity to learn more about the oceans and have another lifetime memory to share with others.

Questions of the Day
What instrument does a ship use today to navigate in precise lines? (hint cars use it also to find their way around town)

Who is Hugh R. Sharp? (ship is named after him)

June 13, 2009April 5, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, June 13, 2009

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard Research Vessel Hugh R. Sharp
June 8-19, 2009

Mission: Sea scallop survey
Geographical area of cruise: North Atlantic
Date: June 13, 2009

Weather Data from the Bridge
East winds 3 KTs
Temperature: 13˚C
Seas 3-4ft
1015 mb of pressure

Science and Technology Log

There is a lot of sophisticated equipment aboard a science research vessel of today. Shad who is one of the scientists aboard the ship explained to me how they used to do scallop surveys on older ships just a few years ago. Then they would catch scallops using the dredge net that was then hauled onboard and dumped on the deck. The scientist would then get on their hands and knees and sort through the pile for scallops or whatever they were looking for. The pile would have to be scoured twice to ensure everything was accounted for. There was a lot of shoveling and moving of the pile as things were being sorted. The work was long, dirty, and backbreaking.

Today the Sharp has a sorting table onboard which makes the job much easier and gives the ship and crew the availability of adding more stations to the survey and getting much more work done than in past seasons. Below is a photo of a magnetic measuring board. The scallop or fish are placed on the board and a magnetic wand is put at the end of the sample where an accurate measurement is made and placed into the computer showing the size of the sample. This process is much faster than measuring and recording by hand. They are also weighed in large baskets to determine average weight of the catch.

Personal Log

Some days have been very long at times yet fruitful. A week has passed and we have collected thousands of scallops, hundreds of thousands of starfish, and many other species of bottom dwelling fishes and animals. I have observed many varieties and species of animals that I have never seen before except on TV or in a textbook. This hands-on experience will leave an indelible picture in my mind for many years of what research life is like onboard a research vessel. There are many dedicated scientist and crewmembers in NOAA fisheries that are insuring the viability of certain species so that commercial fishing does not over fish areas of our oceans.

These scientists do valuable research in the labs around the United States but also go out on research vessels and get their hands dirty, work extremely hard, and commit a large part of the personal lives to preservation of species in our oceans so that future generations can enjoy the wide diversity that our oceans provide for us today. NOAA has scientist working all around the oceans of the United States as well as other parts of the world to give science a better understanding of the vital role each species has in its environment and how that species overpopulation or disappearance could impact the immediate area, larger habitat of the ocean, and the world as a whole. I feel more at ease knowing that there are dedicated people in the world ensuring not only the interest of humans but are also advocating for all species. The diversity on earth is better understood every year giving scientist and the general public a better understanding of each species role on the world stage of life.

Question of the Day
What does the term Keystone species mean?

June 11, 2009April 5, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, June 11, 2009

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard Research Vessel Hugh R. Sharp
June 8-19, 2009

Mission: Sea scallop survey
Geographical area of cruise: North Atlantic
Date: June 11, 2009

Weather Data from the Bridge
NE winds 15-20KT
Seas 4-8ft, cold front moving off land
Temperature at Sea 68˚F
Foggy with low visibility, light rain periodically

Science and Technology Log

The crew is busy collecting scallops. Occasionally between tows, the crew shuck scallops to eat onboard, this is allowable in open areas. A meal of freshly shucked scallops will be enjoyed by those onboard the ship. Shucking scallops is a skill that can be learned over several days. A long curved skinny knife is inserted between the shells and part of the scallop is cut away from the shell. With a little skill one more quick cut of the knife and all the inside parts of the scallop are whisked away leaving behind a cylinder shaped piece of white meat that is the part of the scallop enjoyed by people around the world.

TAS Duane Sanders (left) is busy sorting scallops while others shuck the scallops (right).

Some dredges produced scallops exclusively, while others produce very few scallops and lots of starfishes or sand dollars. Scientists are trying to understand the dynamics between the starfish and scallop populations as well as other species. Getting rid or over fishing one species can have a profound effect on other species especially if that species is considered a keystone species in that particular environment.

Personal Log

The Research Vessel Hugh R. Sharp is one of the newer ships in the fleet of research vessels along the Atlantic coast. The ship is 146 feet long with state of the art equipment onboard to help it complete missions vital to ocean research. It cost about $14,000 dollars a day to keep the ship doing research while at sea. The ship is very versatile and has completed a varied amount of differing research cruises along the east coast of the United States. I am amazed at how quiet the ship is when running. I have been on two other research vessels, and they were much louder when underway. The Sharp has diesel engines that run electric motors making it run much quieter and smoother than other research ships. The ship will also turn on a dime usually it takes quite of bit of time and space to turn a ship around. This is not true on the Sharp it will turn very quickly due the bow thrusters onboard the ship. The ship may be smaller than many research vessels, however it is versatile and efficient when conducting research along the Atlantic coast.

The crew which are captained by Bill Byam are well trained and prepared for the task required of them to make sure the science is completed in a timely manner and efficiently for the scientist aboard. I have found working with the crew to be an enjoyable experience. The food onboard is superb, Paul is a great cook and prepares unique dishes for every meal and is also an avid fellow soccer fan.

Question of the Day
What and how do scallops eat to survive?

Name two predators of scallops.

June 9, 2009April 5, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, June 9, 2009

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard Research Vessel Hugh R. Sharp
June 8-19, 2009

Mission: Sea scallop survey
Geographical area of cruise: North Atlantic
Date: June 9, 2009

Weather Data from the Bridge
S winds 5-10KT
Seas 1-2ft
Barometric pressure 1029mb
Air Temperature 78˚F
Visibility clear
Cold front moving offshore towards us later today, rain expected.

The contents of the dredge are emptied onto the sorting table.

Science and Technology Log

The sorting table is full of activity as soon as the dredge is pulled aboard the ship. After the crew secure all lines and dump the load the volunteers and scientist begin to sort through the biological that has been brought up from the bottom or the Atlantic Ocean. Each dredge can bring a varied amount of sea life on the ship. We are always looking for scallop, yet every third dredge we also sort for crabs. All fish are also sorted and counted.

After all the sorting is done the fish, scallops, and crabs are weighed and measured for length. They are then logged into the onboard computer for analysis of results for each catch. We are trawling along closed areas for scallops. These areas have been closed for commercial fishing to ensure that the population has time to recover in that area. Scallop surveys are carried out by the R/V Hugh R. Sharp, in three phases during the summer. Duane and I are on the second leg, which encompasses the area to the east of Delaware, areas around Long Island, and the area around Martha’s Vineyard south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Personal Log

You may find some interesting creatures during sorting.

The work aboard the ship can be very long and laborious. The days are long, as each member of the cruise will do a 12-hour shift. My shift is from noon to midnight. The conditions can vary greatly during a shift. During the day the sun may be out with light winds and it gets very warm with all the wet weather gear that is worn during sorting. It is necessary to leave the gear on between dredges, since they occur so often. As soon as the sun goes down the temperatures can drop very rapidly. It is important to keep a hooded sweatshirt and other warm weather gear nearby for the changing conditions. All gear must be taken with you when you leave your cabin so that the other shift can sleep uninterrupted. The days are long, with the goal of all who are onboard to get the science completed in a timely fashion. Keeping a ship stored with goods and running is very expensive so the goal is to get as much science completed in the allotted time as possible.

Question of the Day
What other bottom dwelling species in the Atlantic are under protection from over-fishing?

Animals Seen Today
Scallops, eels, crabs, starfish, clams, silver dollars, urchins, goose fish, and many varieties of bottom dwelling fish.

June 8, 2009April 5, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, June 8, 2009

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard Research Vessel Hugh R. Sharp
June 8-19, 2009

Mission: Sea scallop survey
Geographical area of cruise: North Atlantic
Date: June 8, 2009

Weather Data from the Bridge
SW winds: 5-10KT
Seas: 1-2ft
Barometric pressure: 1035 mb
Air Temperature: 75˚F
Visibility: clear

Science and Technology Log

The Research Vessel Hugh R. Sharp set sail this morning around 9AM from Lewes, DE. There are 11 members of the scientific crew and volunteers, including two TAS participants: myself (Jeff Lawrence) from Oklahoma and Duane Sanders from Ohio. We spent the morning introducing ourselves and watching safety videos in case of emergency on the ship. A ship can be an exciting yet dangerous place to work. There is no ambulance or fire department to call in case of a fire or other emergency. Each member aboard the ship is responsible for not only their own safety, but that of their shipmates also. Above is a photo of Duane and I as we don the safety immersion suits also known as the “Gumby” suit.

Screen shot 2013-03-24 at 11.19.00 PM — TAS Jeff Lawrence and TAS Duane Sanders don their immersion suits during a safety drill.

The suits can be difficult to don but everyone onboard is expected to know how to put the suit on effectively in case of an emergency at sea that may require us to abandon ship. The waters off the northeast coast of the U.S. can still be quite cold even in early summer and hypothermia can set in a matter of minutes.

Personal Log

The Research Vessel Hugh R. Sharp has set sail for a station about 60 miles due east of Lewes, Delaware. I have been on two other research vessels with the Sharp being the smallest. It is a newer ship and while quarters are quite close they are well maintained and comfortable. The day started out with sunny skies and warm winds. The further out to sea we traverse the cooler the temperature feels as the wind blows across the cooler water. We have just run into a fog bank and there is little to see at the present time.

Skies have cleared off and it is a beautiful day out in the Atlantic. We are sailing to the first station and the crew aboard is getting everything ready for the first tow. There is a lot to do on the ship even when sailing between stations. The crew has to make sure there are not structural, hardware, or software problems before we arrive at the first station. As mentioned earlier I also onboard with another Teacher at Sea participant, his name is Duane Sanders and he teaches at a school near Cincinnati, Ohio. Today has been a great start to the trip with the excellent weather and smooth sailing conditions.

Questions of the Day
What is a Sea Scallop and are there differing varieties or species?

Name three other ships that do research for NOAA.

June 2, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, June 2, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: June 2, 2006

Weather Data from Bridge as of 0730 Hours:
Visibility: 10.0 miles
Wind direction: 0 deg. (N)
Wind Speed: 0 calm
Sea level pressure: 1005
Temperature: 48 deg. wet/dry 51 deg.

Science and Technology Log

Today is my last full day on the RAINIER. We came into port at Juneau this morning. Today I will tour around Juneau trying to see and do as many things as I can since I am leaving early in the morning to fly back to Oklahoma. The trip from Hot Springs Bay to Juneau last night was beautiful and spectacular. The crew of the RAINIER did an excellent job piloting the ship through some treacherous narrows. They know these waters well since they have surveyed most of this part of Alaska. Captain Guy Noll has a lot of experience in these waters and has a well-trained crew.

Personal Log

I have thoroughly enjoyed my trip and want to thank NOAA personally for allowing me this opportunity to live and work aboard the RAINIER. This trip has provided with memories that will last a lifetime and I am thrilled I took the time to apply and come to Alaska. Alaska is such a beautiful stat—every American should put it on their schedule of things to do. There is so much to see and experience. NOAA gave me the opportunity at literally no cost to myself. I also learned a lot of about what NOAA scientists are doing in Alaskan waters as well as around the world.

I would also like to give a special thanks to LTJG Nicola Samuelson and ENS Laurel Jennings who took the time to explain what they were doing in detail. They didn’t seem to be afraid of overwhelming me with information, and I found them to be very helpful in helping me understand how and why the data collected was used. Both were very professional, skilled, knowledgeable, and helpful in every endeavor that I was involved in. NOAA has done well to secure two such bright, motivated, and eager officers. I am sure they will have a positive career and impact while at NOAA. All the crew were a great help and very nice to me while aboard the RAINIER. Also AB Tonya Watson and Survey Tech Nick Gianoutsos have shared many stories with me about their lives on and off the RAINIER. It was nice to talk to Nick, a neighbor from Texas. You meet a lot of fascinating people on board the RAINIER. AB Leslie Abramson was always willing to explain to me her role on the ship and how to do certain things in the deck department.

On the bridge I found ENS Nathan Eldridge, GVA Kelson Baird, and ENS Megan McGovern to be very helpful when I was attaining weather data from the ship or had general questions about the bridge and the function of different departments on the ship. The FOO, LT. Ben Evans, was helpful in explaining the scientific research of the vessel and its main goals and objectives. ENS Sam Greenaway was very helpful in taking time each day we set sail to explain how the ship would navigate the waters, how to read the charts, and how the charts were developed and used by the ship. LTJG Abigail Higgins was always nearby when we were launching and recovering boats to explain to me what everyone was doing and what I would need to know to do some of the tasks. She was very instrumental in making me feel a part to what was going on during operations. In the deck department I would like to thank everyone—all the crew, made me feel welcome, whether it was aboard their boat or as a fellow crewmember of the RAINIER. Thank you Chief Scientist Steve Foye for all the information on the native Alaskan wildlife. I found it very useful and will use it with my students next year. Thanks to Kenny Keys for teaching me about the navigation on the small boats through the Wrangell Narrows. Thank you to Floyd Pounds for always greeting every morning with a warm smile and welcome and the great meals you and the other stewards provided me while at sea.

A special thanks to Captain Guy Noll and the XO, Julia Neander for making me feel right at home, answering all my questions, allowing their crew to be at my disposal for questions and interviews, and for a really terrific time aboard the RAINIER. I am usually a little quiet and reserved and make friends slowly. However, aboard the RAINIER I feel that I have made many friends in a short time and I will think of them quite often and have fond memories of my time aboard the RAINIER. Surely no other ship in the fleet could be as complete as the RAINIER. THANK YOU NOAA FOR A GREAT TIME!

Question of the Day

What does each letter in the acronym NOAA stand for?

Name 5 projects from around the world that NOAA is involved in.

June 1, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, June 1, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard Research Vessel Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: June 1, 2006

Alaskan beauty, Humpback Whale in the distance

Weather data from bridge
Visibility: 8.0 miles
Wind direction: 0 deg. (N)
Wind Speed: calm winds
Sea level pressure: 1019 mb
Present weather: light sprinkles, partly sunny, calm seas
Temperature: 51 deg. wet/dry 52 deg.

Science and Technology Log

Alaska has to be one of the most beautiful places on the Earth. Add to this working aboard a beautiful ship like the RAINIER with a wonderful crew and it equals a really good time. I saw a variety of wildlife I never thought I would see up close and personal. I also learned so much about hydrography. Before this trip I didn’t know the term even existed.

NOAA provides a wealth of data and information for the general public, private industries, and scientists all over the world. The trip aboard the RAINIER is a lifetime experience that I will cherish and remember. Any teachers reading this log who have thought about applying for the Teacher at Sea Program ,but for some reason haven’t done so yet, need to apply NOW! If you like to learn new things, meet interesting people, see fascinating wildlife, and see extraordinarily beautiful scenery, than a trip aboard the RAINIER is your ticket. The staff at NOAA, take care of all the travel arrangements— all you have to do is be at the airport on time. I have had the best time of my life. I have been to teacher camps, workshops, and conventions all around the country, but none compare to my time aboard the RAINIER.

Captain Guy Noll and XO Julia Neander have gone out of their way to ensure that I was involved in the activities aboard the ship and a part of the crew. The crew on board the RAINIER, are very helpful and all of them have made my stay at sea a pleasurable experience. I hope I have the opportunity to partake in this program again. Thanks again to the crew of the RAINIER and the staff at NOAA for taking care of everything. In the 19 years I have been teaching this has been one of the most rewarding and exciting opportunities of my career. If you are a teacher thinking about the Teacher at Sea Program, wait no longer, apply today!

Personal Log

Terrific, outstanding, excellent, a perfect 10 on the rating scale of what an exciting teacher learning experience should be. I can’t wait for school to start to share this trip with my students. Developing lessons that correlate with my experience should be quite easy due to the wealth of information I attained from the crew of the NOAA ship RAINIER. Today I helped them take bottom samples from around the area.

Question of the Day

FOR TEACHERS: How do I apply for the Teacher at Sea Program? ANSWER: go here.

This could be you working aboard a NOAA science research vessel.

May 31, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 31, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 31, 2006

Weather Data from Bridge as of 0730 Hours
Visibility: 10.0 miles
Wind direction: 340 deg. (NNW)
Wind Speed: 1 knot, light winds
Sea level pressure: 1014
Present weather: mostly cloudy, cool outside, calm seas
Temperature: 49 deg. wet/dry 50.0 deg.

One of the RAINIER’s boat launches going off on a beautiful day in SE Alaska.

Science and Technology Log

Today I was invited to ride along to Sitka to pick up four crew members and the mail. The day was beautiful and the boat ride was terrific. Sitka has been a part of Alaskan history for a long time. The Russians were the 1^st Europeans to settle at Sitka. It was also where Russia turned over Alaska to the U.S. after the purchase by Secretary of State Seward. It was an early capital of Alaska before moving to Juneau. The harbor and city were spectacular, off in the distant background was Mt. Edgecumbe.

Three of the crew we picked up will be returning to the RAINIER after leave. The other passenger has just finished NOAA Corps officer basic training and will be boarding the RAINIER for the first time. ENS Tim Smith will begin his career with NOAA aboard the RAINIER. Tim is a native of Rhode Island.

Personal Log

Today was a spectacular day in SE Alaska full of warm sunshine, calm winds, and calm water. Later in the day it began to cloud up but the winds remained calm. On the way to Sitka I was able to observe dozens of sea otter, a sea lion, and a porpoise. Sitka looks like a picturesque town and popular tourist location for large cruise ships. There was a large cruise ship in the bay when we arrived. The surrounding mountains and the backdrop of Mt. Edgecumbe makes for beautiful landscape photos.

Questions of the Day

How many ships are in the NOAA fleet? What is the name of the 2 ships that do hydrography in Alaska? Approximately how many glaciers does Alaska have? What is the capital of Alaska? What is the capital’s latitude and longitude? When did Alaska become a state?

After a dip at the Hot Springs, back to the RAINIER paddling a kayak in calm waters.

May 30, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 30, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 30, 2006

AB Leslie Abramson & Chief Steve Foye piloting the ship

Weather Data from Bridge as of 0730 Hours:
Visibility: 10.0m miles
Wind direction: 350 deg. (N)
Wind Speed: 2 knots
Sea level pressure: 1018
Present weather: Scattered cirrocumulus clouds, sun shining brilliantly – It’s a beautiful morning in SE Alaska.
Temperature: 49 deg. wet/dry 50 deg.

Science and Technology Log

Earlier this week I went out on launch RA 6 to run some lines off Biorka Island. The weather was a little dreary and cold but made much warmer by the crew, which consisted of Chief Boatswain Steve Foye, AB (Able Body Seaman) Leslie Abramson, and LTJG (Lieutenant Junior Grade) Nicola Samuelson.

LTJG Nicola Samuelson collecting sonar data aboard RA 6

Seas were a little rough running between 4 and 6-foot swells, but the crew did an excellent job staying on their lines and completing the task assigned. Conditions are not always ideal, yet the job must still be done. If seas are too rough the crew will head to a bay or protected area that still needs to be worked. Steering a boat in rough sea conditions isn’t easy. Chief Foye was on board to assist AB Abramson if needed. Leslie did an excellent job controlling the boat while down below LTJG Samuelson was collecting the data from the sonar. LTJG Samuelson has finished her 2-year assignment with the RAINIER and will be heading to Rhode Island for her next duty station when we reach our next port stop of Juneau.

Personal Log

This day was an interesting one. I learned when you feel nausea or seasickness it is better to eat something even though you don’t fell like doing so at the time. I really enjoyed learning so much about the day-to-day data collection techniques used by the crew of the RAINIER. The equipment is quite sophisticated and the people using it are very well trained. LTJG Samuelson was very helpful in explaining how the data is collected, stored, retrieved, and used to make the nautical navigation charts that NOAA publishes. The boatswain crews are well trained and do a good job piloting the launch boats through strong tide currents, rocky coastlines, and even rough seas.

Questions of the Day

How deep is a fathom?

When a ship anchors there are red, white, and blue chain links to show how deep the anchor is. What is the length between these colors called?

How long is this length of chain?

How much does one anchor on the RAINIER weigh?

How much does one marked length of chain weigh on the RAINIER?

What is the keel of a ship?

What is meant when people are talking about a ship or boats draft?

What does it mean when a ships bell rings continuously for 5-6 seconds every minute when it is anchored in open water?

Thanks to Ordinary Seaman Megan Guberski for helping me to pose and answer some of these questions.

May 29, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 29, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 29, 2006

Laurel Jennings & Tonya Watson Nick Gianoutsos — Laurel Jennings & Tonya Watson

Weather Data from Bridge
Visibility: 10.0 miles
Wind direction: 290 deg. (WNW)
Wind Speed: calm
Sea level pressure: 1016
Present weather: scattered to mostly cloudy skies, calm winds
Temperature: 48 de. wet/dry 50 deg.

Science and Technology Log

Today I visited the plot room. It is always a busy place. After the data has come in from the launch boats which have run the lines they were assigned for that day, the data is then downloaded to computers for processing so that accurate navigation charts can be made. Nick Gianoutsos and Shawn Gonzales both showed me how they clean up the data so it can be processed to make charts of the bottom of the channels, narrows, and waterways used by navigators throughout Alaska. The final product must both be accurate and reliable so that ships can trust the charts they are reading and using to plot navigation points and travel safely through hazardous coastal areas.

Wrangell Narrows is where the data has been being collected from for the past couple of weeks. Wrangell Narrows extends almost 21 miles from the Sumner Strait to the south up to Frederick Sound to the north, near Petersburg, Alaska. The channel is very narrow in places, with dangerous ledges and strong tidal currents, and can be a treacherous waterway for larger boats if not marked and navigated properly. Cruise ships, Alaska State Ferries, tugs and barges, freight boats, pleasure boats, and commercial fishing boats navigate the channel. Some of the cargo that travels through the Narrows includes: lumber products, fish products, petroleum products, provisions, and general cargo. There are no roads to Petersburg, so everything has to come by boat or plane. The narrows can be a busy place for traffic in this area of Alaska. All known dangers in the Narrows are charted and most are marked. The mean range of the tide is 13.4 feet and diurnal range is 15.7 feet at Petersburg.

Members of the crew aboard the NOAA ship RAINIER are entering and analyzing data from the survey lines run from the launch boats during the day. This data will give an accurate indication of what lies below the water and also what lies above it. The crew aboard RAINIER keeps working, long after regular work hours are over. Crunching the numbers from a launch into useable data for charts for navigation.

Personal Log

Today I was privileged to see a part of Alaska, Biorka Island, which is northwest of where we were near Petersburg in the Wrangell Narrows. The change of scenery was exciting and nearby are hot springs which are very warm and relaxing according to some of the crew who spent time there after hours.

Question of the Day

Using the information from log #4, which was Thursday’s log, how long will it take a ship that travels at 15 knots per hour to transit 231 miles?

May 28, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 28, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 28, 2006

Weather Data from Bridge
Visibility: 7.0 miles
Wind direction: 210 deg. SSW
Wind Speed: 8 knots
Sea level pressure: 1006 mb
Present weather: overcast with light rain
Temperature: 48 deg. wet/dry 48 deg.

Mt. Edgecumbe Volcano near Biorka Island

Science and Technology Log

Today is the first full day at Biorka Island, the ship anchored here yesterday afternoon. In the background is Mt. Edgecumbe a volcano on Kruzof Island. On the journey from the Wrangell Narrows we encountered some small swells but overall a smooth trip. It takes many parts to make a whole when it comes to keeping a ship the size of RAINIER running. Engineers and Stewards are the people aboard RAINIER who keep the ship moving. The engineers work about the ship fixing any problems that arise, do general maintenance, and keep the RAINIER in ship shape condition. There are 4 stewards aboard the RAINIER and have the most important job, which is feeding the crew of the RAINIER. To keep up moral on a ship it is important to feed the crew quality meals that satisfy their appetites after a busy day at sea. The stewards aboard the Rainier are:

Chief Steward: Sergio Taguba
Chief Cook: Doretha Mackey
2^nd Cook: Floyd Pounds
2^nd Cook: Raul Quiros

The same day I flew into Petersburg and boarded RAINIER Milton Ellison from Michigan arrived to begin his new job as a general vessel assistant (GVA). He has spent 8 years in the Navy and several more years in the civilian workforce. Milton has signed on to finish up retirement with NOAA. There are ten crews members aboard the RAINIER that make up Electronics and Engineering departments. NOAA provides many opportunities for those eager to experience new adventures.

The stewards always have a good variety of delicious food.

Personal Log

Crew member GVA Milton Ellison doing ship maintenance on the RAINIER. — GVA Milton Ellison doing ship maintenance

We are anchored in Hot Springs Bay, another beautiful view of the Alaskan coastline. Mt. Edgecumbe is in the distant background giving spectacular panoramic views of the area. The crew was able to visit the hot springs in the area last night. Today we will run lines around Biorka Island in the launch boats.

Questions of the Day

What is the name of the large volcano on an Island just to the northwest of Biorka Island near Sitka? Is the volcano active or dormant? How high is the volcano in elevation (ft.)? What is the latitude and longitude of this volcano? What is the highest peak volcano in Washington State? How high is it? What ship in the NOAA fleet is named after it?

May 27, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 27, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 27, 2006

Weather Data from Bridge
Visibility: Fog 0.0 miles
Wind direction: 310 deg. NW
Wind Speed: 8 knots
Sea level pressure: 1011 mb
Present weather: Very foggy with small swells
Temperature: 46 deg. wet/dry 46 deg.

Launch boat in action in Wrangell Narrows

Science and Technology Log

Yesterday I was invited out on a boat launch with LTJG Abigail Higgins, Junior Survey Tech Tonya Watson, and Deck Utility Man Kenneth Keys. We were sent out to set a couple of buoys to mark locations where divers from the RAINIER could go down later in the day and take a closer look at some peculiar features from the sonar soundings. We also had to run a couple of survey lines around an object near Petersburg Harbor on something peculiar Captain Guy Noll had spotted in the sonar record. I was able to pilot the launch for part of the trip and DU Keys gave me a quick course on navigation around marked points in the Wrangell Narrows. This was really cool! LTJG Higgins showed me how the boat collects data to take back to the RAINIER where it is processed to be used on navigation charts.

When on a boat launch you may have to take lunch with you because you will not be back to the RAINIER in time for lunch. The skies were clear and full of intense Alaskan sunshine, which makes it feel warmer than the actual temperature outside. It was a beautiful day enjoyed even the more by having lunch on the boat. When the launch boat returns to the RAINIER the data is downloaded to the ships computers where it is processed so that charts and graphs can be made or updated. Below physical scientist Shyla Allen from the Pacific Hydrographic Branch assist ENS Laurel Jennings in making plans for running lines at the next stop near Sitka. ENS Jennings is in her first year on the RAINIER and a part of the NOAA officer corps aboard the RAINIER.

Crunching the numbers are: Shyla Allen (back) and ENS Laurel Jennings (front) — Crunching the numbers are: Shyla Allen (back) and ENS Laurel Jennings

Personal Log

Today was an absolutely beautiful day in SE Alaska. I really enjoyed working with the survey technicians and people aboard the RAINIER. I have learned much more than I thought ever existed when comes to navigating the waters, coastlines, and harbors of Alaska. Today we are traveling to Biorka Island, which is northwest of where we were the previous week.

Questions of the Day

When approaching a green buoy from sea in a channel in North America which side should your boat approach on?

When approaching a red buoy from sea in a channel in North America which side should your boat approach on?

Assignment

Plot a course if you were the pilot of the RAINIER that you would follow from Wrangell Narrows near Petersburg to Biorka Island.

May 26, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 26, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 26, 2006

several of the deck crewmembers recovering RA 1 back to the RAINIER for the day.

Weather Data from Bridge
Visibility: 10.0 miles
Wind direction: 70 degrees ENE
Wind Speed: 3 knots
Sea level pressure: 1016 mb
Present weather: overcast 1400’ clouds above ground
Temperature: 50 deg. wet/dry 52 deg.

Science and Technology Log

Today the ship will raise anchor and head for Biorka Island. First the crew will have to secure the temporary tide station equipment and make sure all the lines have been completed for the Wrangell Narrows. While onboard I have had the chance to meet all of the crew of the RAINIER. The Chief Boatswain is Steve Foye and he has been a part of NOAA for 20 years now. He has served on many ships and is now on the RAINIER. His duties include making sure all boat launches are conducted in a timely and safe manner. When boats finish their day Steve and his crew are responsible for getting the boats back onboard the RAINIER for the night. They also make sure the boats are fueled and ready for the next days work. Without Steve and the other deck hands little would get accomplished throughout the day. Steve is chief of the deck and is helped by

Able Bodied Seamen: Leslie Abramson, Jodie Edmond, and Jonathan Anderson
Ordinary Seamen: Dennis Brooks and Megan Guberski
General Vessel Assistant: Kelson Baird
Deck Utility Man: Kenneth Keys
Seaman Surveyors: Carl Verplank and Corey Muzzey
Boatswain Group Leader: Erik Davis

Steve Foye, Chief of the Deck Crew and admirer of nature!

As you can tell it takes a lot of people working together to make sure the RAINIER gets boats in and out of the water, to their destinations, and ready for the next day. The crew aboard the RAINIER are very skilled in what they do. Steve is also very interested in the local wildlife, marine mammals, and fauna of the Alaskan coastline. He has had many years of experience in identifying the wildlife of this area. Anytime there happens to be wildlife near the ship, Steve is quick to tell me about it so that I can photograph the animals. Chief Foye has a wealth of documents from the Alaskan Wildlife and Fisheries Department that help to identify the varying wildlife in the area. While onboard the RAINIER I have had the opportunity to view three Northern Sea Lions, two Alaskan Black Bears, numerous Sitka Black-Tailed Deer, a Dall’s Porpoise, many species of ducks and other birds, including the American Bald Eagle. I’ve only been aboard for 5 days and have taken numerous photos of local wildlife that I can share when with students when I return to Oklahoma. Chief Foye has sat down with me to help me identify all the wildlife I’ve seen so far and pointed out some that he still expects to see on our way to Biorka Island.

Tomorrow we leave for Biorka Island and I am told that there is a good chance we will spot various species of porpoises and maybe a few whales. We should arrive at Biorka Island sometime Saturday afternoon where the crew will begin readying their plans for running lines of that area.

Personal Log

Today I roamed through the ship talking to people aboard the RAINIER with various jobs. I learned many specifics about each of the crew and their responsibilities and also learned a little about them personally. The RAINIER has a good mix of people who seem to work well together. All the crew’s members have treated me very well and I am enjoying my time aboard the RAINIER.

Questions of the Day

Can you name 10 marine mammals that can found in Alaskan waters sometime throughout the year?

Can you name land mammals that can found in Alaska?

Can you name 10 bird species that live or migrate to Alaska?

May 25, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 25, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 25, 2006

Photo of ENS Nathan Eldridge logging weather data from the RAINIER to be sent into NOAA for weather analysis of the area. — ENS Nathan Eldridge logging weather data to be sent to NOAA for analysis of the area.

Weather Data from Bridge as of 0730 Hours
Visibility: 10.0 miles/16.1 Km
Wind direction: calm/no wind
Wind Speed: calm
Sea level pressure: 1015 mb or 29.97 inches
Present weather: scattered cirrocumulus clouds, lots of sun
Temperature: 48 deg. wet/50 deg. dry

Science and Technology Log

After completing breakfast I spent the rest of the morning on board the RAINIER and visited with the crew on some of their duties on the ship. At 1000 hours I had a briefing on the bridge with Nathan Eldridge on how the RAINIER collects weather data every six hours that it then sends to NOAA so that, the data can be used by meteorologists for weather observations and predictions. Nathan has been aboard the RAINIER since Nov. of 2005, so this is his first full season at sea. Nathan is an ensign signified by the acronym ENS. He attended the NOAA Corp’s program for officer training before coming aboard the RAINIER.

ENS Sam Greenaway explains navigational charts. Navigation is crucial to the ships success through the Alaskan waterways. — ENS Sam Greenaway explains navigational charts. Navigation is crucial to the ships through the Alaskan waterways.

ENS Sam Greenaway has been aboard the RAINIER since Nov. of 2004. Sam is the ships navigation officer and plots paths through the Alaskan waterways. There are many things to read on a navigational chart, a good understanding of the charts allows Sam to plot a safe and direct path to the location at which the RAINIER will anchor next. The ship will be leaving Wrangell Narrows for the Biorka Islands in the next day or so.

Personal Log

Last evening I was invited by the XO, Julia Neander and AB Leslie Abramson to go kayaking in the Wrangell Narrows just before dusk. The water was calm and the sun was slowly disappearing behind the snow-capped mountains. The trip was very tranquil and serene. I enjoyed the experience immensely. The crew aboard the RAINIER are very helpful and assist me in any way they can to make my stay as enjoyable and productive as possible.

Questions of the Day

What is the Beaufort scale and how is it used? What is the difference between a nautical mile and a statute mile? What is the difference in speed between miles per hour and knots per hour? What is the length of a fathom?

Kayaking excursion enjoyed after hours by some of RAINIER’S crew. In photo are the XO, Julia Neander and AB Leslie Abramson. Photo was taken by TAS Jeff Lawrence on the evening of May 24th in the Wrangell Narrows off the Alaskan coastline. — Kayaking excursion enjoyed after hours by some of RAINIER’S crew. In photo are the XO, Julia Neander and AB Leslie Abramson. Photo was taken by TAS Jeff Lawrence in the Wrangell Narrows

May 24, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 24, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 24, 2006

Weather Data from Bridge as of 0730 Hours:
Visibility: 0.5 miles or 0.8 km
Wind direction: 260 degrees
Wind Speed: 5 knots
Sea level pressure: 1016 mb or 30.0 inches
Present weather: mostly cloudy but clearing off earlier this morning
Temperature: 47 deg. wet/48 deg. dry ***By the afternoon the weather was sunny with calm winds and beautiful scenery.

Science and Technology Log

I began the day as usual with breakfast in the mess hall at 0700 hours. I must say the staff aboard the RAINIER know how to make a person gain weight. The food choices are great and there is plenty to eat. I was assigned to work off RA 8 with a survey crew. We left the ship at 0800 hours after a short briefing on the fantail of the RAINIER.

The RA 8 crew’s task for the day was to survey the area around the tide station to make sure the tidal data collected that shows the rise and fall of the tides was accurate. Deck Utility man, Kenneth Keys, and General Vessel Assistant, Kelson Baird, piloted the boat to the destination and delivered the survey crew onshore with great care. The survey crew was managed by ENS Jamie Wasser, ENS Nathan Eldridge, Assistant Survey Technician Tom Hardy, and myself. Using benchmarks that had been set by the National Ocean Service, we completed a triangulation survey of the dock where the tide station was located at high tide. Surveying is tool used by NOAA to make sure objects are where they are supposed to be according to charts and maps. The crew of NOAA ship RAINIER surveys sites as they set up a tide station and before they disassemble it to move it to another site.

Upon completion of the tasks we returned to the ship while Kenneth Keys trained General Assistant Baird on proper docking procedures of the launch boat. Everyone aboard the ship must work in unison to ensure a successful launch is carried out so that critical data can be collected, disseminated, and analyzed later aboard the RAINIER. Quality charts and maps can then be generated for use by navigators of the shorelines of Alaska.

Personal Log

Today I learned how critical it is for the people aboard the RAINIER to collect quality data to ensure the results are accurate on the finish product. It is a better use of time for each group to take their time and do it right the first time as opposed to having to redo the same task a second time. I hadn’t realized navigation of the ocean’s waterways was such a precise event and required such precise data collection methods. This is a good lesson to introduce to students on the collection of scientific data. Teachers must emphasize that the work can be tedious at times and that accuracy of data is the outcome that the scientist must strive to attain.

Question of the Day

What is the type of data that scientist collect that can be represented by numbers?

May 23, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 23, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 23, 2006

Weather Data from Bridge

Visibility: 5 nautical miles (nm)
Wind direction: 90 degrees
Wind Speed: 15 knots (kts)
Sea level pressure: 1001 millibars (mb)
Present weather: Partly cloudy
Temperature: 51 degrees dry/ 50 degrees wet

Science and Technology Log

I began today by getting aboard RA #8 for boat launch operations in the Wrangell Narrows at 0800. The crew went to check a tide gauge that had been placed on a pier in the narrows six weeks ago. A data logger was attached by assistant survey technician, Matt Boles, to a laptop computer and the data for the past two weeks was downloaded onto the laptop. The tide gauges give a more accurate representation of what the tide is doing in a certain area. Tide gauges are positioned throughout the narrows but may be miles apart. To get more precise data of the narrows, temporary gauges are used when the RAINIER is mapping areas where boating occurs. Also, a horizontal GPS position was measured from a known GPS location to make sure the tidewater data was correct and reliable.

At 0930 hours we returned to the RAINIER to pick up operations officer LT Ben Evans who showed ENS Laurel Jennings how to use the Trimble Backpack to map piers and dock areas in the narrows. The Trimble Backpack is a GPS system that is carried on the back of a person. As they walk the perimeter of an area, it downloads data onto a logger that then can be downloaded to a computer later for data analysis. This gives precise information to the cartographer to place the pier in the exact location that it needs to be on the map.

Upon returning to the RAINIER at 1530 hours we had several emergency drills including fire and abandon ship. The drills were interesting to watch as everyone went to their designated location for muster and directions on what to do next. A ship’s personnel must always be prepared for an emergency. Your shipmates may be the only help you will receive in an emergency. Drills are conducted on a routine basis so that the crew stays sharp and ready in case of a real emergency. The crew of the NOAA ship RAINIER is well-trained and prepared in the case they may have to use their training to get control of the ship in an emergency. Several members on board have specialized training that allow them to take the lead in case of a ship emergency.

Personal Log

Throughout the day I learned many new facets of global positioning and how it is used to make more accurate maps that can be used by boaters, ships, and people who live in the area. Collecting science data for NOAA maps is a slow, yet precise method that can take many weeks to get an accurate map that can be relied upon by mariners. The fire emergency and abandon ship drill was done with precision and professionalism. I am sure I am in good hands in case of an emergency aboard the RAINIER.

Question of the Day

The mapping of the characteristics of oceans, lakes, and rivers is known as___________.

May 22, 2006March 18, 2021

Jeff Lawrence, May 22, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jeff Lawrence
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
May 22 – June 2, 2006

Mission: Hydrography survey
Geographical area of cruise: Alaska
Date: May 22, 2006

Science and Technology Log

Today the NOAA ship RAINIER was set to leave port with a brief refueling stop before anchoring later in the afternoon. The RAINIER was tied to port alongside her sister ship, the FAIRWEATHER, during a brief liberty at Petersburg, Alaska. I began my day at 0700 with breakfast in the mess hall followed by a visit to the briefing room at 0800 hours on the next two-week duty schedule of the RAINIER. I was joined by another civilian from the local NPR radio station who was onboard to do an interview on the mission of the RAINIER in the Wrangell Narrows, which runs parallel to Petersburg. The radio interviewer, Emily Schwing, asked many questions about how the sonar system works and how often the RAINIER would be back to check if the currents in the Wrangell Narrows had changed the channel. She learned that the system of sonar mapping used today is much more efficient than the beamed sonar used in past years. Side-scan and multi-beam sonar are now employed to map the bottom of the shipping channels, narrows, and ports. The RAINIER mapped an area recently in a few weeks that took 19 years to map under the old system.

At 0945 the RAINIER left port for a short jaunt of about 400 yards for refueling. The fueling process on a large ship such as the RAINIER is not a quick-stop process, which many people are accustomed to while fueling their vehicles. The RAINIER took on 22,000 gallons of fuel. This process lasted over three hours due to the slow pumping, which pumped out about 150 gallons per minute. That seemed quite fast to me, but Captain Guy Noll explained that fuel could be pumped much faster for the larger ships. While refueling I received an overview from ENS Jennings of damage control onboard a ship and where to go in case of an emergency.

1) Fire emergency – Indicated by one long 10-second continuous blast of the ships horn.

2) Abandon Ship – Indicated with seven short blasts and one long blast.

3) Man Over Board – Indicated by three long blasts.

At 1330 Seaman Surveyor Eric Davis took the skiff (a small zodiac type boat) out into the narrows to check if repairs that had been made in port were adequate. He asked me to join him and while in the narrows he pointed out the channel’s navigation buoys and explained how they are used to guide both small and large craft through the narrows, which become very shallow and dangerous during low tide. Upon returning to the RAINIER refueling was just about complete so all hands manned their stations to ready for departure from the fueling depot. At 1530 we left port to travel down the narrows a few miles where we anchored for the night. We will remain in anchor here for several days while the launch boats are sent out on daily runs to map more of the Wrangell Narrows.

Personal Log

Throughout the day I found incredible opportunities for taking photos of wildlife including bald eagles, sea lions, and a variety of other birds. Alaska has to be an ornithological paradise. The surrounding landscape offered an exquisite 360-degree panoramic view that allowed for spectacular photographs of the area.

Question of the Day

What is the mean tide for Petersburg on this day using the data below?

Low tide was 4 feet at 2:33 am High tide was 13.5 feet at 8:10 am Low tide was 1.3 feet at 2:51 pm High tide was 14.5 feet at 9:14 pm