Jacquelyn Hams 2006 – NOAA Teacher at Sea Blog

August 10, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, August 10, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 10, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea, Jacquelyn Hams, and ENS Olivia Hauser on board NOAA ship RAINIER

Personal Log

Our sail is coming to an end and I can truly say that I will take what I learned back to the classroom. The navigation part of the Oceanography class I teach will be based on skills I learned from navigators aboard the RAINIER. My thanks go to ENS Sam Greenaway, RAINIER Navigation Officer who began answering questions and helping me the first day at sea. I would also like to extend special thanks to ENS Nathan Eldridge, RAINIER Junior Officer, for his assistance in plotting courses and letting me use his personal navigation instruments. A note to my students: Do not attempt to contact these officers for assistance. They are probably busy at sea again!

On this cruise, I gained knowledge from unsuspected sources which is always a sign of a good educational experience. Umeko Foster, a Cal Maritime Intern aboard the RAINIER, taught me to not just to use a sextant, but how to read the degrees and minutes properly! Matt Boles took the time to make sure that I had a portion of a chart that could be used in the classroom as a teaching tool. Matt’s video interview will be added to this website in the future.

A lot of people work hard to make sure the ship functions properly. The cooks, survey technicians, engineering crew, and deck crew knew my name and made me feel at home. Many of them have been interviewed and videotaped in my logs. ENS Olivia Hauser, RAINIER Junior Officer, allowed me to room with her for this leg of the cruise. I can’t say enough good things about her personality and adaptability. There is a good reason that she is Morale Officer aboard the RAINIER.

So here is my Top 10 List of things to know about the NOAA Ship RAINIER.

Number 10: You can always find someone to eat ice cream with – even in the middle of the night.

Number 9: If someone on the ship says he or she caught a fish “this big” believe them. I have pictures.

Number 8: You have to be a seasoned crewmember to understand what is being said over the ship’s PA system.

Number 7: Mandatory drills seem to occur following afternoon breaks. Afternoon breaks always include yummy treats prepared by the cooking staff. Coincidence – I think not!

Number 6: If your room is opposite the fan room, beware. Someone checks it every hour and during the night it sounds like the door to your room is opening and closing and then you hear the footsteps walking down the hall. It’s really creepy until you get used to it!

Number 5: If the PA system goes off twice a day, and you hear a loud groan or grunt into the microphone, the Ship’s Store is open.

Number 4: Never get instructions in tying knots from more than one person on the ship.

Number 3: Always get to dinner early if you want pie or cake.

Number 2: If you hear bells, are told to report to the fantail or get in a survey boat, grab a float coat. Almost everything you do on the RAINIER requires wearing a float coat.

Number 1: This is the number one thing I learned aboard the RAINIER, about ships and ocean voyages in general, that will stay with me forever. It is really difficult to spot a person in the water – even with binoculars on the bridge. I vow to wear bright colors and carry a loud horn when sailing in the future.

My Top 10 list contains a little inside humor, but I am very serious in thanking the NOAA Teacher at Sea Program for selecting me, and the crew of the RAINIER for hosting my cruise.

August 9, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, August 9, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 9, 2006

ENS Meghan McGovern on left, and ENS Olivia Hauser on right, RAINIER Junior Officers, looking at unmarked buoy sighted by officers on bridge of the RAINIER — ENS Meghan McGovern and ENS Olivia Hauser, Jr Officers, looking at unmarked buoy sighted on the bridge

Weather
Weather: Foggy, cloudy
Visibility: 1.5 nm
Wind direction: 130
Wind speed: 6 knots
Swell Waves direction: 260
Swell height: 1-2 ft
Seawater temperature: 11.7 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1014,9 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 12.8 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 12.2 degrees C

Personal Log

I continue to work on activities that can be incorporated into my classes. The RAINIER is underway to Seward, Alaska. There is some excitement on the bridge after lunch, when an unmarked buoy is sighted on the port side of the ship. Several officers come to the bridge to observe and the buoy is marked on the chart. As it turns out, this is not a “find” and was updated on the Notice to Mariners put out by NOAA.

After dinner, fog moves in and the RAINIER sounds the fog horn. As a sailor, I don’t like fog. I am comforted by the fact that I am aboard a large ship with good radar system to detect approaching ships. The fog begins to lift a little and the last day of the cruise, like the first day, is marked by seeing humpback whales.

If this had truly been a “find”, the buoy would have been penciled in and added by NOAA.

August 8, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, August 8, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 8, 2006

Weather
Cloudy Visibility: 6 nm
Wind direction: Light
Wind speed: AIRS
Wave direction: 200
Swell height: 2-3ft.
Seawater temperature: 8.9 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1018.0 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 12.2 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 12.2 degrees C

Personal Log

We are anchored in East Bight and I continue to work on lesson plans. We are scheduled to get underway today for Seward. I am excited because I can spend two days in Seward seeing glaciers and fjords. Although, the weather has changed and it is cloudy and overcast, there is an up side to the weather. Geologic features that are often obscure when the sun is shining show up when the weather is overcast and more contrast is provided. I take the opportunity to showcase another basic geologic feature that is well exposed.

Here is a scenic view of part of the Shumagin Islands. The Haystacks formation is in the center of the photograph. — A scenic view of part of the Shumagin Islands and the Haystacks formation

This is a type of drainage pattern is known as radial. The drainage originates from a central point and occurs on elevated features such as volcanoes.

August 7, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, August 7, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 7, 2006

Weather
Clear Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: 290
Wind speed: 6 knots
Seawater temperature: 10.6 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1020.5 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 15.6 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 12.8 degrees C

Personal Log

We are anchored in East Bight and I continue to work on lesson plans. It is a beautiful clear day with many great photo opportunities. I take advantage of the expertise of Intern Umeko Foster, who gives me a crash course in using the sextant. I reluctantly admit to owning a sextant for many years and not using it to navigate. Umeko is an excellent teacher and for the first time I am able successfully move the sun to the correct position on the horizon! As a bonus, Umeko demonstrates the correct way to read degrees and minutes. After dinner, Able Seaman Leslie Abramson drives the liberty boat to and from the beach so crew members can enjoy a little r and r. I ask Leslie to take me on a cruise to a nearby outcrop of rocks with many geologic structures.

Geologic structures are everywhere in this outcrop. Save this picture to your desktop and enlarge it. How many faults, dikes, sills, and folds do see?

August 6, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, August 6, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 6, 2006

TAS Jacquelyn Hams uses a lead line to determine depth during a shoreline survey

Weather
Cloudy Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: Light
Wind speed: AIRS
Swell Waves direction: 350
Swell height: 0-1
Seawater temperature: 10.0 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1018.5 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 15.0 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 12.2 degrees C

Science and Technology Log

Today I go out on a small boat with Jim Jacobson, Chief Survey Technician, ENS Megan McGovern, RAINIER Junior Officer, Erin Campbell, Survey Technician, and Corey Muzzy, Seaman Surveyor and Coxswain to conduct a shoreline survey in Porpoise Harbor. The objective of the shoreline survey is to verify some points which were identified by LIDAR (Airborne laser mapping) which may or may not be rocks along the shoreline. LIDAR is an emerging remote sensing technology that integrates the following three subsystems in to a single instrument mounted in a small airplane to rapidly produce accurate maps of the terrain beneath the flight path of the aircraft.

LIDAR (LIght Detection And Ranging) is similar to radar or sonar in that it transmits laser pulses to a target and records the time it takes for the pulse to return to the sensor receiver
Fixed reference systems
Global positioning satellite system (GPS).

Bathymetric chart reflecting points for investigation during shoreline survey

LIDAR utilizes a pulsed laser rangefinder mounted in the aircraft. While most LIDAR systems are designed to measure land elevations (“topographic LIDAR”), the technology can also measure water depths if designed with a light wavelength which will pass through water (“bathymetric LIDAR”). Bathymetric LIDAR accurately measures the travel time for both the laser return from the sea surface and the return from the seabed. If the speed of light is known and one corrects for angle, scattering, absorption at the water surface and other biases, the distance to the sea surface and seabed can be computed from these times. The difference between these distances is the water depth. In general, bathymetric LIDAR is less accurate and lower resolution than the multibeam sonar systems on RAINIER’s launches, but it can be much faster and safer in some areas.

This is a picture of a sonar image taken on the boat during shoreline survey. The spike on the image represents a rock. — This is a picture of a sonar image taken on the boat. The spike on the image represents a rock.

We have several LIDAR points to verify. RAINIER has been asked to investigate these points because they are around kelp which LIDAR cannot penetrate. The boat is equipped with vertical beam echo sounders so that the bottom depth is known. Once the boat reaches the point of investigation, the coxswain drives a star pattern around the point to make sure that all sides of the potential obstacle have been covered. Lead lines are used to confirm depths close to the shoreline.

The presence of a rock is indicated by the peak in the sonar image on the left. Depth of the recorder is 32.4 feet. We are able to survey all but three of our points until we have engine problems after crossing on the edge of a thick patch of kelp. Unfortunately, the engine will not start and we have to call for a tow. On the way back to the ship, I have yet another photo opportunity for some geology pictures. Nagai Island lies within a major fault zone of the Aleutian Islands so many of the rocks are folded and uplifted into spectacular structures. The beds pictured in the photograph below were deposited according to the Principle of Original Horizontality; therefore they should be stacked on top of each other in a horizontal position. Look at them now!

ENS Megan McGovern, RAINIER Junior Office and Leslie Abramson, Able Seaman.

Imagine the stress that tilted these beds to the current position.

August 5, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, August 5, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 5, 2006

Weather
Partly cloudy
Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: 231
Wind speed: 4 knots
Seawater temperature: 10 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1016.3 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 11.7 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 10.6 degrees C

Science and Technology Log

I continue working on lesson plans today related to sonar imagery. The survey technicians suggest a basic guide to interpreting sonar imagery: “Sound Underwater Images: A Guide to the Interpretation of Side Scan Sonar Data” by John P. Fish and H. Arnold Carr, published by American Underwater Search and Survey.

Able Seaman Leslie Abramson in background and Jodie Edmond in foreground preparing to raise the anchor — Able Seaman Leslie Abramson and Jodie Edmond preparing to raise the anchor

August 4, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, August 4, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 4, 2006

TAS Jacquelyn Hams and Steve Foye, Boatswain Group Leader on fantail

Weather
Partly cloudy
Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: 290
Wind speed: 5 knots
Seawater temperature: 10 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1013.2 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 12.8 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 12.26 degrees C

Science and Technology Log

Today I caught up with the TAS logs and began organizing lesson plans. An Abandon Ship drill was held at 1515. I videotaped an interview with crew member Jodie Edmond, Able Seaman.

Jodie received an AA degree from a community college and has a very interesting background. She has driven boats for the Kenai Glaciers and Fjords Tour in Alaska and worked in several national parks. Jodie is studying for her captain’s license with NOAA’s support.

August 3, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, August 3, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 3, 2006

TAS Jacquelyn Hams viewing sonar images on a survey boat

Weather
Partly cloudy
Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: 305
Wind speed: 8 knots
Sea Wave height: 0-1 ft.
Seawater temperature: 11.1 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1002.2 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 14.4 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 11.1 degrees C

Science and Technology Log

The day begins with a Damage Control Meeting at 0830. This is an all hands meeting for everyone aboard the ship. Safety is stressed aboard the RAINIER at all times. All hands are shown equipment, patches, and fixes for damages resulting from water, electrical problems, and fire. We are also told where the equipment is stored.

A CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth) sensor

After lunch I go out on one of the survey boats equipped with multibeam sonar for a hydrography survey. NOAA personnel on the boat are: ENS Jamie Wasser, Junior Officer, ENS Megan McGovern, Junior Officer, Carl Verplank, Seaman Surveyor, and Leslie Abramson, Able Seaman. The goal of this leg of the cruise is to accurately chart the waters off Nagai Island, Alaska. The boat I am on will survey the area of Northeast Bight.

In order to measure depth, the equation D=S*T is used. The time it takes for the sound to bounce off the bottom and return is known. In order to calculate the distance, the speed at which sound travels through the water must be known. To determine the speed at which sound travels through the water column, the RAINIER collects conductivity, temperature, and pressure data using a CTD sensor called a SEACAT. From these measurements depth and salinity can be derived.

View of radar screen at coxswain’s station on survey boat.

This instrument is deployed into the water at least every four hours during multibeam acquisition. As sound travels through the water, it can be affected by differences in salinity, temperature, and pressure. Therefore, all soundings acquired by the CTD need to be corrected for these effects to accurately chart the survey area. The SEACAT is placed just below the water’s surface for two minutes to allow the sensor to obtain its initial readings. It is then lowered one meter per second through the water column until it reaches the seafloor. Then it is hoisted back to the surface. As the instrument runs through the water column, the sensor obtains conductivity, temperature, and pressure data. Once the SEACAT is aboard, it is connected to a computer. The sensor data is downloaded using a special program. A survey technician or junior officer uses the program to analyze the data.

Leslie Abramson, Able Seaman and coxswain, steers the survey boat

If the data looks reasonable, the launch or ship will begin or continue to acquire soundings. It is very important for the coxswain (person who is driving the boat) to steer the boat along the survey lines so that the final data will be accurate. Leslie Abramson assists me while I attempt to steer the boat along the survey line. I find that it is easier to steer the RAINIER than a survey boat!

Personal Log

I have been on the RAINIER for two weeks now, and have been observing how long the days are for the officers on board. After talking with ENS Olivia Hauser, RAINIER Junior Officer, certain things are now clear. There are no other scientists aboard the RAINIER. On other NOAA ships, scientists are hosted by the ship and plan and conduct the research operations. On the RAINIER, the officers are the hydrographers or scientists. In addition to their regular duties, the officers have to plan survey lines, review them at the end of the day, and make plans for the next day. In addition, they go out on the survey boats to view data acquisition. This makes for an incredibly long day and lots of responsibilities for the officers. I am impressed with their energy and dedication to the job. I had the opportunity to take the classic geology photographs shown below from the survey boat.

Repeat display of Hy Pack navigation and chart at coxswain’s station

August 2, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, August 2, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 2, 2006

TAS Jacquelyn Hams reads X-Band radar screen

Weather
Cloudy Visibility: 8 nm
Wind direction: 100
Wind speed: 7 knots
Seawater temperature: 10 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1011.8 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 10.6 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 10.0 degrees C

Science and Technology Log

I went to the Pilot House this morning to continue working on my navigating underway skills and discovered that the cruise plan had changed and that the ship will anchor in Eagle Harbor tonight. I am given the two course plot accordingly. According to the weather report, we will run into some bad weather on route to Eagle Harbor.

Radar screen — The rain is shown by the heavy dotted areas and the ship is anchored in the center.

Personal Log

Here are some photographs of daily activities aboard the NOAA Ship RAINIER.

Shawn Gendron, Hydrographic Assistant Survey Technician, processing survey line data

August 1, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, August 1, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: August 1, 2006

Weather
Clear Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: 200
Wind speed: 10 knots
Seawater temperature: 11.1 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1011.4 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 13.3 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 11.1 degrees C

Science and Technology Log

I continue practicing navigation underway using radar and dead reckoning. Three of the fixes I checked fall right on the ship’s course. A few others fall within an acceptable error. The swells were a little rough so I take a break from the radar screen and charts until the late afternoon.

The NOAA Ship RAINIER anchors in Northeast Bight, Nagai Island for the night.

In the pilot house on the NOAA Ship RAINIER, from left to right, ENS Olivia Hauser, RAINIER Junior Officer, ENS Megan McGovern, RAINIER Junior Officer, Umeko Foster in foreground Intern, and Jacquelyn Hams, TAS on far right. — In the pilot house, from left to right, ENS Olivia Hauser, Jr Officer, ENS Megan McGovern, Jr Officer, Umeko Foster, and Jacquelyn Hams

July 31, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, July 31, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: July 31, 2006

Weather
Partly cloudy
Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: 330
Wind speed: 10 knots
Sea Wave height: 0-1
Seawater temperature: 10 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1016.5 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 12.2 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 10.6 degrees C

Science and Technology Log
Today I practice the skills necessary to navigate underway using radar navigation and dead reckoning. Radar navigation is a technique by which radar is used to determine the distance from the ship to known points on shore. These distances are then transferred to the chart to plot the ship’s position. Radar navigation is useful for fixing the ship’s position in reduced visibility, and as a check against visual means even in good weather. Dead Reckoning is a method of estimating the ship’s position based on assumptions about ship speed, heading, length of time underway on that heading, and other influences such as current or wind.

In general, if the speed of the ship and length of time the ship has been on a particular heading is known, the simple formula “Distance = Speed x Time” is used to estimate distance run. To plot the estimated current ship position using dead reckoning, we lay down an approximate track line on the chart from our assumed starting position in the direction the ship was traveling and for the distance the ship traveled in nautical miles. Dead Reckoning is used by NOAA as a backup to the more accurate means of fixing the ship’s position in the event that all electronics are lost and there are no visible landmarks for reference. The navigators aboard the RAINIER also keep dead reckoned position, or “DR”, current on their charts to use as a check on their position fixes. The interpretation of radar images, radar navigation, and dead reckoning are definitely acquired skills that I plan to work on during the remainder of this cruise.

Personal Log

The RAINIER held a beach party after dinner. We were transported to a nearby beach in Northeast Bight on Nagai Island for a few hours of relaxation. The beach is rocky and composed of andesite and tuff. The andesite is much lighter in color than I usually see. I wasn’t sure it was andesite until I found a rock with the characteristic needle-like pieces of shiny black basalt (obsidian).

Lesson of the Day: Navigation underway

Terms of the Day: Radar, Dead Reckoning

Bonus questions: What does anchors aweigh mean?

Recommended reading: Radar Navigation Manual, Publication #1310, .6^th edition, 1994, and Defense Mapping Hydrographic Topo Center.

July 30, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, July 30, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: July 30, 2006

TAS Jacquelyn Hams charting a course in the Pilot House

Weather
Partly cloudy
Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: 255
Wind speed: 10 knots
Seawater temperature: 9.40 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1016.8 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 11.7 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 10.6 degrees C

Science and Technology Log
The RAINIER is anchored in Porpoise Harbor while boats conduct hydrography surveys. I completed my first navigation assignment given to me by ENS Nate Eldridge, RAINIER Junior Officer. The assignment is to plot a course from our anchorage at Porpoise Harbor to our next anchorage at Northeast Bight. ENS Eldridge provided me with the detailed sail plan showing waypoints, distances, bearings (directions) as a way of checking my work.

NOAA sail plan to Northwest Bight — Sail plan to Northwest Bight

NOAA has several checks and balances that navigators use to assure accuracy of charts. After a rough start, I begin to get the hang of it. NOAA charts are extremely accurate and a larger than normal dot and circle can result in an error of one or two degrees. Most of my navigation skills are related to recreational boating or classroom teaching, both of which allow a large margin for error. Toward the end of the exercise I begin to make small but precise points. ENS Eldridge revises the sail plan due to a change in weather and I complete the revised chart. When pressed, ENS Eldridge said he would give me and A- on my course! I feel that working with the NOAA navigation officers here will provide me with a skill I can take back to the classroom.

Portion of bathymetric chart for Nagai Island and Unga Island with course plotted to Northeast Bight

July 29, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, July 29, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: July 29, 2006

TAS Jacquelyn Hams helps prepare lines on a boat

Weather
Partly cloudy
Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: 250
Wind speed: 140 knots
Sea Wave height: 1 ft.
Seawater temperature: 9.4 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1024.3 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 13.3 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 11.1 degrees C

Science and Technology Log

At 0900 all new personnel including Teachers at Sea participated in deck training. Deck training consists of learning basic sailing knots and handling lines for launching the boats. Deck training lasted from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. with 1/2 hour for lunch. One of the first things I learned is the difference between handling lines on a recreational boat and a ship. Recreational boaters always lock a knot when you tie up at a dock. Ships never lock a knot because the lines are much heavier and they need to loosen lines quickly. Recreational boaters tidy lines and make clever loops and swirls.

Ships demand utility and want lines hanging in places that are easy to access. I also practiced another way to tie a bowline! A bowline is a basic knot that is taught as many different ways as there are people who tie them. It is important that everyone learn safety procedures and participate in lowering and raising the boats. Most of the survey work is done from boats while the RAINIER is anchored. I feel slightly uneasy walking around the deck of the boats. Even though there are sufficient hand holds, I am ever vigilant and aware of how cold the water is!

Personal Log

Here are some stunning photos taken from the RAINIER anchorage at Porpoise Harbor. These photos were taken after 9 p.m.

View of Nagai Island from Porpoise Harbor

July 28, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, July 28, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: July 28, 2006

Weather Data
Weather: Clear/Fog Drizzle
Visibility: 2 nm
Wind direction: 245
Wind speed: 14 knots
Sea Wave height: 0-1 ft.
Seawater temperature: 9.4 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1021.7 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 11/7 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 11.1 degrees C

Personal Log

Today I took a launch to Sand Point on Unga Island with crew members to pick up another crew member and some groceries. I have not seen an Alaskan town since Kodiak and am curious to see how different Sand Point may be. The ride took approximately 2 hours and we passed more spectacular geology and scenery. Sand Point is a tiny Alaskan fishing village on Unga Island. It is picturesque, off the tourist path, and full of friendly people. So far the two towns I have seen in Alaska (Kodiak and Sand Point) are very clean and uncluttered. There have been two major earthquakes, many minor earthquakes, and tsunamis in the Aleutian Islands, so it is no surprise that tsunami evacuation routes are well marked.

Tsunami Evacuation route sign in Sand Point

July 27, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, July 27, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: July 27, 2006

TAS Jacquelyn Hams at the helm of the NOAA Ship RAINIER

Weather Data
Weather: Partly cloudy
Visibility: 10+ nm
Wind direction: LT
Wind speed: AIRS
Sea wave height: 0 ft.
Swell waves direction: 160
Swell waves height: 1 ft
Seawater T: 9.4 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1025.9 mb
Temperature Dry bulb: 11.01 degrees C
Temperature Wet bulb: 10.0 degrees C

Science and Technology Log

ENS Sam Greenaway, RAINIER’s Navigation Officer and Kenneth Keys, RAINIER Deck Utilityman and Helmsman, gave me a lesson in navigation. I steered the ship for approximately two hours during which time I completed several turns. I learned that it is very important to steer the ship along the survey lines so that data quality is not distorted. A few of the navigation instruments used on the RAINIER are shown below.

Gyrocompass repeater (top) and rudder angle order indicator (bottom) — Gyrocompass repeater

Personal Log

We are passing many of the smaller islands that make up the Shumagins. The fog has lifted and the RAINIER is approaching Porpoise Harbor, the anchoring spot for the night. The Shumagin Islands are part of the Aleutian Islands Arc system and formed by volcanic activity. The islands provide a scenic backdrop of dramatic peaks and snow capped summits. We anchor at Porpoise Harbor off Nagai Island.

Lesson of the Day: Navigation

Terms of the Day: Rudder, fathometer

Bonus question: What is a fathometer?

Recommended reading: The American Practical Navigator, Bowditch Publication #9

July 26, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, July 26, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Kodiak, Alaska
Date: July 26, 2006

Weather Data
Weather: Partly cloudy
Visibility: 10 nm
Wind direction: 275
Wind speed: 20 knots
Sea Wave height: 2.3 ft.
Swell waves direction: 225
Swell height: 4.5 ft.
Seawater temperature: 10.0 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 1008.9 mb
Temperature dry bulb: 10 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 9.4 degrees C

Science and Technology Log

The mission of the day is to conduct a hydrographic survey from the RAINIER around the Semidi and Chirikof Islands. This requires the crew to determine the sound speed of the water column, in order to correct depths measured by the ship’s multibeam sonar for refraction. To determine the sound speed profile, the RAINIER uses a CTD (conductivity, temperature, and depth) sensor called a SEACAT.

A CTD is an instrument that is deployed from a vessel to detect and record properties of seawater as it is lowered through the water column. The principle measurements are conductivity, temperature, and pressure. From these measurements depth and salinity can be derived. Sound speed is computed from depth, salinity, and water temperature. To take a sound speed cast, the ship or launch is maneuvered into a position such that the line or wire on which the CTD is lowered will not end up tangled in the propeller. The SEACAT is secured to a winch wire or line. The sensor is exposed and the instrument is turned on.

The SEACAT is placed just below the water’s surface for two minutes to allow the sensor to obtain its initial readings. The SEACAT is lowered one meter per second through the water column until it reaches the seafloor. Then it is hoisted back to the surface. As the instrument runs through the water column, the sensor obtains conductivity, temperature, and pressure data.

Once the SEACAT is aboard, it is connected to a computer and the sensor data is downloaded using a special program. A survey technician or junior officer uses the program to analyze the data. If the data looks reasonable, the launch or ship will begin or continue to acquire soundings.

Personal Log

Early this morning, the RAINIER encountered tanker traffic. The Polar Eagle is a tanker ship that was headed toward the RAINIER. Following communications between RAINIER officers on the bridge and Polar Eagle officers, the Polar Eagle passed around the stern of the RAINIER so that RAINIER could stay on course and continue surveying. Around 1600, Aghiuk Island was visible from the bridge. This is a dramatic island with jagged volcanic peaks. At 1815, as the RAINIER survey continued, we had a magnificent view of Mt. Chiginagak (snow covered) on the Alaskan Peninsula.

Lesson of the Day: Surveying

Terms of the Day: Conductivity, cast, hydrography, sounding

Bonus question: Explain how depth is determined given conductivity, temperature and pressure data.

Recommended reading: RAINIER website

Snow covered Mt. Chiginagak on the Alaskan Peninsula

July 25, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, July 25, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 10, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Kodiak, Alaska
Date: July 25, 2006

ENS Sam Greenaway, RAINIER Navigation Officer — ENS Sam Greenaway, Navigation Officer

Science and Technology Log

Weather
Clear, Cloudy
Visibility: 6 nm
Wind: Light
Wind speed: AIRS
Sea wave height: 0-1
Swell Waves: Direction 160
Swell height: 2 ft
Seawater T: 9.4 degrees C
Sea level pressure: 997.8 mB
Temperature dry bulb: 10 degrees C
Temperature wet bulb: 10 degrees C

After breakfast, I went to the Pilot House to learn navigation procedures on the RAINIER. ENS Sam Greenaway, RAINIER’s Navigation Officer showed me the Sail Plan for the ship. I was amazed at the details in the Sail Plan – a far cry from the typical recreational boaters sail plan!

ENS Greenaway also explained the procedures that NOAA follows to report the weather. Weather data is recorded by the ship every hour on the bridge and a Big Weather forecast is reported by the ship to the National Weather Service every six hours using GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). The crew uses books and a computer program to report conditions to the National Weather Service. The “Observing Handbook #1 is a reference providing information on the types of weather conditions at sea.

page from the NWS Observing Handbook. Note that the identification data and meteorological data are in Morse Code. — Page from the NWS Observing Handbook. The identification data and meteorological data are in Morse Code.

The RAINIER uses the information in the Observing Handbook to identify and record weather conditions on a form in the “Ship’s Weather Observations” publication, which contains a key to the Morse Code symbols. The RAINIER participates in NOAA’s Volunteer Observing Ships (VOS) program. The VOS program collects weather and oceanographic data from ships at high seas where observations from fixed instruments are limited.

The RAINIER acquires and reports these data in the SEAS (Shipboard Environmental Date Acquisition System) format, for transmission to NOAA’s Weather Service via satellite using the AMVER (Automated Mutual-assistance Vessel Rescue) system. This program is voluntary but all satellite transmission costs anticipated are paid by NOAA and the United States Coast Guard. The data are used by the National Weather service to ensure that high seas forecasts will be timely and accurate as possible. RAINIER reports weather observations by AMVER/SEAS four times per day (0000, 0600, 1200 and 1800 GMT). Weather data are encoded in a system called “Ship Synoptic Code FA 13-X which allows very specific information about the conditions observed by the ship to be transmitted as efficiently as possible.

After leaving the Pilot House, I met with Lt. Ben Evans, RAINIER Operating Officer and Acting Executive Officer who explained the mission of this leg of the cruise. The final destination for this leg is Nagai Island which is located approximately in the center of the Shumagin Islands. Along the way, the survey team will conduct a Hydrography survey for the Semedi Islands and Chirikof Islands. Lt. Evans explained that shipping traffic was picking up in the area and accurate charts are not available for the area. The last chart of the area is dated 1914. The mission for this leg is to produce a new chart for the area and find hazards for ships.

In the late afternoon, fire and abandon ship drills were held. These drills are held once a week so that crew and visiting personnel know their reporting stations on the ship for a fire emergency and for a lifeboat if necessary. After the drills, the sun came out. We have been riding some steady swells today and many of us have taken medicine to combat sickness so the sun is a welcome sight.

Lesson of the Day: Weather

Terms of the Day: Leg, swells, bridge, GMT

Bonus questions: What is the significance of wet bulb and dry bulb temperature?

Recommended reading: 1.Coast Pilot #9 by NOAA; 2. Observing Handbook #1 – Marine Surface Weather Observations by National Weather Service; Mariners Weather by William P. Crawford, Norton Nautical Books.

July 24, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, July 24, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 24 – August 11, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Shumagin Islands, Alaska
Date: July 24, 2006

Science and Technology Log

The RAINIER will depart today at 1600 for the Shumagin Islands. This morning all visitors and new personnel onboard were given a safety orientation by Kenneth Keys, Deck Utilityman. I decide to put on my sea sick patch after breakfast just in case the seas get rough.

One of the most important orders of business for the day was to receive Survival Suits and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) from Ken. In addition, Ken issued hard hats and life jackets. I must admit, the idea of having to wear a Survival Suit was sobering. The suit was so tight that I could barely breathe. But, as Ken pointed out, the idea was to stay alive and not swallow salt water. Visitors and new personnel were also required to view the videocassettes listed below:

“Right to Know” – about hazardous waste materials and proper handling
“Asbestos Awareness” – about the proper handling and identification of asbestos
“OCENCO EEBD” – Emergency Escape Breathing Devices used aboard the RAINIER.

TAS Jacquelyn Hams in full survival suit

At 1300, the TAS met with the Surveying Department to go over surveying techniques and a schedule for this leg. Surveying crew members recommended that I read “Coast Pilot #9, part of a NOAA reference for sailors. Part of the NOAA mission is to update the Coast Pilot book series to maintain accuracy. At 1600 the RAINIER departed Kodiak Island.

1600 Readings Weather Data
Weather: CL (cloudy) F (fog)
Barometer: 992 mB
Visibility: 4 nm (nautical miles)
Wind: Light
Sea Wave height: 8.9 ft
Temperature in degrees C: 12.8
Wet Bulb T: 11.7 degrees C
Dry Bulb T: 12.8 degrees C
Speed: AIRS on departure
Speed at 1700: 4 knots

The RAINIER’s course allowed me to see more spectacular scenery and the marine wildlife was abundant. We saw lots of otters and whales. When I retired for bed, the RAINIER was cruising in Kupreanof Strait. This has been a special day and the seas have been a lot calmer than anticipated.

Personal Log

The crewmembers of the RAINIER are very interesting and come from a variety of backgrounds. Many of them are on second and third careers and have interesting stories to tell. I am particularly struck by how young the officers look! This is a sure sign that I am getting old.

TAS Jacquelyn Hams attempting to remove survival suit

Megan McGovern, NOAA Ship Gary Streeter, RAINIER

Gary Streeter, RAINIER Engineering Technician examines the laptop for TAS Jacquelyn Hams

July 9, 2006March 26, 2021

Jacquelyn Hams, July 9, 2006

NOAA Teacher at Sea
Jacquelyn Hams
Onboard NOAA Ship Rainier
July 10, 2006

Mission: Hydrographic Survey
Geographical Area: Kodiak, Alaska
Date: July 9, 2006

Pre-Cruise Log

My NOAA Teacher at Sea adventure began with a long flight to Anchorage from Los Angeles International Airport. From Anchorage I caught a prop plane to Kodiak, which is an hour flight. Weather began to move in as we traveled to Kodiak, but I could see a few of the Aleutian Islands below. The landing made me a bit anxious; since it appears that you are landing on the water. The discomfort was worth enduring to observe the dramatic and beautiful scenery I saw as I landed. The plane flew over Cook Inlet which has enormous tidal flats. The tidal range in the inlet is over 30 feet per day. ENS Jamie Wasser, NOAA Ship RAINIER’s Junior Officer, met me at the airport in Kodiak and escorted me to the ship. Everyone thought I was so important since I was being met by an officer in uniform.

The RAINIER is docked at the U.S. Coast Guard Facility in Kodiak which is reported to be the largest in the United States. I take advantage of the great photo opportunity driving to the RAINIER dock. Once aboard the RAINIER, I met Olivia Hauser, Junior Officer, and my roommate for the cruise. Olivia is very nice and extremely outgoing. Olivia gives me a tour of the ship, and I get settled in. Olivia invites me to go eat Sushi and see “Pirates of the Caribbean 2” with some of the crew who are enjoying the last day of leave. The crew has just finished a leg and has a couple of days off before July 24, when we depart for the Shumagin Islands. We leave at 5:00 in a van to go to the Sushi restaurant and eat, but there are 10 people and it takes a long time so we scrap plans to go to the 7:00 p.m. movie. I return to the room, check on my online class, and get ready for bed. The scenery in Kodiak is dramatic and full of geology. One hillside composed of exposed volcanic rock is located near the dock.

View of a passage (hallway) aboard the RAINIER. My stateroom is on the right

This is my stateroom. My bunk is on the bottom.

Volcanic rocks on hillside in Kodiak, AK

Another view of the volcanic rocks in Kodiak