Geographic Area of Cruise: North Atlantic Ocean, Slope Sea
Date: July 23, 2025
Weather Data:
9:14 AM Eastern Time
A view of this morning. The water and breeze are calm. NOAA Ship Pisces is sailing at a speed of 10 knot (just about 12 mph).
The current temperature is 23ยฐC (ยฐ73F).
The wind speed is 11 knots (13 mph). Source: Windy app.
We’re close to Newport, where Pisces will dock! She’ll dock at Naval Station Newport.
A view of Rhode Island.
Science Log
Uplift Education, Mighty Primary scholars: Thereโs been a lot of science work lately! Last time, I wrote about the four tasks for our science mission.
Letโs recall: Can you think, share, and then act out these tasks with your parents?
Iโve just finished another sunset shift (3 PM โ 3 AM watch) so Iโm feeling more tired than usual. But itโs been exciting sampling bluefin tuna larvae and seeing lots of planktons! Here are some updates on each task:
Computers for CTD data
Fun: Watching the computer screens as the CTD instrument goes deep into the ocean felt like playing a video game.
Challenge: Staying focused while recording (writing down) numbers carefully. Thereโs a lot of data! This task was the most challenging for me. It requires understanding CTD data well so all crews know how to control it.
*Note to self: Donโt forget to hit โsaveโ and “backup” buttons!
Learned: Have a sticky note or notepad handy! Just like taking notes in class, I was always recording numbers on paper and double-checking the numbers. They can be easy to forget with so much going on.
It was awesome seeing how conductivity, temperature, and data really can tell us the best conditions to sample larval bluefin tuna.
Have your notes handy!This task requires paying close to how temperature, conductivity, and depth interact.
Data is fun. For me, the CTD is still a but confusing but I’m a lot more confident using it now. I’m still learning more about it, but it was a great time learning from everyone.
The CTD, live in action! Can you try reading and analyzing (studying) these numbers?
Washing Bongo nets
Fun: Spraying the nets with the water hose was like a mini water fight. This is my favorite task. Once emptied out from the nets, seeing all the planktons caught is super interesting.
Challenge: The nets are heavy when theyโre full of seawater and plankton. Plankton are also so small, so I was constantly worried about spraying the nets down too hard. I didnโt want to hurt them, especially when trying to spray down the corners.
Learned: We wash the nets carefully to make sure we collect every tiny creature for research.
The โsprayโ function was the best because water wasnโt projected too strongly.
It’s important to wear protective gear. I had to learn how to put it on and off quickly before this task.
Bongo nets being retrieved. This is a view from the bridge, where NOAA Corps Officers are supporting with ship controls during net pick up and drop off.
Inside the bridge while during this task. Red light is used so that it doesn’t distract your eyes and focus from seeing other lights. It is dark and very quiet inside during night time. NOAA Corps officers explained to me what’s happening inside the bridge during this task.After they’ve been washed down into trays, it felt great looking at different types of planktons!
We had to make sure the deck was clean and clear before the next station, or stop, for deploying the bongo nets,
Let’s see what we discovered!
When you’re back to school, we’ll identify them all together!
Some plankton samples.They were so small!
Drifter Traps
Scientist Kristen with the drifter traps before their deployment. Do you remember them from one of the earlier posts? Photo credit: Sarah Glancy
A few days into starting our missions, we began deploying them into the waters at night and then recovering them in morning. Photo Credit: Amanda Jacobsen
Some collected samples. Photo credit: Amanda Jacobsen
Preserving samples
Fun: Using science tools made me feel like a real marine scientist.
Challenge: Itโs tricky to label each sample correctly and handle them gently.
Learned: Preserving the samples keeps them safe so scientists can study them later under microscopes.
Plankton samples were stored in bottles filled with ethanol, to help preserve (protect) DNA and genetic properties.
We had to be careful to use the right solution when preparing bottles for storage. We donโt want them preserved in seawater!
Did you know: Storing planktons in ethanol (a special kind of alcohol) keeps them from rotting. Ethanol acts like a superhero freeze so scientists can study them later. Without it, samples would break down and weโd lose all their important properties. Photo credit: Amanda Jacobson
Identification (ID)
Fun: Looking at different sea creatures under the microscope is like exploring a new world.
Challenge: It takes patience and practice to tell tiny fish and plankton apart. Even years of practice and studying!
Learned: Looking into the microscope lenses, it helped to take off my glasses for better focus.
Observing planktons under a microscope requires close attention to details.
Dave was excited to have identified bluefin tuna larvae!
Because the ship can get rocky, both my feet and my hands had to be as still as they can be.
Scientists Kristen and Sarah are trying to stay still while observing samples. Imagine trying to take a picture while youโre rocking back and forth!
Once identified, we made sure samples are ok to be stored.
Samples of larval bluefin tuna were stored in these vials, or small sample bottles!
Here are some planktons I saw under the microscope… We will describe and then identify them once we’re back to school!
Activity: Microscope Sample Fun! We will look at real microscope pictures and become scientists! Students, if you’d like: draw, label, and describe what you see in each photo. Zoom into each photo if possible. Use adjectives to describe color, shape, and texture when talking about each sample. Don’t forget the small details! We will discuss these samples once back to school.
Bluefin fish larvae! Photo credit: Autumn MoyaMore bluefin fish larvae samples. Photo credit: Autumn Moya
Crew members aboard NOAA Ship Pisces.
It really does take a team to make the โscienceโ work.
Even though crew members on NOAA Ship Pisces are in different teams, everything on the ship and throughout this mission requires collaboration, understanding, and patience.
Can you tell your parents a time when you had to work in a group with different classmates? What was it like? Did you get along with everyone? What happened when you didnโt? How did everyone work together to get the task done?
These four tasks wouldnโt have been possible without the hard work of these crews: Steward, NOAA Corps, engineer, electronics, survey, and deck.
Personal Log
My days at sea are long, just like a school day might be for you. Once I finish my shifts at 3 AM, Iโve been going to straight to my stateroom for a shower and then bedtime. Because my roommate wakes up at 4 AM for his ship work, I must stay quiet, just like you would at home sharing a room with a brother or sister.
Iโve been waking up at 11 AM, just in time to get ready and then eat lunch. Until 3 PM, I have time to take care of my personal needs.
Staying active while sailing is important! Thereโs fitness equipment for exercising. Rooms are available throughout the day and night for crew members to use. Because theyโre small spaces, we try to keep them clean, tidy, and to a small number of people.
Running on the treadmill feels like doing the wobble line dance! You have to remain balanced with the shop rocking back and forth.
Fishery work can get messy. I’ve been able to do laundry during free time every few days.
Pictured: Survey Technician Ian and Ensign Cheney,. There were times when I ran out of clean shirts to wear after a watch. But, no problem! There’s a store in the lounge area with shirts, sweaters, and hats that can be purchased. They have awesome NOAA Ship Pisces designs on them. Buying them supports crew members through awesome events and activities.
It’s also important to take care of our overall health, just like we do throughout the school day with brain breaks or with visits to the nurse. There’s a medical room I’ve been going to for medicine, including pills for seasickness or body pain. I’ve also been reminded of ways to keep both my body and mind healthy. These reminders are posted all over NOAA Ship Pisces because when you’re away from family and friends, it can feel difficult.
To learn more about crew members and what they do, there was time to tour different parts of NOAA Ship Pisces.
Autumn and I were taking photos outside when we decided to go into the bridge and learn more about its operations.
The bridge of a NOAA ship is like the shipโs control center. Itโs where NOAA Corps Officers take turns on watch all day and night to make sure the ship is sailing safely. The bridge has been supporting our science mission by making sure NOAA Ship Pisces is in the right spot for sampling.You can see navigation, communication, and engine controls! This means that the shipโs location and route is always known for all crew members. They control the ship while we survey throughout all four tasks. With some of the NOAA Corps Officers who’ve been showing and explaining all operations of the Pisces. Pictured: Ensign Howsman and Lieutenant Urquhart.Lieutenant Musick has been a big support as well throughout this mission!
We also learned that the engines of a ship are equally as important.
This is Chief Engineer, Adam Butters. He’s the leader who takes care of all the machines on the ship. He and his crew make sure everything works properly, like the engine, power, and water. They help fix things when they break and keep the ship running smoothly so the crew can do their jobs safely! Chief Engineer Adam Butters giving us a tour and explanation of all the engine system we saw.
The engineer crew.
Below was a tour of important engines needed for the ship to sail safely. The machines were incredible! It was amazing to see how hard the engineering team works to make sure the mission was possible for us.
It got loud and hot in the engine room! We had to wear earplugs to protect our ears.
It was fascinating to learn so much about ship engines. These engines help the ship move through the ocean, just like your legs help you walk. They burn fuel to make power, turning giant propellers under the water to push the ship forward.
Next up was a tour of the Acoustic Room. Inside, scientists and technicians use sound waves (through special computers and instruments) to hear all sorts of sounds underwater. These sounds help them find the ocean floor, see how deep the water is, and spot sea animals.
In our mission, we collaborated with an awesome survey technician, Ian!
Ian makes sure our machines, especially CTD, works correctly and safely. He can help fix them if goes wrong.
With Ian, I also learned about special tools used to map the ocean floor. This is called hydrography. Itโs like making a giant map of whatโs under the sea! Here’s a tour the Acoustic Lab.
There’s even a disco ball there!
Of course, we can’t forget our electronics technician, Alex!
Without him, we wouldnโt have had internet on the ship. Alex helps fix and take care of all the shipโs important electronics, like computers, radios, and screens. Thanks to Alex, the science and the fun can keep going!
Now, itโs your turn to be scientistsโฆ
Uplift Education, Mighty K-12 students: My time on seaโs coming to an end. Iโm returning soon to Texas, so this isnโt goodbye…
Itโs a โSEAโ you later!
Howeverโฆ I now pass this adventure to you:
Reflection questions for you:
What do you think would happen if we didnโt collect ocean data using tools like the CTD?
Why do you think itโs important to study larval bluefin tuna?
Even if scientists complete this mission, what do you think you could discover or protect when you become a scientist one day?
The amazing science crew! They look forward to seeing you at sea and working with you, future Mighty scientists!
As Iโm about to sail backโฆ I canโt help but wonderโฆ could one of you be the next ocean explorer?
To family, friends, community, NOAA Ship Pisces crew members, readers, and supporters of NOAAโs work & cause: Once back in Texas, I look forward to sharing my experiences with you in an upcoming conclusion post. Please stay tuned!
Geographic Area of Cruise: Gulf of Mexico/Atlantic Ocean
Date: Jul 28, 2023
Weather Data from the Bridge
Latitude: 25ยฐ49.441’N
Longitude: 79ยฐ59.970’W
Temperature: 30.5ยฐ Celcius
Wind Speed: 7 knots
The Oregon II at dock in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
Science and Technology Log
NOAA conducts the Shark/Snapper Longline Survey each year at the same time and place. It goes from July through September and surveys from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, to West Palm Beach, FL, and the U.S. northern Gulf of Mexico from southwest Florida to Brownsville, TX. This is a longline survey and one mile of gear is baited and laid down for one hour.
When the line is reeled in, the science and fishing teams take them off the hooks and record data on the fish. The data gathered includes what species (kind of fish) are caught, if they are male or female, their age, weight and length. Additionally, the sharks will be tagged with a number and released.
The data collected will be used by NOAA to help manage the health of the fishery. It is one set of data that goes into deciding how many fish can be safely taken from the ocean each year. Without this information, fishermen might take too many fish to keep the population stable.
The Oregon II call sign flags, WTDO
NOAA Ship Oregon II is the ship that is used to conduct this survey each year. It takes a lot of people working together to accomplish this. The crew of the Oregon II is made up of several teams. Everyone has a job as a part of the team to make sure everything works as needed.
The NOAA Corps are the officers on the ship. They are responsible for the overall operation of the ship and are in charge of navigation, steering and everyoneโs safety. They work in shifts from the โbridge.โ
The engineering team makes sure that everything is working properly. This includes the engines, electrical systems, fresh water and the all-important air conditioning.
The deck crew includes the professional fisherman who do boat maintenance, prepare fishing gear as well as handle the big fish.
There are two stewards who prepare our meals and keep the dining area clean. They keep us well fed with several choices available at each meal three times a day.
The electronics department has just one person who is responsible to make sure all of the technology is working properly. That is a very big responsibility on this ship.
Finally, there is the science team. That is where I fit in. There are four NOAA scientists and six volunteers. I am one of the volunteers. The other volunteers are all university students.
There are 29 people on board and everyone works on shifts. The ship operates 24 hours a day so all jobs must be done around the clock. Most teams have two shifts that each last forโฆ you guessed itโฆ twelve hours.
Personal Log
These first few days have been spent getting acquainted with the layout of the ship, learning the routines of life on the ocean and the people on the ship. The most striking feature is that there seems to be an incredible amount of equipmentย packed into such a small space. Everything a crew of 29 could need for three weeks, emergency equipment and replacement parts. Yet, in any one place, there is adequate room to move and work. I have a โstateroomโ that I share with one other member of the science team. Each of us have a โrackโ to sleep in, lockers and drawers for personal belongings as well as a fold out desk to work at. We also have a sink and mirror. All this in a room that is about 7โX10โ.
stateroom with two berths
Rarely are we both in there but there is adequate room when that happens. The โpassagewaysโ are narrow and it takes coordination to pass another crewmember. The โmessโ seats twelve people, at most, so we have to eat meals in shifts.
NOAA Ship Oregon II‘s “mess” seats 12 people at most.
There are three bathrooms and two showers available for general use. Showers should be short to preserve water as well as to make it available for others to use. There are three different โgymโ areas with equipment to work out in. My favorite is the flying bridge where you can look out over the ocean.
view from the flying bridge of NOAA Ship Oregon II
Safety is a priority on board the ship. We start by using basic safety procedures while moving around the ship. While underway, the pitch (front to back motion) and roll (side to side motion) of the ship never stops. This becomes more or less pronounced depending on the weather.ย So moving through the passageways and doorways and especially on the outside decks, one must be careful to use a hand to keep their balance. The stairwells are narrow and steep but negotiable. When using stairwells always have 3 points of contact, that means use two hands and then a foot is the third point of contact.
view down a stairwell on NOAA Ship Oregon II
Moving around comes more easily with time. No open toed shoes are to be worn except on the way to and from the shower. Safety equipment must be worn when working. We will be wearing hard hats, gloves, glasses and a work vest. The work vest looks a lot like a personal flotation device but flat. If you fall overboard it will automatically inflate. There is a lot of equipment and devices all over the ship for use in emergency situations.
firefighting equipment in case of emergencies
Fire extinguishers, AEDs, masks for smoke, and, of course, life rafts. We have to do drills to make sure that we know what to do in emergencies.ย
our firefighting team
That’s me in a “Gumby” suit for survival in case we have to abandon ship.
Did You Know?
Did you know that not all sharks reproduce the same way? Be sure to check future blogs to find out how.ย
Animals Seen Today:
brown booby
dolphin
and also: masked booby, swallow, flying fish, barracuda.ย
On Monday, August 30, 2022, I met my shipmates in Cape Canaveral in front of the ship. We all had to take a self-administered Covid-19 test and wait 30 minutes for the results to appear on the sensor. I was so nervous staring at the apparatus every 5 seconds waiting for the light to brighten on a negative result. That was too much stress! What if it said positive? Would I have to head back to Atlanta or wait a few days? Once the ship leaves the dock, then it does not disembark until the end of the research project. That would have been a disaster! Luckily my results were negative! I was able to board the 170 feet ship NOAA Oregon II, locate my room and take a quick tour.
This ship’s homeport is Pascagoula, Mississippi and conducts a variety of research surveys in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and Atlantic Ocean. The surveys focus on fisheries, marine mammals, and plankton. Commanding Officer Eric Johnson can lead his staff for up to 33 days at a time. The following are the maximum numbers for the staff.
Commissioned Officers/Mates = 5, Licensed Engineers = 3, Unlicensed Engineers = 2, Deck = 6, Stewards = 2, Electronic Technician = 1, Total Crew = 19, Scientists = 12. Up to 12 people can sit in the dining area at one time with 6 people spread amongst 2 tables.
The ship is equipped with a 275 square feet wet lab, 210 square feet hydro lab, 100 square feet bio lab, 75 square feet computer lab, 4 dive team equipment, 2 cranes, a cradle, trawl nets, hydraulics, ropes, long line fishing gear, a medical treatment room, a laundry room, and a rescue boat that can hold 6 people.
We had to wait for 17,000 gallons of diesel fuel to fill the ship, stock the kitchen, and get other necessary supplies. Can you calculate how much this gas costs in your city? There are a lot of factors that affect the outcome of our journey as we crisscross around the Gulf of Mexico. Luckily, we have trained professionals doing their job!
Top Left: Front of Ship (Bow), Top Right: Dining Area, Bottom Left: Computer Lab, Bottom Right: Bridge, Captain’s Area
Personal Log
I appreciate my Uncle Bill who made sure I arrived in Cape Canaveral safely. It was good to see him with his gracious welcome to Orlando, Florida. Now that I completed the initial paperwork & received a negative Covid result, I am happy to meet my shipmates! My work schedule will be from 12pm to 12am with breaks in between. I’m the only Teacher at Sea on this ship along with 2 college interns and a volunteer. We are all excited about the upcoming experience. There’s a lot of information to learn in a short period of time, but I think I can manage. My state room has a full bathroom, lots of storage space & twin bunkbeds with curtains. I chose the top bunk. I met with Mr. Collin Lynch, Chief Electronics Technician as soon as I got settled into my room. He made sure my computer & cell phone are connected to the Wi-Fi system. I really appreciate him because I still need to connect with my students, plan lessons & make sure they get assistance as needed during my breaks.
While my shipmates & I waited for the supplies to come in, we had dinner at the local restaurants along the waterfront. I learned how to keep score in a darts game and still lost. I had hoped to see a rocket launch, but the mission was cancelled/postponed. The disappointed people were in traffic starting at 3am in the morning to get a good spot. Oh well, maybe next time.
Top Left: My Uncle Bill, Top Right: Me with no luck at darts, Bottom Left: Lead Fisherman, Chuck Godwin, Bottom Right: Me still trying to earn points
I enjoyed listening to the stories, having great meals & asking a few questions. I found out that some of them conduct surveys for up to 45 days before they go home. Some are married with kids while others are single, or kids are grown now. Either way, they adjust to life at sea. Check out a few pictures from my flight to time in Cape Canaveral.
My Uncle Bill lives in Orlando & made sure I arrived to Cape Canaveral safely.
NOAA Ship Oregon II in port
NOAA Ship Oregon II in port
Arrived safely!
NOAA Ship Oregon II, R 332
NOAA Ship Oregon II was built in Pascagoula in 1967.
There was no doubt about my excitement of being named as a NOAA Teacher at Sea and the opportunity to immerse myself in marine science and participate in scientific research. But the one aspect of this experience that I particularly looked forward to was being able to do this on a ship at sea. The ship would serve as a classroom like no otherโฆa classroom where I could learn as a student and yet serve as a basis for me to develop instructional activities and projects for my students as a teacher. The classroom, as I described in the prior post, was originally scheduled to be NOAA Ship Oregon II but eventually turned out to be the R/V Tommy Munro.
While both ships were equipped with the facilities, resources and infrastructure required to conduct the samplings necessary for the survey, the main difference was that the Oregon II was part of the NOAA fleet of research vessels while the R/V Tommy Munro was not. Rather, the R/V Tommy Munro is operated under the management of the University of Southern Mississippi. Of course, when a ship is named after a person, there is always a sense of interest about the individual and what background, experience, and contributions to ocean sciences warranted such an honor. Tommy Munro has a compelling biography and can be read by accessing the following link:
It was a thrill seeing the R/V Tommy Munro for the first time on Tuesday, July 19 in preparation of my upcoming cruise.
The ship exterior and a life preserver aboard the R/V Tommy Munro.
As I arrived at the docked ship, I was first met by John Z., the shipโs cook, who treated me to a tour of the vessel. I know you are just as anxious to see the various spaces inside the ship so come on aboard and let me take you on a tour. The first stop was my living quarters.
My living quarters while aboard the ship.
I was assigned to State Quarters 2 which consisted of 4 bunks. My bunk was on the bottom to the left as you can see my belongings on the bed. Interestingly enough, it would turn out that 3 individuals were assigned to the quarters which meant that the upper bunk above mine was open. This was important because if the upper bunk was occupied, that would mean that I would have no other place to store my luggage than with me on the bed. So the upper bunk served as storage for the luggage from all three of us, giving us much need space to rest comfortably in our bunks.
The next stop on our tour involves meals on the cruise. The dining room is a table where all formal meals were served and offered an opportunity for those around the table to engage in conversation and watch television. It was not required for anyone wanting a meal to eat at the dining room table but it did offer a unique and comforting diversion from the long hours and hard work exerted while collecting samples for the survey.
The dining room table where all formal meals were served.
Of course, the dining room would not have much of a purpose were it not for a kitchen to prepare the meals.
This is the kitchen where all formal meals are prepared (right) and the storage area/table space where meals are prepared.
The picture on the left is the cooking station with the stove and oven where the meals are cooked and the picture on the right is where the meals are prepared. These two spaces appear to be very small areas and they are but there was enough room for the vast amount of groceries purchased prior to each cruise. I remember speaking to John Z. the cook about the grocery shopping for an upcoming cruise and he relayed to me that when he returns from shopping, it takes him approximately 3 hours to put up all of the groceries!
The tour continues with the areas of the ship dedicated to the research conducted during the cruise.
The first area is referred to as the wet lab โ the space where the samples collected from each sampling are processed, and measurements are recorded and uploaded to a database.
The work area of the wet lab is depicted in the photo to the left while the samples storage area is shown on the right photo.
Just located across the hallway from the wet lab is the dry lab, the area with several computers allowing the scientists to track the motion of the ship, confirm its arrival at each sampling site, and store data acquired by the Secchi disk, the CTD array of sensors unique to each sampling site, and the species analysis of marine life species collected during each sampling.
This is the dry lab is where the computational analysis from each sampling is conducted.
As we near the end of the tour of the R/V Tommy Munro, letโs proceed from the wet and dry lab to a flight of stairs to the upper deck of the vessel to the captainโs deck.
This is the captainโs deck of the R/V Tommy Munro.
The captainโs deck is equivalent to the cockpit of an airplane where the captain and his crew navigate the vessel to the assortment of sampling sites in coordination with the science team.
We wrap up our tour of the R/V Tommy Munro from atop the upper deck with the view from the stern of the ship. This was a spot that I found myself many times, particularly in the evening, as I took in the scenic views of the surrounding seas.
Views from the upper deck toward the stern of the ship.
In this installment of my exercise of the Ocean Literacy Framework, I would like to ask you to respond to three questions about the third essential principle:
The ocean is a major influence of weather and climate,
presented in a Padlet accessed by the following link:
Remember, there are no right or wrong answers โ the questions serve not as an opportunity to answer yes or no, or to get answers right or wrong; rather, these questions serve as an opportunity not only to assess what you know or think about the scope of the principle but also to learn, explore, and investigate the demonstrated principle. If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please indicate so in the blog and I would be glad to answer your questions and initiate a discussion.
I am standing near the bow (front end) of the ship.
This experience started on land. NOAA provided a lot of information and training that needed to be read, studied, and completed prior to even setting foot on the ship. (Like I said previously: I am going to be more of a student and less of a teacher on this voyage!)
I found this statement on the โStanding Ordersโ to be very inspiring. It is from the Commanding Officer:
Command Expectation/Philosophy
โThomas Jefferson is an ocean mapping platform that surveys the Exclusive Economic Zone of and for the United States. As such, we are responsible for maintaining and developing the Nationโs hydrographic expertise and technological capacity, as well as for producing timely quality surveys that can be efficiently used for many purposes, but primarily for updating NOAAโs suite of nautical charts. By sailing aboard Thomas Jefferson, you are part of this. Everyone aboard should be working to help Thomas Jefferson fulfill this role to the best of her ability, regardless of their individual role on the ship. To do this, we must work together to take care of ourselves, take care of each other, and take care of the ship. Be kind to yourself and to others; and work to build and keep the trust you earn from each other and the Command. This work of measuring our ocean territory is noble, challenging, unique, arduous, and ultimately rewarding.โ
This is a hydrographic survey vessel. So just what is hydrography?
Hydro = water; Graphy = to write or record
Hydrography is the science that measures and describes the physical features of those areas on Earth that can be navigated by ships. These areas include oceans, lakes, seaways, and coastal areas. Hydrographic surveyors study these bodies of water to see what the “floor” looks like. NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey is concerned about the safe passage of ships traveling to and from ports. Hydrographic surveys measure how deep the water is and make sure the coastal regions of the United States are safe for boats and ships to navigate. Surveyors pay particular attention to mapping locations of shallow areas and various obstructions (things sticking out of or sitting on the seafloor). Surveys also determine what the sea floor is made of (i.e. sand, mud, rock). This is important for anchoring, dredging, structure construction, pipeline and cable routing, and fish habitat. NOAA uses all this data to update nautical charts and develop hydrographic models.
This is a hydrographic map of the Great Lakes. When looking at a hydrographic image, keep in mind that blue = deep, red = shallow.
Can you tell from this image which lake is the deepest? Which lake is most shallow? Why do you think that the coasts of lakes look like rainbows?
This ship does very important work! By mapping water depth, the shape of the seafloor and coastline, the location of various obstructions, and physical features of bodies of water, hydrography helps to keep our maritime transportation system moving safely and efficiently.
What equipment and technology is used to do a hydrographic survey?
LOTS! I will include more information about the equipment and technology hydrographers use to get all of this data in a future blog post.
Personal Log
Yesterday was so very exciting! My husband drove me to the port of Cleveland.
Port of Cleveland. Downtown Cleveland is in the background. The Brown’s stadium in immediately to the left.
There it is!
Thomas Jefferson is docked at Pier 26. After all this time, it was wonderful to finally see the ship. I contacted the Officer of the Deck (OOD), he gave me permission to come aboard and immediately gave me a COVID test. Negative test = I can sail! I was never so happy to be negative!
He showed me to my stateroom or berth. I have the upper bunk and a porthole! My roommate (you will meet her later) is a Hydrographic Senior Survey Technician (HSST). We share a bathroom (toilet and shower) โJack and Jillโ style with the room next door. On a ship, the bathroom is known as the โHeadโ.
This is the number on my stateroom.
2 = I am on the second deck. Each deck on a ship is numbered. The numbers from lowest to highest are 4, 3, 2, 1, 01, 02, and 03.
39 = the bulkhead the stateroom is closest to. A bulkhead is a dividing wall or barrier between compartments in a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle. The ship has about 100 bulkheads. They are numbered 1-100 from the bow (front end) to the stern (back end).
1 = This means that I am on the starboard (right side if standing on the ship looking toward the bow) side of the ship. If the last number was a 2, that would mean that my stateroom was on the port (left side if standing on the ship looking toward the bow).
This is my stateroom. I sleep on the upper bunk.
This is the “Head”.
The OOD then gave me a quick tour of the ship showing me the โMessโ (where we eat), the galley (kitchen), lounge, plot room (where they take the data that is collected during the day and where the data is made in to hydrographic โpicturesโ), laundry, and exercise room. He also took me to the bridge (where they pilot or drive the ship) and on all the decks. Later, I met one of the engineers and he took me on a tour of the engine room. So cool! I will include more information about these places on the ship in future blog posts.
Happy to be here! Happy to learn all about the important work being done by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson and me – the very excited Teacher at Sea (TAS)
For the Little Dawgs! Attention students in grades Kindergarten โ 2nd grade. This section will be written just for you! I want to introduce you to my friend, Dewey. Dewey has been with me ever since my first year of teaching.
My travel companion, Dewey. See his sailor hat!
He will help you understand what I am doing on this big ship! He is excited to be on NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson. He is also very thankful that we have a porthole in our bedroom. A porthole is a round window. I wonder why many of the windows on a ship are round?
Here is Dewey looking out of the porthole window.
Q: Where is Dewey?
Look at the surface. Can you tell where he is? Hint: You walk on it to get on to the ship.
Dewey is on the gangway!
A: Dewey is on the gangway. The gangway is the name of the ramp that you walk on to get on the ship.
Well, that is all for now. Later tonight the crew will have the opportunity to watch the 4th of July fireworks over Cleveland.
This picture was taken from the stern (back end) of the ship.
Happy 4th of July! Miss Parker, Chief Steward, decorated the Mess Hall for the holiday.
Decorated Mess Hall
During the night, we will head toward Erie, PA to map the area around Presque, Isle.
