Sept. 9, 2005
By Jim Cowen

Things were hectic and we had to work through a few problems, as is always the case. The ship also discovered a problem with one of its radar units just as we were about to pull away from the dock at our scheduled departure date and time (0800 hr Sept. 8). Since the coast guard requires that we have both systems operable, we had to fix it, ultimately delaying our departure by 25 hours (0900 hr Sept. 9). However, we are on our way now. We are starting to hit some seas and it is expected to keep growing tonight. Everything is tied down. The first dive, which is planned for tomorrow morning, is questionable due to weather, though we will be on station in plenty of time. We have worked our way through a number of electronic problems with our submersible to instrument sled communications. We have been able to reduce some of the noise problems that we have been having, but not all of them, such as wiring in the Alvin. We will just have to modify the plan. We have back up to back up plans so should be fine. Good group of scientists on board.

Everyone received their pre-dive briefing today. There are many safety issues when diving to great depths with three people and lots of electronics crammed into a 6 foot diameter sphere. So the pilots patiently explain all of the safety features and procedures to every person who might make a dive, even if you "have heard it before". The ship's captain, first mate, shipboard ship-science technician also goes over safety and other procedures with the assembled scientists. Tomorrow we will have fire and abandon ship drills.

Tomorrows dive day will start at about 0600 hrs when the pilots start prepping the submersible, Alvin. Alvin will be rolled out onto the fantail (aft working deck) at around 0730 hrs. Scientists will climb in at 0745 and the Alvin should be launched by about 0800hr. This could be delayed or cancelled if the weather does not cooperate. We'll let you know tomorrow!