Posted by graduate student Alison Sipe, University of Delaware College of Marine Studies.

Final cruise preparations are underway. The scientists have been planning for the expedition for months or longer, and now is the time for all of the pieces to come together. Early this morning, each of the scientists eagerly boarded the ship with luggage in tow. Meandering through the ship’s narrow halls and steep stairways is a challenge even without carrying twenty pounds of gear in a suitcase. For some of the scientists, the R/V Atlantis is a second home, having spent many weeks on the research vessel studying the deep-sea hydrothermal vents. These scientists head straight for the familiar science berths, where they unload their personal gear and then proceed to the science laboratories. Several of the scientists have never before sailed on the Atlantis, but instead on other research vessels. For some of the cruise participants, this is their first time to be at sea. Three of the researchers chat in the hallway about the various anti-seasickness medications they have packed. One of the women has brought ginger root to settle her stomach, another will take Dramamine. One of the experienced oceanographers has packed medication which is potent enough to be used by astronauts. Many people are not prone to seasickness and do not take medication at all.

The ship is abuzz with energy. The scientists continue to unpack their crates of experimental equipment and arrange their laboratory space. All science gear must be strapped to the lab bench with ropes and bungee cords so that it remains stationary despite the ship’s rocking motion at sea. Two marine chemists work diligently assembling a new temperature probe that will measure the heat of the hydrothermal fluids. In preparation for growing bacteria that will be collected by Alvin, a microbiologist plugs in four different growth incubators and sets their temperatures from 50 – 90° C. Some of the ship’s crew slab on a new layer of mint-green paint to the starboard deck. There is a constant battle to keep the ship from rusting as a result of the contact with the salty seawater. The chief scientist confers with the Alvin pilots in finalizing the dive sequence and the sites where the sub will explore.

Everyone looks forward to setting sail. For many, this is the only opportunity of the year to go to sea and collect the valuable vent samples and make new discoveries about the hydrothermal vents. The group will work through the night to tend to each detail and ensure that they will be prepared for the first Alvin dive. The excitement is undeniable.