Neat Stuff October 23, 2002

October 23, 2002

Check out these photos, which have been transmitted to the University of Delaware from the R/V Atlantis.

Yesterday, we had our EBA (Emergency Breathing Apparatus) fittings. These are worn in Alvin in the event that more oxygen is required. Alvin has enough oxygen for three people for three days. So if there is some kind of malfunction, or if there is sudden bad weather on the surface, we can wait it out on the bottom rather than trying to surface in it. The seal around the mask must be completely leak-proof, so once you put it on, the Alvin tech takes a meter and runs it along the mask to see if there are any leaks.

In this clip, you can see Anthony, an Alvin tech, demonstrating how to put the mask on. You put your chin in first and then pull the straps over your head and tighten them one by one, starting with the bottom straps. Next, you see Dr. Craig Cary being weighed on the scale and trying to jump a little and cheat with his weight. The Alvin Crew actually doesn’t care how much we weigh; they are concerned with the difference in weight between the port and starboard side observer. And finally, we see a clip of Hepsi trying on her EBA.

Anthony models the Emergency Breathing Apparatus.

Blee Willliams, Chief Alvin Pilot (right), shows how to use the mask properly.

The Alvin crew and Dr. Cary (right) know how important this training is; while we may look funny in the mask, this is serious stuff.

Liz McCliment gets training with the mask.

Jen looks like a pro during mask training.

Lisa Robson pensively regards the ocean. She went to look for the approaching storm, but all she saw were really cool flying fish!

View of the port-side bow. Hepsi started taking pictures over the side and then thought she better put the camera strap around her neck. She definitely didn’t want to drop it in the water.

Blee and Lisa exchange philosophies of the sea-faring life.

View of the bridge from the bow. No sign of the hurricane yet.

It can be really challenging to stay in shape while aboard a ship. Jay found that jumping rope was a great way to get some exercise, but also discovered that the rolling of the boat made it very challenging.

Scientists Laura and Andy on an upper deck watching the sunset. The weather was warm and the sunset brilliant!

Sunset over the Pacific from Atlantis.