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MISSION DISPATCH 11 • 09/06/01 Today's Weather - images courtesy of NOAA & RSMAS Dispatch by Rebecca Johnson - HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic Institution Latitude: 40°21'15"N • Longitude: 68°8'42"W 
The
JOHNSON-SEA-LINK
submersible is an essential tool for this research cruise. Without this undersea vehicle
and the samplers it carries, we wouldn't be able to observe
Nanomia in its natural habitat or
bring live specimens to the surface for study. The sub is operated by a group of highly trained
individuals. The five members of our on-board sub crew are a tightly integrated team. We thought
you'd like to meet them. They rotate their roles and duties in support of diving operations on
a daily basis.
Overseeing the launch, tracking, and recovery of the submersible is the Sub Operations Coordinator, who also choreographs the activities of the sub crew, ship's crew, and scientists on a given dive. "The OD, as he's usually called, acts like an air traffic controller, staying alert to possible hazards and making sure every dive proceeds according to plan," says Phil Santos, pictured right in the role of OD, communicating with the sub's pilot as the sub is launched from the stern of the ship. 
Kenny O'Brien had "comms" duty today. Up on the ship's bridge, he's the Communications and Tracking Technician and sits in front of a console from where he converses by radio with the sub pilot throughout a dive. He also continuously monitors the position of the submersible in the water below and its spatial relationship to the ship. Kenny explained how the comms tech plots courses for the sub, and takes GPS fixes of its location. 
Of course, you need a pilot to operate the sub. Phil, Ken, Dan Boggess, and Craig Caddigan (seen left inside the sphere), all take turns behind the controls. They are multi-talented. Not only do they "drive" the sub, but they're also are responsible for garnering animals and other kinds of samples with the sub's various collection devices - rarely easy tasks 
In the much smaller chamber behind the sphere, you'll find the Aft Observation Compartment
Technician, who monitors environmental parameters - such as the amounts and partial pressures
of carbon dioxide and oxygen - inside the aft compartment. If the pilot were to become
incapacitated, this technician can blow air into the ballast tanks and bring the sub to the
surface. Like the entire crew, Dan Boggess (left) has perfected the art of folding
his arms and legs to fit inside the aft compartment and endure sitting in a cramped position
for hours on end.
Finally, there's the Swimmer. This member of the team helps retrieve the submersible after
it's surfaced by diving off the starboard side of the aft deck, swimming up to the front of
the sub, and looping a tow line into a bracket on its upper work bar. Then, the Swimmer climbs
on top of the sub and engages the drop lock line after it is lowered by the A-frame submersible
handling system. Once securely attached to the sub, the line is reeled up and the sub is lifted
from the water and replaced on the aft deck by the A-frame . Frank Lombardo says he doesn't
mind a brisk dip in the sea, day or night. He's pictured right atop the sphere, ready to open
the hatch that will release PI
Marsh Youngbluth and Craig Caddigan after another successful dive.
Every now and then the submersible needs some extra TLC. Yesterday the sub was unable to dive because of problems with electrical and hydraulic components. Our resolute sub crew worked all afternoon and through the night to fix the problems. Do you have a question for the researchers or the ships crew on this ocean expedition? Just ask a question @Sea in our MISSION FORUM!  | |
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