Journals 2004/2005

Linda Hoffman
Palms Middle School, West Los Angeles, California

"Structure of Populations, Levels of Abundance, and Status of Humpback whales (SPLASH)" NOAA Ship McArthur July 28 - August 28, 2004

Journal Index: July 28 - 29 - 30 - 31 August 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11           12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19           21 - 22 - 23 - 24 - 25 - 26 - 27 - 28

August 1,2004

6am. The weather has turned rough with a beaufort of 4-5. 10am We are called to the launching area to listen to a crewmember named Steve as he goes over the safety rules concerning the small boat---called the R 1. We need to know how to make a bowline knot and a cloverknot before we would be allowed to go on the small boat. He also showed us other knots as well. We are told that the bowline knot and clover knot are very important in securing the boat. We are also told how to operate the boat in case something happens to the driver. Other safety rule includes wearing a helmet when we are being launched as well as our mustang suit. We also must stand in a certain position on the boat otherwise the launching rope can actually sneak up and chop off a hand, neck or worst. I am due to go on the small boat Wednesday.