Programs Blog

la ora na! We’ve been hearing—and returning—this beautiful Tahitian expression of greeting as both students and crew made their way to the dock today. After an amazing eight-day shore component at UC Berkeley’s Gump Station on Moorea, where students learned foundational marine policy, oceanography, and nautical science, they took the ferry between the islands to join the ship in Papeete. Taking the phrase ‘all hands on deck’ as literally as possible, students and crew worked together to stow the final provisions needed for our open ocean voyage ahead. Students were then given their Watch assignments (A, B, C) and met with their corresponding Mate and Scientist, deckhands, and Blue Nature Alliance researcher to discuss what to expect about ship life for the next four weeks.

The first couple of days on the ship are remarkably busy as students become oriented to new shipboard architecture—ladders, railings, companionways!—and new boat terminology: aft, forward, focs’l, heads! Along with all of this learning comes much responsibility. Before we leave the dock in Papeete, students must learn an abundance of safety protocols. Over the next 48 hours, students will learn how to safely deploy scientific equipment, familiarize themselves with the engine room and galley, along with learning what their role is in various emergency situations (among several other responsibilities. It is a lot to remember in a short amount of time, but it will all become second nature for the students soon enough.

In the meantime, follow our adventures and position here as we wrap up our time alongside and head out to sail and scientifically sample the sea!

Fair winds,
Skye Morét, Chief Scientist