Deep-Sea Habitats in the Mariana Islands I

Science Communication Fellows Ashley Cosme and Yeji Lee spent the day on the bridge with Navigation Officer Adrian Pascu, learning how to manually chart the ship's position and measure distances between specific reference points. E/V Nautilus continues to use paper charts as the primary means of navigation and guidance, as they allow navigation officers to plan routes, verify electronic navigation information, and maintain safe navigation. Paper charts also help the crew aboard E/V Nautilus develop traditional navigation skills, such as plotting positions, measuring distances, and determining bearings. For these reasons, paper nautical charts continue to play an essential role in maritime safety and preparedness. 

One of the new pieces of technology we have onboard E/V Nautilus this year is Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's SV3 Model Block II WaveGlider. Purchased through Liquid Robotics, this cutting-edge surface vehicle can be deployed in conjunction with AUV Sentry: supervising its pre-programmed seafloor missions, receiving acoustic messages, and sending them over Iridium satellite to teams on the ship and/or on shore.