Logbook of the crew 2019
As soon as we received the element we needed to correctly use the closing net in Ostia, we set off for the second sampling point. The sea was not oily but the wind was not too strong and we were able to confirm the proper functioning of our protocols for the Hypatia buoy and the manta net. All our observations are recorded in our laboratory notebook at each sampling point. During the analysis of the samples, it will then be easy to find the important information to understand and analyze the results correctly. You can find an online version of this "lab notebook" by clicking on the notebook.
Each sampling requires very specific conditions: the sea must be calm and the wind light so that the closing net, the buoy cables and the sediment bucket are vertical. In addition, the length of the tip being a limiting factor, we chose to sample the sediments at depths not exceeding 100m. During this first sampling, the depth was 96m, which forced us to extend the first end with a second allowing the grab to reach the bottom without risking losing it.
Second first sampling
After several days at sea, the boat quickly became dirty - meals, toilets, drinks - but also salt brought by the wind and the sea. The walls also received condensation from the night in the cabins, the portholes have salt flakes and crumbs accumulate in the grooves. When we reach a port, the first mission of the entire crew is therefore to scour the boat...inside and outside! The exterior as well as the scientific equipment is therefore washed down with plenty of water. The tea towels, sheets and blankets are sent to the laundry, the interior of the boat is transformed into an anthill to wash the cupboards, polish the walls and doors, scrape the bottoms of the hold and disinfect the toilets.
Despite the few nooks that will await the next cleaning session, in this bustle, one detail has not been forgotten. Anything used on board will end up in the sea if not kept in a bin. Thus, household products must be carefully considered. On board we therefore have: white vinegar, black soap, essential oils of all kinds (thanks Perrine!) and clay stone (thanks Perrine again!). White vinegar is ideal for removing salt and limestone, while clay stone allows us to keep the "gelcoat" of the white boat as original. Associated with this, essential oils can disinfect surfaces and repel the intrepid fungi that invite themselves on board. Finally, a lot of goodwill and the circle is complete: the boat is kept clean.
Regular cleaning with fresh water is necessary so that the boat does not deteriorate too quickly. Indeed, in addition to wear and tear due to life on board, the various elements of the boat suffer from the aggression of the salt carried by the wind and the sea. Similarly, UV rays fiercely attack the elements that are exposed to them. Porthole seals are a good example of a fragile part that is quickly attacked by the elements. Similarly, scientific equipment is very sensitive to UV rays and should not be left in the sun for too long, otherwise it will degrade and we will collect more micro-plastics from our nets than from the sea.
BOAT CLEANING