Life at Sea on the R/V Atlantis

Blog post by Madeleine Lucas

Earth Science PhD Candidate at the University of Washington & 

Apply-to-Sail Participant of the Cascadia 2024 Near-Trench Community Geodetic Experiment

Going to sea for science is an amazing opportunity full of new experiences. Life is a little different on a ship, so I would like to share all the things that make doing science at sea cool! You can watch video highlights from my time on the R/V Atlantis on my instagram @madeleine_earth 

At the beginning of the day, I typically head to the main science lab to see what is going on and what I might have missed overnight. The R/V Atlantis has multiple different science spaces including a bio-analytic lab, computer lab, hydro-lab, wet lab, and the science lab. The science party for this experiment primarily uses the science lab for meetings and presentations. 

The science lab has a lot of space to work and big monitors that show us what’s going on the with the experiment. When we are not taking logs in the Jason van, we like to hang out in the science lab and watch Jason's live-streaming cameras from the bottom of the ocean! 

 

In the science lab we have what’s called the “Board of Lies” to see what the science agenda is for the day. Given the name...plans often change while out at sea, so we have to stay flexible and be ready to help out when called upon. 

 

Taking breaks to rest is important while at sea. Science operations can happen at any time – including in the middle of night! So, it is important to take time when you are off shift to disconnect and relax. The R/V Atlantis has lots of places around the boat to get away including a library, a TV lounge, and a gym located in the science hold. My personal favorite is running on the treadmill in the gym to keep up with my fitness – as long as the boat isn’t rocking too much. :) 

 

When I get hungry, I head up to the galley - which serves breakfast (7:10-8:10), lunch (11:10-13:10), and dinner (17:10-18:10) every day. A crew favorite is “cheese-o-clock” or “cheese-thirty”, which is a cheese-focused snack time that happens every day at 3-3:30. Often there is charcuterie with a selection of meats, cheeses, crackers, and dips. The galley also has a 24/7 supply of hot coffee and snacks to keep us going on shift through the wee hours of the night.

 

My favorite place of all on the ship is the bow! The bow is the best place to get some fresh air, scan the sea for whales and other marine life, and watch the sunset. There is even a nice bench that you can sit down on and just relax. 

I hope I have provided some insight into what life is like onboard the R/V Atlantis. If you ever get the opportunity, I highly recommend participating in a sea-going scientific experiment like the Near Trench Community Geodetic Experiment, as it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! If you are wondering how to do this, keep your eye out for Apply-to-Sail calls. You can also ask your advisor or collaborators about upcoming opportunities to go to sea. Opportunities are often advertised through various listservs and on social media. There are also numerous internships (e.g., NSF/NOAA/USGS) and degree programs that involve going to sea. Feel free to get in contact if you have questions about finding future opportunities to sail: mlucas12@uw.edu