Seawater Sampling

  • All sample bottles are rinsed three times before the final fill.
  • The sample bottle number always matches the rosette bottle number on full (20+ bottles closed) stations. On shallow stations, salinity samples may be drawn into an existing case. The watchleader will manage the sample log & bottle numbering in these situations & inform sample drawers.
  • If you have any doubt about the sample’s integrity, dump & redraw it. There is plenty of seawater from each depth.
  • More than one person can draw a sample type but be sure to keep the order straight, returning your bottle or tube to the right spot, right order. If you need to step away from sampling for any reason, be sure to return an unfilled sample bottle to the right slot & inverted.

Watchstanding

  • Notify your watchleader if you have to “disappear” for more than a few minutes especially if you are too seasick to work. Seasick medication is available so ask if you are feeling ill.
  • Be available to help with CTD preps 20mins before the station ETA (estimated time of arrival).  Station ETA is displayed on the navigation monitor in the ship’s main lab.  Occasionally, when navigating around islands or coastline, the ETA displayed may be a “waypoint”.  These are turning points, not the actual station arrival time.  Check with the watchleader if uncertain.
  • If you will be unavailable to help prep the CTD because of other duties or illness, let the watchleader know.  You are expected to be available to help when you are on watch and the watchleader should not have to go looking for you. 
  • Check with the watchleader before leaving for meals; the CTD cast usually takes 45-50mins but shallow stations may be much shorter so don’t leave until checking with him/her.
  • Watches are 12 hours: 0000-1200 and 1200-0000. Be sure to get enough sleep especially if you are on midnight (0000-1200) watch – it may take a few days to adjust to this watch.