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A very quiet news day on board the ship as we make steady progress North West towards Hobart, where we are due to berth at 0800hrs on Monday 16 December 2019.
For variety, we turn now to our roving correspondent 'The Birdman' to hear of his exploits on board the good ship 'IRB Birdman', one of the two rigid inflatable boats operated to such good effect during yesterday's Macquarie Island passenger and cargo transfers.
"A short day in the life of a watercraft operator
Macquarie Island's December resupply brings fresh produce, welcome mail and summer rangers to the island. All passengers are transferred via IRBs piloted and crewed by experienced operators. Sea Pig, Birdman and TC resonate across the radios as call signs for those intrepid soles transporting goods and possessions of those embarking and disembarking this glorious location.
Poised and ready to descend the bunker door, Birdman and Rupert descend the ship's ladder with panther like grip to embark the waiting inflatable re-enforced boat (IRB). Birdman pulled the starter cord frequently to bring the recalcitrant outboard motor to life from a dormant voyage on the top deck of the Aurora. With pigeon like homing skills Birdman navigated their path across seaweed strewn Buckles Bay to the shores and open arms of expeditioners of Macquarie Island.
After inspections and clarifications, expeditioners clad in their bright yellow survival gear and PFD, grip white knuckled the ship's pilot ladder, then back carefully down and board the IRB guided by the crew. Soon upon the island they embrace their waiting colleagues on shore.
Cargo transfer begins by the rear crane lowering over the portside of the Aurora, expeditioner's worldly possessions. Swollen tight the bulker bag slowly descends into the waiting arms of Tom the IRB crew. Once the bulging white monolith is stable, Sea Pig steers the IRB to shore, barking across the radio, "bridge bridge this is Sea Pig departing the Aurora with cargo for Macquarie Island". The reply "copy that Sea Pig" from the bridge, a certificate to proceed.
In search of avocado and broccoli outbound expeditioners board the IRBs and commence their voyage to homeland via the pilot ladder and straight to the fresh veg in the ship's mess.
Watercraft operators make good their craft, slings are secured under the IRBs, the ship's crane lifts the IRBs to the deck of the Aurora. An end to the short day of a watercraft operator."
Regards
James, Leanne and Birdman
Map
A map showing Australia and Antarctica. The map shows the journey of one voyage that has occured in the season, with each route highlighted in a distinct colour.