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Cargo operations are proceeding at Casey this afternoon following a delay in the morning due to wind speeds above the operating threshold of our watercraft. With winds subsiding late in the morning we were able to mobilise first one and then both barges. Settling into a steady rhythm of cargo discharge here on the ship we are beginning to identify timeframes for core cargo activities. On the Aurora these had become known quantities over the years, and now on the MPV Everest must be revisited. Time required for an IRB (rigid inflatable boat) or barge to be unloaded, time required for crew alternating between lifting gear and cranes; the latter involving crew movements across an expansive decks space, time lost and gained (in terms of cargo loads) for using two barges instead of one, time required at end of day to lash the watercraft aboard the ship in anticipation of poor weather etc. Factoring into this the parameters of the stow plan required to convey the cargo from Australia on the ship, the discharge priorities for station and the disparate fatigue management guidelines informing rosters for respective work groups..along with a multi-national crew and different organisational approaches and processes, the operation is not without its fair share of moving parts. As the operation evolves on board so we continue to evolve our planning and communication processes to maintain safety and improve efficiency.
The station wharf team has been impressive and patient throughout this first almost full day of cargo operations. So too has our team of watercraft operators and our DVL Jenn, adapting quickly to the task with good humour.
A good weather forecast for tomorrow to provide a full day to properly bed down our processes would be welcome.
Regards,
James
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.