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Yesterday evening, now far from the ice edge, the RSV Nuyina reduced engines and maintained position near-to above the last known position of an Australian Antarctic Division Moored Acoustic Recorder (MAR). Weighing approximately 200kg and rated to withstand a depth of 3000 metres, these 'whale mooring's are designed to 'autonomously and continuously record underwater noise for up to 15 months'. For this purpose they are comprised of an array of hydrophones and data recorders. Fortunately for us, they also feature an acoustic release system, flotation and recovery aids – enabling our now veteran team of budding acousticians (Dane, Patti and Febes) to summon it to the surface after ranging it with a hand deployed transducer. Once released from its deep-sea mooring, the MAR required around 10 – 15 minutes before its static range from the ship indicated it must be at the surface.
As with the KOMBI mooring of the previous day, the nomination for first eyes on the surfaced mooring was shrouded in controversy. The Ship's Master, irrefutably a strong contender for line honours, accepted the coveted AAD Keep Cup and Crunchie prize with this tip for young players: 'I always watch the birds...and see where they're flocking to'. He will share the honour with Urs, whose stoic vigil on the outer decks and sharp eyes were only let down by the time it takes to type out a whatsapp message to the bridge with bare fingers in -1o ambient temperatures. In regards to the constantly shifting, complex succession of things seen or imagined on that day, the question of who first spotted the shiny yellow thing takes its place in a phantasmagoria of exhibits, next to transducer dance of 'first the little one then the big one' and the 'eleventh hour coordinate confirmation'.
Regards,
James & Brendan
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.