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Which statement is more accurate...? That today our resupply operations tolerated the weather at Macquarie Island, or that the weather at Macquarie Island 'tolerated' our resupply operations? Both seem fitting.
With 10 minute wind averages hovering on the good side of the upper threshold for over water cargo, our LARC operators and crew pressed on against the wind and swell to deliver supplies to station throughout the morning. In the afternoon they were joined by the third LARC team, forging a steady stream of cargo to station where it was capable dispersed and screened in accordance with shore side biosecurity protocols. In the air, our colleagues from Heli Res supported passenger transfers and the transfer of a team of surveyors down island to field hut locations supported by a station based field training officer (FTO). With cargo destined for down island field sites now ashore and cleared from a biosecurity standpoint, station based air-ground support officers (AGSOs) coordinated their deployment via helis across the island's field huts. By mid afternoon the helicopters were able to return to the ship to collected newly pre-positioned cargo on the aft deck c/o of the ship's deck crew.
All the while, the deck crew and crane operators on the forward deck maintained their discharge of cargo onto the LARCs. By 1600hs, it was important to cease cargo operations to enable appropriate biosecurity screening of cargo now ashore, and to take stock of what had been achieved in a short period.
In challenging weather conditions, the efforts of all workgroups on ship and station are poorly represented by the solitary cell of a spreadsheet denoting 25% cargo discharged though that % in itself is significant after 3 days of resupply operations. More significant is the tangible sense of an operational flow, with processes now supporting a tempo that is safe, efficient and practical. So clinically sounding when it fact it's really very satisfying and buoying. V5 Macca is humming.... We are grateful to the Island's inhabitants, their village chief Derek and to the Island's weather... for the tolerance today.
Tomorrow is another day with another plan.
To Deck 9.. Out of our friend the central stairwell and into a much smaller foyer leading around to starboard and past a light filled conference room complete with a large monitor and table. Beyond this, some compact sanitary facilities and then out into a large.. angulated internal space, with large windows running athwart the full width of the ship (and a little beyond). This light filled space, complete with tea and coffee facilities, recliner chairs ringing tables on either wing, and a series of comfortable lounge style booths is the 'Observation Deck'. It is also Muster Station A. In it's primary role it serves as a communal space for ship's expeditioners and crew and had been a favoured site to sit, relax, converse, read and enjoy the views this voyage has afforded us.
Fittingly, today's interview is c/o of Sandra (presently ashore at Macca).
1. Name: Sandra Sdraulig
2. Job: Radio chemist (retired) but ARPANSA radio nuclear monitoring station at Macca.
3. Where from: 'Melbourne'
4. Where To: V5 (round tripping)
5. Secret talent: 'none': [Ed. Actually quite untrue: Sandra has an uncanny ability to somehow be in all places at all times doing all kinds of exceedingly helpful and kind things]
6. Why did you become an Expeditioner: 'To see Antarctica'
7. Favourite thing about the RSV Nuyina: 'Observation Lounge'
8. Favourite pastime on voyage: 'Photography and spotting whales, icebergs, penguins'
9. Favourite piece of Antarctic kit: 'Beanie'
10. Voyage / Antarctic experience in one word: 'Amazing'
11. Favourite V5 moment: 'Seeing the whales close to the ship, oh was it that...sunset on the ice I think'.
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.