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Today, Macquarie Island sat partially concealed in low lying cloud and mist. The wind blew, as it tends to.. though with an average speed somewhere north of 20kts for the majority of the day before decreasing in the afternoon. Our aviators from Heli-Resources, along with their engineers, air ground support and communication officers all enjoyed a well earned pause. Thanks to some very accurate long range-forecasting, their rest-day happily coincided with a day of weather that would have precluded much of the flying required to complete the down island project work.
No such rest for those on ship, station and on the water, working to convey cargo by the LARCs which continued to negotiate swell and wind on their runs back and forth from ship to shore. From the perspective of the ship's bridge and aboard the LARCs (as an observer), the skill and dedication of ship's crew, watercraft operators (WCOs), and station teams is abundantly clear. A LARC approaches the vessel on the starboard side. After receiving guidance from the Deputy Voyage Leader (DVL) standing on the bridge or the open deck as to the nature of the coming load, the LARC crew chief requests permission to come alongside from the ship's bridge, when granted it noses in. Suspended from the bow and stern of the ship is a guest line with prusik knots spaced along it. As the LARC's large fenders nudge the side of the vessel, a crew member behind the cabin uses a boat hook to catch a prusik and clip it on to the LARC, before moving to assist the other crew member attaching a stern line. With the LARC now tied to the ship, still buffeted by swell despite being in the ship's lee, the LARC crew climb forward of the cabin to clear the deck (and themselves) for a load to descend via the ship's crane. With hand signals to the ship's crew and crane operator, a load is slowly and deliberately brought down close to the LARC's deck, waiting for that moment when wind, swell, momentum of the load and the crane operator's deft judgment align to place the cargo onto the deck of the LARC with a resounding metallic thud. With multiple loads this cycle is repeated until fully loaded, the LARC releases its tethers from the guest line and departs the side of the ship for station, a journey of 10 minutes or so depending on the position of the ship. Navigating swells, a channel through the kelp bed and the slippery wet rocks and steep incline of landing beach, the LARCs make their run into station to be received by Cookie, the station's beach master and the team of plant operators and biosecurity screeners. Often, a tray of still hot baked goods will be passed up to the crew from a runner at station, toasted focaccia or muffins. Kindness. With cargo unloaded and lifting gear retrieved, the LARC makes a 3 point turn and heads back toward the ship.. passing its sister LARCs en route with a friendly wave, python-esque salute or familial nod. Halfway out, the VHF radio will crackle. The voice of the DVL with guidance on the next load to come. Ah.. LARCs work is never done.
But it can be paused. Tomorrow is a rest day for the LARCs. A day for helicopters.
Regards,
James and 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.