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Today the weather lessened slightly in the morning but winds are set to intensify this afternoon with winds expected at 50-60Kn gusting up to 70kn. That is wind gusts up to 130kph.
As a result of enduring poor weather AIVIQ crew have turned of dynamic positioning and we are now steaming in slow circles in the waters surrounding Casey. The reason for this is to save on fuel as it is much more fuel efficient to sail slowly in circles using the main propellers and rudders then it is using multiple thrusters to hold position against strong winds and currents
The weather was excellent for our voyage down but is now playing havoc with our ability to complete our primary objective. We have poor weather expected for the rest of today and tomorrow followed by three days of weather which fluctuates between good (10-20knots) and flirting with our limits (20-25 knots). What is complicating the scenario is a second low pressure system moving in which is likely to see the poor weather intensify again.
For now we will wait and attempt to conduct our final training and preparation when weather permits.
Yesterdays SITREP talked about how we set up for refuelling and how the fuel gets to its end destination. Today I want to talk about the workforce required to conduct a refuel at Casey Station.
Conducting a refuel of Casey Station requires a roster with 65 positions that need to be filled. The most common roster that is used for refuelling at Casey has three shifts with people working four hours on, eight hours off. The roster is broken up as follows:
Voyage Management: 2 pers
Refuel control: 3 Pers
Deck Pump: 9 Pers
IRB 1: 9 Pers
IRB 2: 9 Pers
IRB 3: 9 Pers
Upper Fuel Farm: 6 pers
Lower Fuel Farm: 6 pers
Line Walkers: 6 pers
Reserve: 6 pers
Although there are 65 personnel directly involved in the roster, there are many more working in other roles which are vital for the success of the operations. The Ship always has approx. 8 personnel on duty. This includes officers on watch who are responsible for the command and control of the vessel. Able seaman, engineers and at least one cook. This team are ensuring the ship continues to function as it should and that everyone is fed 24/7.
At station there are a whole host of people continuously on duty, including the SL and his operations team, Bureau of Meteorology staff and members of their communications department.
When a refuelling operation is underway, it is the main effort for both Casey and AIVIQ and requires a lot of workforce.
Regards,
Trent and Cam
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.