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It has been go go go here on AIVIQ today with a number of important activities taking place. We planned to commence the final group of crew familiarisation training at 0700 h; however, this had to slide right as wind speed continued to be outside our approved limits. We finally got the teams on the water at 0945 h and were able to complete all training required. The boat team also reinstalled ice lines which had come loose during the last three days of high winds. With ice lines now in place and training complete, the boating team are now ready for refuelling operations.
The Refuelling Supervisor (RS) and Refuelling Assistant completed final preparations on the ship and on shore and are currently conducting training with deck pump monitors. At the completion of this training all refuelling preparation will be complete allowing the entire team to move to the GO-NO GO meeting.
For AAD supported operations from a chartered vessel, it is the Voyage Leaders (VL) responsibility to give the approval for operations to commence. The VL will formally approve commencement of operations using a 5-step protocol.
Immediately prior to approving the commencement of operations, the VL will hold a meeting with the following staff:
1. Spt assets leads (for Casey refuelling this is the RS and Watercraft Coordinator)
2. Station Leader, and
3. Master
The GO-NO GO meeting will occur tonight at 1700 h and will start with a weather update from the BOM. The team will then discuss if the weather for the next 48h is suitable. If the weather is suitable the VL will ask all pers in attendance:
"Prior to me authorising the commencement of operations, confirm to me that all preparations are complete in accordance with relevant SOPs, there are no outstanding issues or tasks which need to be complete. In addition, confirm all expeditioners have been briefed on their roles and responsibilities and are adequately rested and ready for tasking."
Once all pers agree to the above statement the VL may authorise commencement of operations pending weather. Having a period of rest between completing preparation and commencing refuelling ensures that all staff are adequately rested prior to rosters commencing. For that reason, refuelling will not commence before 0700 h tomorrow.
In other exciting news reciprocal visits with Casey occurred today with both Casey and Ship crews having a great time. Although visits were planned for the purpose of recreation it also facilitated the execution of OPERATION BARTER (Op BARTER). Op BARTER is the code name for the operation where various factions of both AIVIQ and Casey conduct underground deals to trade in rare and highly sought after commodities. Multiple intelligence feeds suggest it is highly probable that soft cheeses, hot sauce and various forms of chocolate are attracting the most interest. VM and Casey SL will continue to monitor.
For everyone back home reading this, we hope you have a wonderful NYE and NY and that your new gym membership goes well.
#NewYearNewMe #gymselfie
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.