Neat Stuff November 29, 2003

November 29, 2003

After Dr. Cary made final rounds to ensure that all scientific crew were aboard Atlantis, the gangway was removed. The gangway acts as a bridge from the ship's deck to the dock while the ship is in port. The gangway is stored on the ship.

Check out these photos, which have been transmitted to the University of Delaware
from the R/V Atlantis.

Jay counts his pesos before we depart for Mexico City (Houston-IAH Airport).

Mexico, here we come! I look forward to practicing my Spanish.

We've arrived in Mexico City. There's still one flight left to Manzanillo. We missed the scheduled connection, so we had dinner in the airport while waiting for the next one.

Getting ready to deport. Men stand by to untie us, while scientists say goodbye to friends in Manzanillo.

Raul and Jim haul in the line. It's time to go!

Leaving Manzanillo behind.

We're under way!

The crew members still have work to do as we leave port. Shown here, left to right, are Ed ("Catfish"), Jose, and Wayne.

Don and Kay get a good view of the ship's course.

We watch a safety video to kick off our day of orientation.

Captain Chiljean gives a debriefing.

We all muster in the main lab during drills.

Rick shows us how to use some of the safety equipment.

Knowing how to use the ship's safety equipment is critical, especially when living and working so far from shore.

Here's a demonstration of the fire extinguisher. Rick is a great instructor!

We all get fitted for an Emergency Breathing Apparatus (EAB). Here I take my turn, while Dr. Cary looks on! These masks are used in case of emergency in the Alvin. They have airtight seals around the face and pump pure O2.

Watch as this scientist puts on her evacuation suit.