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After the actual recovery of the mooring buoy and then the sensor frame, the long job of recovering the 4km of rope began and didn't finish until late in the evening. It was not until 22:30 that three PELAGRA buoys could be deployed on a trial mission.

After the PELAGRA launches were completed the SAPS (Submersible Autonomous Pump Systems) were…

Today has been full of events. The CTD this morning, and then the recovery of the PAP mooring.

The ship manoeuvred carefully as there was still a big swell, but eventually the buoy was in position and was connected to the winch to be lifted on board. The buoy has a sensor frame suspended 30m below it on chain, this was carefully brought aboard…

We were all disappointed that the weather did not allow the recovery or the CTD to go ahead yesterday, but today the weather is definitely improving and the first CTD which will go to 4,000m was put in the water just after 6am.

It will take some hours for it to be lowered into position and then the releases we will be using on moorings later will be…

We had lifeboat drill yesterday afternoon, and as a newbie I paid particular attention. I made my way to the muster station through one of the water tight doors, as I would should some emergency require it.

RRS James Cook is a lovely ship and I have confidence in her crew, but it is good to know that the skills and equipment are readily…

Cruise JC071 has really started for the RRS James Cook; the pilot has just left the ship, close to three hours since we left Berth S at Avonmouth Docks.

As the weather forecast is for rough weather the 21 scientists and technicians led by Richard Lampitt, spent this morning ensuring all the equipment and boxes brought onto the ship in the…

Today is a day for final preparations and practice procedures while the PSO finalises the work plans to ensure the various groups of scientists and technicians will get the samples they need at the times they need them.

The principal task for the cruise is to recover the suite of moorings deployed a year ago at PAP, and then redeploy new moorings,…