Davits, plumb-bobs, and sailing

Just a few additions to yesterday's post...Below is a video of me on the launch, learning how to hook the davit up. The davit is a cradle that the launches sit in securely while not in use. It is amazing how quickly we are able to deploy the launches. If done properly (and weather permitting), it takes no more than 5 minutes to get  a launch into the water. This is one of the things we learned on Friday while running drills. This was especially useful to me since I am on the survey team and we will be going out on the launch on a regular basis.

QUESTIONS:
Another question was posed regarding my post from yesterday: "Could you describe the tools and how are they used while measuring the antennas?"

The tools we used to measure the antennas include: measuring sticks, a plumb-bob (a weight suspended by a string), a laser to get accurate distance readings, vertical and horizontal levels, and enough people to get all the measurements.

We had to take several different measurements to find the exact distance from each antenna to a benchmark on the top of the launch, as well as the distance between each antenna. The way this is measured is by placing a measuring stick on the center of the antenna and another on the center of the benchmark; extend the plumb-bob from one measuring stick to the other, making sure both verticals and horizontals are level and shooting the laser to find the distance. We took three measurements for each set to confirm accuracy of our measurements.

We then input this data into a spreadsheet to confirm our measurements to the IMUs measurements. The margin of error is calculated and compared.


Getting Underway:
After a few weeks at port in Seattle, we are set to sail this evening. Our course will be from Seattle to Ketchican, Alaska. This voyage should take a little more than two days.
I was moved into a larger stateroom last night in anticipation of an additional crew member. So, I have been moving everything in, making sure all is secure for the voyage.