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Day 5 – Tuesday, May 1
ABOUT THE Nancy Foster
NOAA Ship Nancy Foster was originally built for the U. S. Navy as a yard torpedo test craft. The vessel is 187 ft long, with a 40 ft beam, and 10 ft draft. In 2001, the ship was transferred to NOAA and converted to conduct marine research along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States and the Caribbean. The ship was commissioned in 2003 and is named for Dr. Nancy Foster in tribute to her outstanding contributions in advancing NOAA’s mission. The vessel is capable of remaining at sea for 14 days before returning to port to refuel. Nancy Foster homeports in Charleston, South Carolina.
Check out RV Nancy Foster.
LIFE AT SEA
In addition to withstanding the rolling of the ship, inclement weather, equipment malfunctions, and other typical incidents at sea, spending 10 days on a research cruise requires patience, flexibility, and consideration for others. Scientists have to remember and respect that Nancy Foster is home for the crew. Imagine being inundated with 14 crazy relatives all coming to stay at your house for a couple of weeks!
Scientists bunk in staterooms consisting of two sets of bunk beds (racks), a sink, and four lockers. A typical stateroom on Nancy Foster berths four scientists comfortably.
Everyone eats together in the mess hall during established
meal times.
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For entertainment, there is a “theater” with
a library of over 600 movies, a small area with board games and
books, and a small workout room with some exercise equipment and
free weights.
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