You are here: Home › Stressors › Resource & Land Use › Puerto Rico / Vieques Cruise 2007 Mission Web Page › Day 8
DAY 8 – MAY 4
The nature of our research allows us to explore amazing habitats and encounter unique marine life. However, it also exposes us to a number of hazards both in and out of the water.
Prior to diving operations, the small boats are loaded with SCUBA gear and sampling equipment. Much of this equipment is heavy and awkward and often necessitates a group effort to load. The small boats are then launched from the Nancy Foster by using a crane. It requires no less than five crew members to man the lines and operate the crane. It also requires a high level of communication among crew members via radios, hand signals, and verbal commands.
In order to board the small boat once it is deployed, scientists must climb down a small ladder that is attached to the ship. When seas are choppy, this can be tricky.
Sometimes divers are deployed directly from the ship. Divers make a “giant stride” entry directly from the ship’s deck, dropping to the water nearly six feet below.
After a day of diving, it is necessary to re-fill the SCUBA cylinders with compressed gas for the next day. A special diving compressor is used for this. The greatest risk of cylinder explosion occurs at filling time. While filling cylinders, care must be taken to monitor the pressure of the gas in addition to its oxygen content at all times.
UNDERWATER HAZARDS
A number of creatures encountered while diving can pose a threat if caution is not exercised. The following photos were taken by our divers during sampling efforts. The animals were in no way molested or provoked. Some are just naturally curious and approach of their own accord.
Great Barracuda
The barracuda has a bad reputation due to its menacing countenance and its habit of approaching and following divers. There are very few reports of unprovoked attacks and these fish normally move away if they are approached closely.
Southern Stingray
Hazards associated with stingrays have recently come to light as a result of the death of celebrity Steve Irwin. Most rays lie motionless on the seafloor and appear unconcerned unless closely approached or molested. Many species have one or more venomous spines at the base of the tail which can penetrate wetsuits and flesh. The venom is a powerful nerve toxin that can affect the heart in a number of ways, some dangerous.
Long-spined Sea Urchin
The spines of this urchin can easily puncture the skin and break off in the flesh causing a painful wound. Fortunately, embedded spines dissolve within a few days.
Fire Coral
Contact with bare skin produces an intense stinging sensation in addition to welts, redness or rash. Typically the sting is short-lived.