Thursday, March 25, 2004
Yesterday I was the lucky scientist to dive in Alvin. I emphasize scientist in the singular because yesterday's dive was a PIT (Pilot-In-Training) dive in which only a single observer travels to the sea floor with the regular pilot (Tony Tarantino) and a trainee (Noel Masias). These are the hands-on training sessions that come up once in every five dives and are divided amongst the current group of PITs.

The dive started with Noel handling the launch procedure. There is a long list of pre-dive checks and additional long list of safety and communications checks before allowing the sub to begin descending. With Tony watching and advising, Noel worked through the steps and the actual "dive" began. I've gone on several PIT dives over the years and I've always enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the submersible and the operating procedures. I sat back and listened to the give-and-take as Tony quizzed Noel about "landing" the sub and went through several "what if" scenarios as the interior monitors were checked.

At last we reached the bottom. Noel managed the approach and trimmed the sub to neutral. He then drove us to the first sampling site. At this point, Tony resumed command, as delicate positioning of the sub was needed and the sampling that was done needed practiced hands at the controls. All the while however, Tony kept up a running description of what/why/how he was doing with each sample collection. We occupied three sampling stations on the day; one low temperature and two high temperature vent sites. Noel drove between sites but Tony handled the maneuvering and sampling in the "tight" quarters of the high temperature vents. Noel saw a good demonstration of the communication necessary between pilot and scientist as Tony asked me questions throughout the dive that kept him ahead of the game so that sampling setups were efficient.

After completing the third station, we had time, and a little power, for Noel to do more driving off-axis in search of some lost equipment seen earlier in the year (nearby) in camera tows. We reached the target area with the last of our power but couldn't quickly find the item so Noel dropped weights and began our ascent. This is normally a time of easing back a bit after the energy intensive bottom work, but Tony kept the training going by asking questions and providing opportunities for Noel to ask questions. I know these training dives are stressful for the PITs but the time they get in the sub during actual dives is limited, so as much as possible is crammed in.

I was happy to sit quietly and listen, always interested in learning more about the vehicle (and it's operators) that we rely so heavily on. It was a good dive.
—Eric