Underway Geophysics Lab Technician SOP

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Last updated: Jan 08, 2022 by Former user (Deleted)
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Standard Operating Procedure - Underway Geophysics Lab

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The Underway Lab technician shares his/her duties between the Core Lab and the Underway lab. This SOP only addresses the Underway Lab duties per se. For details on the Core Lab duties, refer to the Core Lab SOP.

I. PRE EXPEDITION

  • See General JRSO Shipboard Technical Staff SOP

II. PORT CALL - Start of an Expedition

  • Clean-up Winfrog PC's old files and directories if not already done, check free space.

  • Set up new Expedition directories.

  • Check Winfrog set-up: configure devices, create a waypoint file, survey lines and set up the first Event file. Record data to verify proper operation. Reboot Winfrog PCs to verify proper operation and passwords.

  • Start the JR Data Server on one of the WinFrog computers to ensure proper connection and enter waypoints when known.

  • Start JR Nav and Google Earth

  • Ensure the Sensor Status on the Bathy 2010 is on "Sensor Idle". If not, troubleshoot the problem.

  • Check with EPM/Staff Scientist or Operations Superintendent for clearances before deployment of Magnetometer.

III. SITE PREPARATION - Prior to arrival on site and core on deck

  • Assist in preparing the core lab according to the Core Lab SOP


Most of the Underway technician's work is accomplished during transit. The following is a list of actions that are accomplished at the start of a transit and during a transit.

Start of Transit

  • Start event collection on WinFrog.

  • Start pinging and recording data with the Bathy 2010 echo sounder.

  • Open the WinFrog computer screens via a remote desktop on the LO Office Large Display. Use the display to monitor the data acquisition throughout the transit. Coordinate with the LO/ALOs on how to monitor the data and make any adjustments to the settings.

  • Deploy the magnetometer as instructed by the Lab Officer and permitted by the Bridge.

During Transit

  • Keep track of the transit mileage.

  • Recover the magnetometer when instructed by the Lab Officer either because the vessel will be coming on site or it has been requested by the Bridge.

IV. DURING CORING OPERATIONS

The following is a list of actions that are accomplished when approaching the site and once on site (no survey). See the last section of this document for a description of the actions that are accomplished on a seismic site survey.

  • Keep track of the expected arrival time and ensure that all systems are running properly prior to arriving on site.

  • When the ship is positioned over the site, get an accurate PDR depth corrected with the Matthew's tables. Use the Depth Correction spreadsheet to calculate the depth and provide a report to the Operations Manager.

  • Open the Sitefix application on the LO Large Display computer and set up the hole number ready for use. Start recording data once the ship is in the hole.

  • End of Hole: Obtain a hole position using Sitefix at the end of each hole and check the results by comparing them to the Dynamic Positioning data. Give results to the Operations Manager and Staff Scientist. The WinFrog Position Averaging Utility can be used as a back-up to Sitefix if for some reason it is not available.

  • End of Site: Enter the Winfrog waypoints for next transit and start a new event collection file for the transit.


For more details, see the Underway Geophysics Lab Procedures User Guides.

LAB MAINTENANCE

  • Keep the lab clean. Take trash to the appropriate containers when needed.

  • When changes in equipment configurations or procedures happen, update the User Guides.

  • Maintain current copies of relevant user guides in the notebook in the LO Office.

  • Perform a physical count on the air gun parts at least once an expedition.

V. DURING TRANSITS

  • See above Site Preparation

  • Continue processing cores through the lab

VI. DURING EXPEDITION

  • Receive core and assist as needed in the core lab (i.e. splitting, restocking, boxing core, disposing of trash, and general cleaning and maintenance of core lab). Remember, the core lab is your primary duty and Underway duties must come secondary to that unless arrangements are made with the Lab Officer to meet special objectives. For details on Core lab responsibilities refer to the Core lab SOP.

  • Continue processing cores through the lab Maintain inventory by performing physical counts. Notify the ALOs if any quantity discrepancy or unusual high usage occurred.

  • Follow the guidelines for the storeroom inventory check-in, check-out system

VII. END OF EXPEDITION ACTIVITIES

  • Write the end-of-Expedition lab report; give a copy to the LO

  • Make sure all data are sent to DATA1 before the MCSs cut off database access. All non-essential data should be erased from the hard disks of all the computers.

  • Pack up equipment being returned for repairs and give the ALO the following information: IODP inventory number, value, weight, serial number, model number, vendor's name and country of manufacture.

  • Give the LO a list for port purchases if any.

  • Clean the lab and assigned area following the cleaning instruction listed below.

  1.  

    1. Bring all the trash to the incinerator.

    2. Vacuum all the shelves and wash thoroughly shelves and cabinets.

    3. Clean the desk and the stereo system.

    4. Clean all monitors, keyboards AND mouse pads.

    5. Clean the lights and vents.

    6. Vacuum the chair seats and wash their feet.

    7. Vacuum and scrub the floor.

LAST DAY

  • Quit Winfrog event logging.

  • Copy WinFrog navigation files and survey data on to the Data Server (DATA1) to be backed up at the end of the cruise.

VIII. PORT CALL – Off Going

  • See General JRSO Shipboard Technical Staff SOP