Cleaning A Research Vessel At Sea

Here's a side of ocean research - and our research vessel - that you don't see every day.
Marine organisms like bacteria, algae, barnacles, and worms are constantly trying to colonize hard submerged surfaces--like ships. When this marine life builds up on a ship, it's called biofouling. And it happens even faster in warm waters. During our expedition in the Gulf of Oman, our crew had to tackle some buildup that was interfering with the scientific and mapping sensors on the ship's hull, so that we could get back to doing science.
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[@meanmetalmike666]

Ocean X should attempt to find the giant squid in the Pacific ik we have evidence of Giant Squids in the Gulf of Mexico and the East Coast

[@mickkinse]

Wow I can't believe a research vessel would do such an operation! Hull cleaning like that with no collection is how you spread invasive species and is illegal in most parts of the world! Also on such a large commercial vessel diving on standard scuba gear with no comms is dangerous and irresponsible. Very poor!

[@OceanX]

You bring up good points.
We always clean the gondola before we leave an area, for the reasons you mention.
Our dives follow very strict standard operating procedures that include extensive risk assessment, buddy systems, bottom times, and emergency protocols. The dive is planned well in advance, and the dive leader coordinates with the bridge team and the engine room so that the power for systems like thrusters, propellers, water intake, etc. is shut down and locked.
The gear configuration required for an underwater comms system would add more complications than benefits in our particular use case. The divers stay together as one team or work in pairs, always close enough for visual communication. There’s a crew member stationed at the side boarding platform where the divers are working. If necessary the dive team can pop up to communicate with the deckhand, who is also in contact with the bridge.
Hope that helps give a little more insight into the process!