What is Shakedown?
Before officially beginning our exploration season, you’ll hear us at Ocean Exploration Trust refer to something called “shakedown.” But what is shakedown, and what exactly do we do?
Shakedown is a pre-season period during which we test all the technology and equipment on E/V Nautilus to prepare it for the fieldwork ahead. The ship will sail from Honolulu on a short expedition, during which we will test our mapping sonars, ROVs, and telepresence systems to make sure everything is ready to go. Our maritime crew, ROV operations, mapping, video systems, and data teams work together to confirm that all systems are ready for the season.
This year’s shakedown will focus on custom scripts/code software integration and testing data streams, data logging, and Nautilus file server outputs required for operations and outputs. Although we broadcast most of the year, during shakedown, we take the live streams down, so we can conduct important maintenance and upgrades. Shakedown is the time we use to make sure all of our equipment is ready for field operations; think about it like a dress rehearsal for the expedition season!
Mapping and Navigation Technology
E/V Nautilus has multiple mapping sonars, each of which will be tested during Shakedown: EM302 multibeam echosounder, Knudsen 3260 sub-bottom profiler, and Kongsberg Simrad EC150-3C. Our mapping team will test, survey, review, and calibrate data and evaluate these instruments’ performance at various depths. This includes working test data through associated software, including Hypack, Qimera, Fledermaus, FMMidwater, FMGT, and ArcGIS software. New for 2024, OET will integrate QPS Qinsy software to support mapping and ROV navigation operations. We want these systems ready for functionality, recording, and synchronization before the season begins.
ROV Operations
The ROV team will perform multiple test dives to ensure the vehicles are ready for a season of exploration after system maintenance and upgrades in the five months since the conclusion of the 2023 expedition season. This starts, of course, with our dual-body system of ROV Hercules and ROV Atalanta. During test dives, the team works through mechanical, electrical, sensor, and software checks. Dives also give a chance to work on ROV-integrated sensors and tools like sonars and the widefield camera array. As part of this rigorous testing, our team will ensure the control van’s topside interfaces and data storage systems are all in working order.
Other tasks the Nautilus Corps of Exploration will complete during Shakedown include;
- Testing the OET Science Portal for Scientists Ashore around the world,
- Testing the shipboard broadcast studio for the live ship-to-shore interaction program,
- Organizing and setting up the Wet Lab ahead of science sampling on expeditions,
- Confirming working data storage with the Inner Space Center, and
- Updating onboard imagery.
After our week-long Shakedown, we’ll launch our expedition season and set sail for seven months of exploration on May 25, 2024. Join us at NautilusLive.org through the exploration season as we livestream from the deep sea!
