Location: Antigua
We kicked off the day with joint marine biology and oceanography class, where we learned about different types of plankton, then did a plankton tow from the dinghy and observed them under a microscope, which was pretty sweet. We also learned how to use more of the equipment on board and determine nutrient levels in the water, in addition to using the techniques we already knew for salinity and pH. After class, those of us who are getting rescue diver certified had a busy rest of the day. We geared up and got in the water and practiced searching for a lost diver underwater. Then we had a quick lunch and got back to it. We practiced saving non-breathing, non-responsive divers, which entailed towing them 100 yards back to the boat, giving rescue breaths every 5 seconds, and then deciding what method to use in order to get them up onto the boat. The latter proved the most difficult in both physical strain and mental and after we all successfully completed it, we were ready for some downtime before dinner. Those of us who weren’t participating in the rescue course enjoyed some study time and also learned how to drive Exy (our dinghy) and how to splice lines with Nick. To finish up the day, we have an SLS class on the beach and, for at least myself, an early bedtime after such an active day.