Being aboard one of the world's largest research vessels, was an opportunity every scientist relished. The captain and Chief Scientist gave a very thorough tour of the ship as the scientists began boarding for their initiation and before departure briefings. Although Stef had been on other research vessels and knew what to expect, this R/V was much larger, and it was equipped using the best planned array of laboratory stations and data gathering equipment.
The tour of the R/V lead by the Chief Scientist excited Stef who took mental notes of all of the newly designed features which would be used in this important expedition. Seeing all of the operations systems onboard was time consuming and covered everything from the lower sleeping quarters and mechanical rooms, up flights of ladders to elaborate labs, kitchens, a small hospital, staging bays, communications, filtering systems. Many flights up, (guessing maybe seven or eight, levels were staggered), the scientists were welcomed into the bridge for an impressive view. And then, they were shown the high mast above all that, holding an elaborate array of wind-measuring instruments, navigation antennas and radar, and search lights.
The Chief Scientist was middle-aged but very fit and stood tall and kept a very solemn, restrained, "in command" demeanor. Professionalism was a high priority. Clearly the years of training and experience had led to a hard- fought rise to this coveted position. "Chief" made certain all knew that the promotion to this position was well-deserved and not in any way based on any type of affirmative action. Being addressed by the title "Chief" rather than a name, made Stef feel that this was a scientist who preferred to maintain a distance from the less notable scientists onboard. Preference noted. Stef could work under these conditions just fine.
"Chief" insisted that the steps aboard the R/V be referred to as "ladders", a nod to earlier ships, which had actual vertical ladders. Most modern ships have stairs with varying angles and true ladders for confined spaces, but onboard Navy ships and this research vessel, all angles of stairways were to be called ladders.
Stef found it interesting about the origins of sailing terms. The toilet of early ships was a mere hole at the "head" of the ship, at the ship's bow. Now all toilets aboard a ship are called the "Head". Using one's "head" had an entirely different meaning aboard a ship.
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