Locked and Loaded!

Preparing for PMDP’s second marine debris removal mission of 2022!

September 14th, 2022

In less than 24 hours, the PMDP crew will be departing Honolulu to Papahānaumokuākea for the second segment of the 2022 marine debris season. Today is loading day- our opportunity to transport all essential equipment and gear to the ship for the upcoming cruise. The crew managed to mobilize 14 pallet tubs, four boats, and seven truck-loads of action packers and yellow top bins to our floating home, the 185-foot M/V Imua.

A little over a month has passed since our first cruise, and weʻve been in preparation mode ever since. A lot of organzing, planning, and prepping of material and gear was dialed in to ensure we have the appropiate amount of supplies for 30 days at sea, including spare parts and tools just in case something gets damaged and needs to be replaced. We are the mechanics, the nurses, the cleaners, the IT specialist, and the ʻMacgyverʻ to all problems that may arise. Papahānaumokuākea is roughly 2,000 km away from the main Hawaiian islands, transit time estimated at four to five days, and emergency help at least two days away. Therefore, preparation is vital to this operation.

 Loading is completed by the collaborative efforts of the Imua and PMDP crew. It follows a series of craning evolutions from dock, to mediating ship, then to the Imua – a three-move sequence using three different cranes. Loose items such as action packers and yellow lid containers are hand caried between crane operations. Equipment and gear was organzied in the custom office container. Dive gear was stationed, PFD and hard hats hung in their respective spots.

With every load the feelings of anticipation and excitement for our departure grew. Memories of the previous cruise visited me throughout the day - drifitng back to the vast and deep Moananuiākea, the sweat and laughs we shared as a team, body aches, early morning shuffles to prepare the boats, beautiful sunsets, shooting stars, and everything in between. I’m looking forward to the work ahead, and new memories to be made.

After the last item was craned onto the ship, we gathered to discuss our departure time and share last minute reminders. And that’s a wrap, the next time we are all on this ship, we will be sailing.

Meet the Author

Namele Naipo-Arsiga