Mission Journal 2a -John Camperman: Mission Day 2: Friday, April 25, 2003

Breakfast followed by more diving around the habitat with Lew. I thought I had most of the piping and pluming figured out yesterday, but that was before I tried to connect the dots inboard. Now I have more surveying to do while brushing curious fish away, and chasing fish now and then that make me curious. After a brief warm up inside we splash again, this time in scuba, under the leadership of staff divers from above who lead us 700 yards northeast along a high pressure air and communication line that feeds a gas tank charging station. We pass it for a sight seeing bounce to 90 fsw down the Conch Reef northeast wall, then return to charge. It is reassuring to see the pressure gauge up to 2400 psi as we start our return trek. A free ascent forced by lack of air that would normally be routine, would pierce the invisible ceiling above saturation that has formed an overhead diving scenario. Proven procedures and a well trained and dedicated crew above, armed with a fast boat to transport a stricken aquanaut to the shore base chamber only nine miles distant, would likely minimize serious injury, but I don't want to trouble them today.

Switching over to hookah diving back at Aquarius, Lew and I continue getting familiar with the engineering side of Aquarius and the marine life that surrounds it. More showers, hot food, and then another night dive before tales are told and lights are out on Day 2.