Current position of the SSV Corwith Cramer. Click on the vessel to view position history. Use the tools, top right, to change the map style or view data layers. Dates and times use GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).

SEA Currents: SSV Corwith Cramer

Jeff Wescott, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Sea Education Association

Student gear slowly collecting in the ship’s wet lab

Today begins the sea component for the class, crew, and faculty of Global Oceans New Zealand S-264. One advantage of an early ship arrival for a faculty member is the opportunity to see the incredible work of the oncoming and off-going crews in preparing the ship for the next voyage. I have been here on the ship for three days, constantly impressed by the collective knowledge and skill exhibited in every dimension of ship maintenance.

My own technical nautical expertise almost extends to replacing the coffee filter in the salon. Almost. With the arrival of students to the ship on this aggressively cloudy Wednesday afternoon, orientation and safety training will begin. Tomorrow brings an excursion to the Auckland War Museum, and Friday a welcome ceremony for the class by a prominent iwi (Maori tribe) in their Auckland area marae, or meeting house. This marks the first visit to Aotearoa New Zealand for every one of our 22 students.

Exploring this extraordinary country by sea is a rare opportunity, and I’m glad to be along for the ride. My fellow professors and I have spent the last few days arranging for whales to breach, dolphin pods to encircle the ship, and penguins to do whatever it is penguins do—all during our travels. We’ve arranged everything.

Please don’t tell the students.

- Jeff