If we want to know more about our own earth, scientists must work together to solve the puzzles that await them. The first step in this process onboard Nautilus is a meeting with all scientists included. During this time, permits are reviewed, maps are consulted, targets are chosen, back-up plans are made, and priorities are agreed upon.  

Then comes the actual dive.  Being on watch in the control van can be quite an experience.  As you already know from participating in our exploration from your home, there can be some lively discussions.  You will hear loud excited conversation, see hands pointing at the images on the screen, smiles, more exchanges of ideas, collaboration and ultimately compromise as to the next target or whether or not a sample should be taken. With biologists, geologists, geophysicists, geochemists and others sharing their ideas, it sometimes takes a while to make a decision about our next move.  

As the dive proceeds, I am especially impressed with the decision-making process that goes into determining where to survey and what samples to take during a dive.  Before taking any samples, a visual examination through the eyes of Hercules is done.  The excitement builds in the control van as they examine the specimen in front of them. Others not in the van may be called for their opinions and soon the room is filled with scientists. If it is unique, exotic, and will help the scientists get a better picture of life in this ecosystem, they may take a sample. 

Sometimes discoveries are made that were not in the plan book.  For example, off the coast of Israel our permit does not include taking archaeological artifacts, but when we came across a unique ceramic jar with coral attached to it that looked like it would serve as a great baseline for coral dating, we decided it would be worth trying to retrieve. The Israeli Antiquities Authority was contacted and not only gave their permission, but requested that we retrieve it for their use, as well. No one was left out of the decision process.