AMT Blog

So here is the first of a series of pieces to try to outline and explain how we got here and what we are doing out here. I am Malcolm Woodward, nutrient chemist of too many years and the logistics co-ordinator for the scientists on the AMT cruises.

The organising of an international research cruise has become over the years a long complicated business, with the biggest increase in the required paperwork, and of course the paperwork, oh yes and then more paperwork. But in amongst all that we must not lose sight of the most important thing, the science. With getting equipment prepared, long lists are required to ensure just about every conceivable spare and consumable is purchased well within time (some filters from a well known UK company did not arrive in time despite being ordered in June this year and promises that they “would be here soon sir”).

So you get around these things by begging and borrowing off colleagues until finally the equipment is packed up and the chemicals boxed, according to the IMDG code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods code). If you thought ‘War and Peace’ long then get your nose into these mighty volumes if you have trouble sleeping… zzzzzzzzz.