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Checking In

Able-bodied seaman Raul Martinez and SSSG technician Allison Heater prepare the human-occupied vehicle Alvin for a dive during its Science Verification Cruise in March 2014. After communicating with the sub’s pilot through a sound-powered phone plugged into the sealed personnel sphere, the divers will enter the water to remove the two safety lines that help support the sample basket when Alvin is out of the water. The sub’s support ship, R/V Atlantis, stands a safe distance away after launching Alvin in the water. The sub recently resumed science missions after an extensive upgrade, and is celebrating 50 years of service in June 2014.(Photo by Chris Linder, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)