Capt Masaharu Akamine at the Dynamic Positioning (DP) Controls of R/V. The DP system computers coordinate outputs from two CP Propellers, two bowthrusters and one sternthruster to maintain Mirai's position in up to 45kt winds

Johanna Jenkins and Takashi Hagiwara draw water samples from the 36 Nisken bottle rosette. Depending on the particular site, up to 18 different analyses may be conducted on hundreds of water samples drawn from the bottles. Each bottle takes samples at different depths.

Heavy weather postpones science operations. NNE winds of 50kts and 7 metre seas curtail operations on 27 September

Deck operations remain on hold as R/V Mirai continues to heave to 30' NNE of Point Barrow AK. On 27 September winds held at 50kts from NNE with 7metre seas for 12 hours before moderating to NNE 40 and 6metre seas on the morning of the 28th.

First Officer Tokuru Kobayashi dressed for cold weather on deck. Recent daily temperature ranges have been between -1.5C to -5.5C

Ice Pilot Captain David Snider. Doppler weather radar radome in background.

R/V Mirai's Zodiac Hurricane 630 rigid hull inflatable boat is readied for launch. The RHIB has been used to aid in recovery of current moorings during JWACS 2004

CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier, a light icebreaker based in Victoria BC, is framed in the bridge window as she manoeuvres close to R/V Mirai as Captain Akamine looks on. The Laurier loaded scientific samples collected onboard Mirai by Canadian researchers for shipment to Canada.

CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier approaches R/V Mirai. The 6500kW powered icebreaker operates in the Western Arctic from July to October each year in support of Canada's varied Arctic program requirements.

CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier's Third Officer Barb Molyneux guides her workboat under a cargo sling alongside R/V Mirai (J. Jenkins Photo)