R/V Mirai is operated on behalf of Japanese Marine Science and Technology Centre (JAMSTEC), but Global Ocean Development Inc. Officers and crew, including the Ice Pilot, are employed by G.O.D Inc, while science personnel and most technicians may be employees of JAMSTEC, Marine Works Japan (MWJ) or other worldwide research organizations.

Ice conditions remain good for R/V Mirai off the Mackenzie River. Using IceNav Shipboard Ice Navigation System displaying radarsat and various other satellite images along with ice charts, we are able to plan routing and tracks to avoid heavier concentrations. Skirting small concentrations of ice, open water conditions prevail, with occasional remnants of old ice.

The IceNav Shipboard Ice Navigation System allows viewing of accurately geo-referenced imagery and charts to assist in navigational planning decisions in ice-covered waters. Realtime GPS and gyro inputs allowing track recording as well as accurate point to point reference. An experienced navigator can accurately plan, execute and monitor complex passage plans taking into consideration all navigational and ice hazards.

The Research Vessel Sedna IV is transiting the NW passage West to East, filming a 5 hour natural history documentary series on the Arctic. Film crews from Sedna visited Mirai and interviewed science and ship's personnel on the Mirai's mission.

Capt. David Snider, Ice Pilot, R/V Mirai
Dr. Eddy Carmack, Chair Canadian JWACS Steering Committee
Geoff Green, Expedition Leader Sedna IV

The 5 hr series on the Arctic will be broadcast on The Nature of Things, October 2003