Nautilus Video Internship 2024: The Experience
NOTE: This is part of a series of two posts. Visit both to get the whole picture!
THIS POST: Overall Experience onboard as a first-time Video Engineer + Tips
Keep in mind this is a growing document! If you have more questions, feel free to contact me and ask! Maybe your question can help another person too!
WHAT DID I DO AS A VIDEO ENGINEER?
Onboard the E/V Nautilus, I served as a Video Systems Engineer intern under the direction of Dave Robertson and returner Jaina Galves during the 2024 NA165 expedition in American Samoa. I had the 12-4 watch, meaning I was working 12am-4am and 12pm-4pm ship time!
Essentially, a video engineer is responsible for maintaining and operating the camera systems onboard the vessel AND onboard the Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). This means that during ROV dives, I sat alongside our ROV pilots and Navigator in the front row of the vessel’s control van and controlled video systems in real time based on the needs of the operation. There are other tasks for non-ROV dive operations, but more on that later!
ROV DIVE TASKS:
At the video seat, you have control of pretty much everything video-related.
ROV CAMERAS:
The ROVs have big HD cameras which are our main lenses into the underwater world as we explore it. Parameters like focus, exposure, white balance, and zoom are all controlled by the video seat.
Camera movement is controlled by ROV pilots, so I like to think of operations as a little dance between the operations team members in the front row.
Controlling ROV Hercules and Towsled Atalanta during a dive. Shoutout to fellow video engineer and filmmaking badass, Jaina Galves, in the Outreach Van (bottom-right screen)
I LOVED working in a team during my shifts, and having an important role in more complex objectives like sampling (collecting biological samples, geological samples, or deploying special measurement equipment).
Much of that front row “dance” looks like zooming in on countless animals/interesting things upon request of our pilot, opening/closing the iris on the ROV Hercules camera intuitively when approaching/moving away from large items, and coordinating camera zooms with camera movements (by ROV copilot) with manipulator arm movements (by ROV pilot). It’s a whole tango, and eventually, you learn a little bit of telepathy ;)
LIVESTREAM FEED:
You also have eyes and ears on the live aspects of the E/V Nautilus operations on Nautilus Live! Yes, it’s a video internship, but you also learn how to manage intercom and audio systems that are not only essential to vessel/ROV operations but also for our audiences out in the world!
Everybody’s mic’d up! People watching Nautilus Live get to explore the deep with you and hear your excitement and curiousity. Best part is that they can join along for the ride.
What that means is you also have control over sending certain angles/footage out to the screens of these global audiences (one of my favorite tasks was customizing multiviewer screens) and also help around the control van when different science party members want specific views of things on their own monitors.
Secret Video Seat Cam!
Fun fact: there are MANY cameras all around the control van, even a sneaky camera hidden to the left of the video seat! It made for great dive-prep time-killing selfies 🫣
When it came to learning vessel-specific hardware stuff, it was definitely a little overwhelming at first. However, keeping an open mind and trusting yourself and your abilities is the ONLY way to navigate new and scary hardware/software.
Additionally, it was SO helpful talking with my fellow video engineer Jaina, who was an intern last year, about the equipment and the experience itself. Having someone who was literally in the same position as me not too long ago is SO helpful and grounding or those times when self-doubt went to make a guest appearance.
It also helps to have someone you look up to on your team. This way, it’s not only your supervisor (Lead Video Engineer) who teaches you new things, it’s also the other members who can share a wealth of knowledge on all the smaller tasks that might not make it to the initial orientation. I learned SO much from Jaina, and it was awesome seeing her thrive in a position I aspire to have one day!
OTHER MISCELLANEOUS TASKS:
Even when dives aren’t active, video engineers still have some tasks to do, so there’s always something new to learn.
There are pre and post-dive checklists that help keep operations ready to go.
Most of it involves formatting recording softwares and metadata codes so that all the tech is up-to-date with dive information, and starting a dive is as simple as pressing “record” on what you need (since there are MANY other tasks going on simultaneously during launches/recoveries to pay more attention to).
TIP: While the checklists might seem intimidating at first, the process becomes shockingly quick to understand after walking through a few times with a buddy.
Cleaning onboard and ROV cameras happens regularly, especially with a good salty spray of seawater every once in a while! Jaina brought me along to clean the cameras the first time, and it was a fun adventure to tour it all with her!
TIP: Glance at the vessel cams (especially Port/Starboard after recoveries) to see if they need some TLC once tasks are finished up on primary operations. That way they are ready to rumble by the next launch (but also check it out well before the next launch too)
One super fun thing I LOVED about my time on the Nautilus is the amount of exploring you get to do across roles on the vessel.
TIP: I HIGHLY recommend attending all the orientations on the first day you’re moved onto the ship. Things like the wet lab orientation and other walkthroughs of vessel operation areas will unlock these zones for you to participate in.
Not on shift at the video seat, but an ROV is coming up? Thanks to your wet lab orientation, maybe you can help process samples! Ask your deck crew and maybe you’ll get to help with launches/recoveries with your steel-toed boots on hand.
TIP: BRING STEEL-TOES SHOES even if you’re remotely interested in these tasks!!! You WILL regret not bringing shoes if it bars you from something you might want to gain skills in. I would seriously recommend steel/composite toe boots by sketchers - they are great work boots, inexpensive, but also look like and function as boots you can wear on the day-to-day without looking silly and unreasonably hardcore with your shoes.
One of my favorite random side-quests onboard the Nautilus was cutting open rock samples with our Lead Scientist Adam Soule. We all got silly rock-saw certificates during our end-of-cruise meeting.
Another fun moment was when our Atalanta Pilot, Rhye, invited me to draw a “drinking bird” on the side of a new instrument installed onto Hercules. SAGE (Sensor for Aqueous Gases in the Environment) measures dissolved gases at depth, and needs a fancy on-demand tube (drinking bird) to take precise samples and avoid bubble buildup.
This gave a general rundown of big tasks that interns are introduced to onboard, plus some other additional experiences.
Much/All of the learning for these tasks happens onboard, so all the preparation you need is an open mind and communication skills. Get ready for a lot of learning all at once, and give yourself grace when handling tools/softwares for the first time!
ASIDE FROM BEING A VIDEO ENGINEER… WHAT ELSE?
Below are some memories and other shenanigans that happened on board. Check these images for mini-stories in the captions that will shine bright in my mind.
GENERAL TIPS FOR LIFE ON BOARD:
PACKING LIGHT!
You’ll most likely be told you can only bring a carry-on and personal item on the way to port (meaning… NO CHECKING IN LUGGAGE) so pack smart and light!!!
Check out this blog which recommends my top bags in my bag setup for packing light.
Check out the actual packing list I used for this trip below! More details on packing logic below
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Base Clothes (use BASIC COLORS (black top/bottom paired with colored top/bottom, vice versa) to maximize mixing/matching:
TOPS: 3 tank tops, 2 shirts, 2 longsleeve shirts
BOTTOMS: 2 longer bottoms (one of which was zippered for short-short and capri length), 3 running shorts
Layers: 2 sweatshirts, rain shell jacket
Underwear: 5 underwear, 5 short socks, 3 bras (1 bralette, 2 sport)
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32oz Water Bottle
Extra Tote Bag
Tech: Laptop, iPad, iPhone, AirPods, Headphones, and Anker hub charger (3-cords USB-C) with PowerAdapter (EU to US)
Journal + Pencil Case
Games/Activities: Nintendo Switch, Friendship Bracelet Kit
Camera: Sony A7IV, 28-70mm, 70-350mm
Cinch bag for Laundry (compressible + traps odors)
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Shower/Refresh Kit
Wet brush, shampoo (optional, I have a special shampoo for my sensitive scalp, but they have stock shampoo/conditioner/bodywash on ship), loofa, satin cap, travel toothbrush, toothpaste, nailclippers, nail file, eyedrops, chapstick, vicks vapoinhaler, vaseline, carabiner on outside handle with 20+ hairties, body hair trimmer, facial hair trimmer, floss
Period Kit (I am a reusable disc user, but I bring disposable products for shipmmates!)
5 pads, 5 tampons, roll of small doggie bags
Medication (7-box pill container repurposed with labels)
Earplugs, Tums, Dramamine (chewable), Non-Drowsy Dramamine (chewable), Benedryl, Advil, Tylenol
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Instant Ramen (cup)
Gatorade/Liquid IV Powder
Skyflakes
Chocolate bars
Sprite
If you menstruate and use disposable products, I highly recommend also packing a couple of extra doggie bags to wrap your products after use.
The Nautilus has scented menstrual product disposal bags, but it’s always reassuring to have it in your kit just in case they are out, or if you’re feeling initially uncomfortable/self-conscious about the disposal process on a ship. I carry these baggies in my kit regardless
Consolidate all your toiletries into a single kit that can be hung easily with a handle/carabiner - reduces trips between cabin and shower, and falling items!
I recommend the Cotopaxi Nido Kit
In most shower setups on ships, hooks are your best friend - folks recommend HEROCLIP for anywhere hanging
handled/clipped kits reduce the amount of stuff that gets strewn about
especially reduce the chance of things falling on the floor as the floor can get VERY wet during rough seas and not drain fully before you start your shower.
Towels/Bedding on the ship already, do not pack these!
Buy cup noodles/fast-made foods in port - for late nights/early mornings when you just need an extra pick-me-up
Bring a team/group activity if you have extra space for it
I brought a friendship bracelet-making kit on my leg, and it was SO much fun to do with everyone.
Card games, the Nintendo Switch, etc.
Download music/shows/videos in advance
You can’t stream anything while on the vessel, even though there is WiFI
Also good to have for the travel to/from port if there’s a BIG distance to go!
REDUCE RUNS UP AND DOWN FROM DECK/CABIN!
Refill your water bottle EVERY time you go down to your cabin for the night. Especially if you are staying in the lowest level of the ship, nothing is worse than feeling parched and tired with the ship rocking around during transit legs
Have a small tote to carry essentials with you between the cabin and lounge area if you plan to hunker down and journal/work on your laptop, etc. In my tote I often had my journal, water bottle, laptop/iPad, chargers, a sweater, snacks
SEASICKNESS IS DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE!
Take a peek at my seasickness guide for tips (especially if it’ll be your first time at sea)
TLDR:
You’ll most likely experience at least SOME seasickness the first few days (most people do, no matter how experienced they are)
Sometimes SPECIFIC conditions make nausea worse - identify them for yourself and your body, and see if there are quick non-drug fixes that reverse it before taking lots of medication
taking retroactive doses before boarding/moving the first time is totally good if you’re feeling especially anxious about the sensation
On the topic of seasickness, if you have it BAD, consider getting chewable seasickness medication.
It’ll be helpful (and safer) for the times that you do forget to refill your water bottle, and you’re alone and deep in your cabin. Don’t try dry swallowing anything please :P Also great if you’re just feeling a bit lazy.
GOOD HABITS!
Keep showers brief! Common courtesy of vessel life - water is a resource to be shared, and is especially important if the ship is near/at population capacity!
DONT hunker down in your cabin 24/7 when not on shift! DO be open-minded and open to chat as much as possible. Being on time/early for a shift is a great practice, but an even better practice is taking time to be a human and mingle long before and after shifts happen! You’ll be surrounded by people, practically ALL the time.
Make friends! Talk with folks! Talk with crew! Everybody on board has such a wealth of experience and knowledge, and I seriously mean it when I say EVERYONE is worth speaking to.
If you’re more introverted/need some time alone, the monkey deck and upper decks are always great escapes. However, you must inform someone of your plans of solo-ing at night for safety reasons
MAXIMIZING FUN, AND YOUR POTENTIAL!
Seriously consider getting a personal extension for your return flight! Explore your port/surrounding areas with new friends! Many of which you’ll unexpectedly make on the voyage!
Participate in Ship-to-Shore interactions. It’s a great way to practice science communication and share your experiences with others. Who knows… maybe you’ll inspire the next video engineer intern of the future!?
Clean out your camera roll before you leave for your trip… seriously… You’ll need it for all the amazing pictures and memories you’ll capture out at sea or in port!
In addition to being a friendly face, don’t be afraid to talk about your passions/ambitions/other skills with folks on board! It might open up more opportunities for you than you think.
I’m super thankful to Derek, our Expedition Leader for NA165, for offering up space for the interns/early career people on board to talk about our journeys thus far. Check out my presentation from that night below!
This gave me a space to share more about my skillset and what I hope to offer up as services after school. This casual presentation ended up securing me some additional work with the guest scientists on board! I went from just doing video, to now illustrating for various projects including research paper graphics (view in presentation)!
Want to learn about the application process? Visit the next blog in this series, all about the application process and some of my tips!
