Welcome aboard!

We got to our home for the next 10 days around 10 pm last night: the Deep Submergence Support Vessel (DSSV) Pressure Drop

I’ve got very nice digs on the main deck, handy to the galley and lounge and one level below our expedition operations area. 

I even get a mint in my pillow every evening!

The full expedition team met for the first time just before supper. Victor (at right below) talked us through the sequence of dives we’ll make in the Eastern pool of the Challenger Deep during our voyage. 

I get to go first. Second to dive will be Vanessa O’Brien, a mountaineer who’s completed the Explorer’s Grand Slam (7 Summits + both poles, as has Victor). Third will be John Rost (dark shirt), who has also completed the Seven Summits. Very interesting company, to say the least!