THE VOYAGE OF THE OZARK EXPLORER AND THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPEDITION LOGISTICS

Expedition logistics are an important yet easily overlooked element of the success or failure of field research. In providing students with field research experiences, it is important to engage them in all aspects of the research program, and this includes involving students in planning and execution of expedition logistics. An exceptional avenue for student training in expedition logistics is to involve them in research boating. Research boating under university control is an endeavor on which university risk management offices impose rigorous safety and training requirements. Students involved in research boating are required to acquire and demonstrate nautical knowledge and skills through successful completion of state and national boater safety courses. In addition, research boats are complex machines requiring on-going maintenance and monitoring of shipboard systems, as well as constant vigilance for safety concerns. This presentation focuses on the unique experiences of students involved in a field expedition requiring mobilization and successful deployment of R/V Ozark Traveler (a 6.9 m, 6,000 lb research vessel) from Fayetteville, Arkansas to Yellowstone National Park (an overland round trip voyage of approximately 4,500 km). Successful execution of the proposed research at Yellowstone National Park required close interaction among the mentor, students, and national park personnel. Results of this project are presented as a visual “log book” of R/V Ozark Traveler.