U.S. GLOBEC Georges Bank
1996 Drifter Buoy Procedures

1. When deploying a drifter be sure to record the time GMT, date, ID number (located on each drifter buoy) and GPS position.
2. The 6 drifter deployment positions for the February, 1996 Endeavor cruise are:
   • Stn 12 41 24.40' N 67 32.50' W - Surface drifter only.
   • Stn 26 424 .00' N 66 26.00' W - Note: both a surface and deep drifter are deployed here. Deploy the deep drifter immediately after deploying the surface drifter. Use deep drifter ID # 23777 here.
   • Stn 30 4155.00' N 6714.00' W - Surface drifter only.
   • Stn 33 4149.80' N 68 0.00' W - Surface drifter only.
   • Stn 36 4124.00' N 68 18.00' W - Surface drifter only.
   • Stn 38 4129.40' N 6857.00' W - Note: both a surface and deep drifter are deployed here. Deploy the deep drifter immediately after deploying the surface drifter. Use deep drifter ID # 23778 here.

   For a figure showing the drifter deployment locations click here.
3. To deploy the drifters
   1. Take the drifter out of the cardboard box and/or shrink wrap.
      

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   2. REMOVE the rectangular activation MAGNET ON THE SURFACE BUOY. during the first day of the cruise. You can do this to all buoys on leaving port.
   
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   3. Slow the ship down to about 2 k (you want a little headway), let the bridge know what you are doing. Go to the stern quarter downwind.

   4. Prior to deploying each drifter REMOVE any plastic cable ties (or light line) from the wire rope tether.
   5. Lay out the drifter buoy, tether, drogue on deck with no tangles, lower the drogue into the water, followed by the wire rope, subsurface float, and surface float.

   6. Record the time (GMT), date, position, and drifter ID number written on the surface buoy.
   7. Please save the magnets for Dick Limeburner.
   8. If you are pressed for time you can deploy the drifters as close as possible to the positions given above (within 10 km is ok).
   9. If you have one or 2 drifters left over at the end of the cruise (for whatever reason) please deploy them either in a
      1. Biological hot spot.
      2. Near 41 36.0' N 68 12.0' W (GSC) while steaming home.
      3. Inside the 60 m contour anywhere over the Bank.

Thanks a lot for the help. I really appreciate your deploying the drifters. Dick Limeburner

Prepared February 14, 1996 by: