Machinist Technician Second Class Jeramiah Mason stands beside various hoses and steering equipment Tuesday, December 15, that the Biscayne Bay's engineering crew recently maintained. Before the ice fully forms on the lakes, the Biscayne Bay crew checks all of the ship's equipment to ensure they function properly. Scrubbing down the interior of the ship, shattering ice on the deck, and performing delicate maintenance to operating systems are among tasks the crew of the Biscayne Bay is working at as ice begins to form on the lakes. The crew members are undergoing training techniques in damage control and maritime rescue, as well.

Executive Officer Matthew Saldivar says the crew is running through training exercises while they can before the ice forms and the Biscayne Bay will sail into winter action. The Biscayne Bay crew has completed about 78% of its training and hopes to be completely done by December 31.

The icebreaker's engineering crew is also at work, checking equipment and getting ready for winter. Checking and replacing hoses are just some of the tasks the engineering section has been up to, said Machinist Technician Second Class Jeramiah Mason. Oil heaters must be maintained continuously, he said, as the ship's rudder is powered hydraulically and needs warm oil to function properly.

A "bubbler" device on the ship's hull helps it glide through the ice the with less resistance . Jets of water are emitted from the bottom of the boat, stirring the water around the ship and preventing the formation of ice. The bubbler

also aids the icebreaker in shattering ice by enhancing the ship's movement.

Some of the machinery on the Biscayne Bay has to be removed, dismantled, and thoroughly cleaned. Sensors are also cleaned and calibrated.

Standard safety equipment is checked each month. Fire extinguishers are examined, and fire hoses are stripped down so individual parts and be inspected and replaced as necessary.

As training runs are conducted, machinery maintained, and safety devices are examined, basic housekeeping in and around the ship is performed.

Seaman James Fiacone said crew members are giving the ship's interior a thorough scrubbing and keeping the pier clear of snow and ice. Although the ship is cleaned daily, the lull before the formation of the ice gives the crew a chance to perform a more detailed cleaning they will not have time to do during the later months of winter.

Shattering ice formed on the deck of the ship is also important. While the crew is removing ice every few days, as winter intensifies, the crew will likely smash the ice that has formed on the deck several times a day, he said.