Operations rarely run perfectly smooth the first few days of an expedition. Equipment that has been sitting idle needs checked and debugged. New personnel are learning the ropes. Things run a bit slower as everyone gets a refresher on Standard Operating Procedures and safety protocols. For Okeanos Explorer expeditions, this goes for both ship and shore-side personnel. Though we'll keep our fingers and toes crossed, today seemed to be the day we started to hit our stride. We appear to have worked through most of the major issues. Let's hope the momentum continues.