Fahima Bellabad, a Year 20 GEBCO Scholar, began her first day aboard the IFREMER vessel Pourquoi Pas?, operated by SHOM (Service Hydrographique et Océanographique de la Marine), with a breathtaking sunrise—partially obscured by clouds, yet still the most remarkable one she had ever witnessed. With that spectacular August 21 sunrise, Fahima embarked from Funchal, Portugal to sail into Atlantic waters on an exhilarating, week-long journey as part of the IHO's Empowering Women in Hydrography program. Here is Fahima's report of her adventure.

Stepping onto such a massive research vessel for the first time was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The ship's scale, equipped with a complex array of advanced instrumentation and laboratories, immediately set the stage for an incredible scientific expedition. I was surrounded by experts from IFREMER, SHOM, and the University of Bordeaux—all enthusiastic to share their knowledge and answer my questions. The collaborative atmosphere and shared commitment to the mission created an environment of focused determination.
 

 
The cruise, which took place from August 21st to 30th, covered 150 nautical miles southwest of Funchal, Portugal, into the waters off Madeira. Despite its relatively short duration, I was profoundly impressed by the technical team's expertise, efficiency, and unwavering dedication.
 

 
Our mission followed an earlier seismic study and had a dual focus: collecting core samples, and deploying systems to monitor both ambient and vessel noise using OBS (Ocean Bottom Seismometers) and the TELEMACK system. We also gathered valuable data during our transit and in designated areas, including XBT casts conducted every six hours and daily water sampling for chemical analysis. Current measurements with the ADCP provided crucial insights into ocean dynamics. To ensure accurate data collection, the MBES (Multibeam Echo Sounder) and other systems were powered down when approaching the OBS or TELEMACK systems to avoid any acoustic interference.

 
As part of the hydrographic team, I was struck by the critical importance of our work to the entire operation. The effectiveness of all onboard activities relied heavily on our precise positioning and navigation. We were responsible for ensuring accurate placement of the systems and surveying their positions through the water column using the USBL system. Witnessing firsthand how our efforts directly influenced the overall success of the mission was truly enlightening.
 

 
Sailing through the vast Atlantic waters, I quickly adapted to the reality of working in such a dynamic and demanding environment. The constant hum of the engines, the shifting seascape, and the challenges posed by the sea created an atmosphere that was both stimulating and demanding. Each day brought new responsibilities, from operating advanced instruments to collecting and analyzing data—all while managing the inherent unpredictability of the ocean.
 

Being part of this large-scale operation gave me a profound appreciation for the coordination and teamwork required to ensure the mission's success. From experienced scientists to the skilled crew, every individual played a vital role in achieving our objectives. This experience not only deepened my passion for marine science but also instilled a strong sense of camaraderie and respect for the collective effort necessary for such ambitious endeavors.