THE GREAT WHITE RED ALERT

Autonomous

Independent, self-directed.

Bluetooth

A short-range radio technology for Internet and mobile devices, such as phones, which simplifies hands-free operation.

GPS

An abbreviation of Global Positioning System. A system of satellites, computers, and receivers that is able to determine the latitude and longitude of a receiver on Earth by calculating the time difference for signals from different satellites to reach the receiver.

Hovercraft

A usually propeller-driven vehicle designed for traveling over land or water on a supportive cushion of slowly moving, low-pressure air.

Hydroplane

A light, high-powered boat, especially one with hydrofoils or a stepped bottom, designed to plane along the surface of the water at very high speeds. The Sea Worthy was designed by the S.O.S. Foundation with wings and a tail that can be unfolded so the boat can be used as an airplane.

Kilometer

A unit of length in the metric system. A meter is equal to 39.37 inches. A kilometer is 1000 meters, equal to 3280.8 feet or 0.621 mile. It is abbreviated: km.

LED

Light-emitting diode: a semiconductor diode that emits light when conducting current and is used in electronic equipment, especially for displaying readings on digital watches, calculators, etc.

Microscope

An optical instrument having a magnifying lens for inspecting objects too small to be seen in detail by the unaided eye. The scanning electron microscope aboard the Sea Worthy is a microscope that moves a narrowly focused beam of electrons across an object and detects the patterns. From these patterns a three-dimensional image of the object is created.

Pinnipeds

Animals belonging to the Pinnipedia, a suborder of carnivorous aquatic mammals that includes the seals, walruses, and similar animals having finlike flippers as organs of locomotion.

Plexiglas

A light, transparent, weather-resistant plastic.

Rebreather Unit

Sometimes called CCUBA - Closed Circuit Underwater Breathing Apparatus. A type of breathing set that provides a breathing gas containing oxygen and recycles exhaled gas. This recycling reduces the volume of breathing gas used, making a rebreather lighter and more compact than SCUBA.

Reconnaissance

An inspection or exploration of an area.

Satellite

A device designed to be launched into orbit around the earth, another planet, the sun, etc. Communication satellites are used to receive and transmit information.

Scuba

An abbreviation of Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. A portable breathing device for free-swimming divers, consisting of a mouthpiece joined by hoses to one or two tanks of compressed air that are strapped on the back.

Submarine

A vessel that can be submerged and navigated under water.

Zulu

A member of the Nguni people living mainly in Natal, Republic of South Africa.