As this was the first research cruise on the new ship (Oscar Elton Sette) mechanical problems were expected. However, in spite of departure on Leg I being delayed by approximately a week, the ability of the new ship to conduct lobster trapping, CTD, fish tracking, and plankton net towing operations were tested and the configuration of the new ship shown to be suitable. In addition, during Leg I initial longline operations were conducted, and minor mechanical problems/deficiencies identified and corrected.

A total of 10 operational longline sets (one on Leg I and nine on Leg II) were conducted during the cruise and 198 fish captured. Two longline retrieval operations were conducted under adverse conditions (15->30 knot winds). The ship was shown to be controllable under these conditions, such that it's course and speed could be maintained so as to allow the retrieval of the longline gear. At the highest wind speeds, and most adverse sea conditions (estimated windwave height 1-3 meters), green water would occasionally wash into the "longline pit", putting the deck crew and scientists working in this area (to retrieve the longline gear and handle the fish) at some risk. Under the worse conditions, tagging operations were suspended and all fish were released at the side of the vessel by cutting the dropper lines. Although this meant that the primary objectives of the cruise could not be met (i.e., attachment of pop up satellite tags (PSAT) and collection of tissue samples), it was still possible to successfully retrieve all the longline gear. A total of 11 fish were released with PSAT tags.