Job: Ordinary Seaman (OS). I’m part of the crew that maintains the boat. There’s always something to do to keep this ship running. The deck crew is responsible for cleaning and maintaining every part of the boat — with the exception of the Engine Room. We scrape and prime and mop and scrub every part of this boat to keep it in top condition.

I really like being at sea. There’s no chaos, no traffic jams, and no crowds. I went to Colgate University for three years and then was in advertising for a few years after that. It was too chaotic, so I went to sea. A ship such as the Atlantis is a self-contained and very orderly community. I can create a lifestyle for myself that others can’t have. When I’m not on the ship, I travel all over the world. Everything I own pretty much fits into one duffle bag, and I can take it with me when I go.

I came back to the Atlantis about five months ago. Before that, I worked on a supply ship carrying supplies to offshore oil drilling platforms, but I came back to Atlantis to work with the Boatswain, Wayne Bailey. He is the nicest guy. He is the deepest, most sensitive, and caring person alive. Wayne taught me seamanship many years ago, and I’d be willing to bet that he’s trained more sailors than anyone else.

There’s many things I like about the sea and my job. There’s no uniform, no neckties, no traffic lights, and I get to take long and varied vacations. There’s a few downsides, too. There is a real lack of privacy aboard a boat like this. I miss some simple things like jumping into a car and going to a coffee shop.

Although I really like what I do and I’m happy, I wouldn’t recommend this job to many people. You have to give up a lot. It’s good to try for a few years, but then find another job. So, stay in school, do your homework, and take advantage of any options you have.