Faces around BATS: Weatherbird Crew Profiles

To read about the crew´s experiences aboard the Weatherbird II and other research vessels, visit our eyewitness accounts of life at sea.

Robert Chadwell - Captain
What experiences led you to a job or career aboard a scientific research vessel?
Growing up around boats in Southern California allowed me to accumulate the necessary sea experience to sit for my U.S. Merchant Marine Officer's license. If you have a small family boat, it is likely your weekend trips could make you eligible for an entry level captain's license. For you ladies out there, the best captain I ever worked for was female.

What are your main job responsibilites during a BATS cruise?
Specifically, the captain alternates six-hour bridge watches with the vessel's 1st Officer. During his or her watch, they become the Officer of the Watch, and are responsible for the safe navigation of the ship during that six hours. Generally, the captain is responsible for all aspects of the vessel's operation and is on call 24 hours a day.

Mike Parks - First Officer
What experiences led you to a job or career aboard a scientific research vessel?
I was the Captain of a sailboat in Florida when I heard about the position on the Weatherbird II. It sounded like it would be fascinating work.

What are your main job responsibilities during a BATS cruise?
I cover for the Captain while he is off watch. We stand six-hour watches on the Weatherbird. I also oversee any work done on deck by the crew.

Shawn Lake - Able-Bodied Seaman
What experiences  led you to a job or career aboard a scientific research vessel?
I previously worked on U.S.Naval research vessels.

What are your main job responsibilites during a BATS cruise?
Watchkeeping on the bridge; assist in deployment and retrieval of  scientific gear; general deck duties.

Martina Haines - Steward or Cook
What experiences led you to a job or career aboard  a scientific research vessel?
As a junior in college I sailed on the RV Westward with Sea Education Association (SEA) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. From then on I was destined to return to life at sea. Even though I have a biology degree, my love for cooking has taken over and consumed my life. I returned to SEA as a cook on the Corith Cramer. And through various connections I became the cook on board the RV Weatherbird.

What are your main job responsibilites during a BATS cruise?
While at sea I cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner for about 15 people (7 crew and 5 scientists). My day starts at 0600, and I finish at 2000 (8 p.m.). It´s a long days, but I have lots of breaks. I make sure everyone eats tasty, healthy food. Then I get to do the dishes.