Crew

DAN Divers Alert Network - Scuba Diving and Dive Safety Association

Each vessel carries a captain, three mates, a chief scientist, three assistant scientists, an engineer, and a steward. The mates and assistant scientists pair up together to lead a watch of about eight students. The mate runs the deck, teaches navigation and sail handling, and ensures the safety of all on deck. All mates are required to have some level of Coast Guard licensing. The assistant scientist runs the lab, leads gear deployments, and assists with student projects. Most scientists have master's degrees or significant outside experience. The steward provides three meals and three snacks a day for over 30 people onboard the boat. The engineer is responsible for maintaining the engine room and ship's systems.

Throughout the course of the year, we hire about 80 people to fill these positions onboard the two vessels. Crew members usually stay on board for two SEA Semesters in a row, or a Semester coupled with short trips or a yard period. Most crew members return year after year. Many are alumni of the program, but this is definitely not a prerequisite for working onboard.

Meet Some Of Our Crew

PJ Meyer
Alum of W153 in 1997
University of Maryland

-Oceans Mate, AB Sail, Wilderness, First Responder
-Deckhand in 1999
-Assistant Scientist in 2000
-Third Mate in 2002
-Second Mate in 2004
-Chief Mate in 2005

 

Scott Chappuis
Alum of C158 in 1998
College of Charleston

-Oceans Mate, AB Sail
-Deckhand in 1999
-Third Mate in 2001
-Second Mate in 2004

 

Shane Walden
Alum of W153 in 1997
University of Colorado at Boulder

-Oceans Mate, AB Sail, Wilderness First Responder
-Third Mate in 2000
-Second Mate 2002
-Chief Mate 2003

 

Cina Loarie
Alum of C157 in 1998
Duke University

-AB Sail, Wilderness First Responder
-Assistant Scientist Since 2003

 

Jonathan Cedar
Alum of W179 in 2001
Dartmouth College

-AB Sail, Wilderness First Responder
-Assistant Engineer in 2003
-Engineer in 2004

 

 

Anne Catherine Kruger
Alum of S177 in 2001
UNC Chapel Hill

-Steward Since 2002

 

Sarah Clowes
Alum of 145A in 1996
Stanford University

-Master’s Degree in Earth Science
-Assistant Scientist since 2003

 

Meg Estapa
Alum of W171 in 2000
Carlton College

-AB Sail
-Assistant Scientist since 2001