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Participant
Interview:
Miri
Skoriak
AB - able body sea(wo)man
hometown: Sausalito, CA
Questions #1 Why have you
chosen to work on a ship at sea rather than a shore job?
Miri: I really love the water and the sea and have been associated with
it for over 20 years. My husband and I have worked and lived near the
ocean for a long time. Going to sea represents a daily challenge and an
opportunity to experience a different life style. Also, working on a research
ship combines my interest for ocean science with my maritime background.
Question #2 If a high school
student was interested in working on a ship, what areas should he/she
focus on while in school?
Miri: School environment is ideal for developing team skills. Pursuing
one's personal goals while working as part of a team would prepare one
to life on a ship. Once the ship leaves the dock, it becomes it's own
little world. Every 'citizen' has a certain function, crucial to the successeful
operation of the ship.
Question #3 What are your
duties on the NOAA vessel Ronald H. Brown?
Miri: I work an 8 hour day. Any hours after that are considered overtime.
Some trips I stand bridge watches which are 4 hours each, twice a day.
Other trips I work on deck, with the rest of the deck crew. We are responsible
for the general maintenance of the ship which includes painting, greasing
and lubricating and making sure all the safety gear is in working order.
Ron Brown being a research vessel, we are also responsible for the safe
handling of all the scientific equipment including the deployment and
recovery, storage while under way and loading and unloading while in port.
Our responsibilities also include tying up the ship when in port.
Question #4 What is the
longest time you have spend out at sea?
Miri: So far, the longest time I have spent out at sea was 30 days, on
a crossing of the Atlantic ocean from Europe to Gulf of Mexico. Future
trips on this ship call for a 45 day cruise...
Mira's Comments
Working onboard a NOAA research vessel is an excellent learning experience.
In addition to the regular ship work, we are involved in cutting edge
scientific missions. The labs are always open to visitors and the scientists
are always willing to share their knowledge and explain about the research
they are performing.
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