Taking care of the ship requires communication from all of the departments aboard the ship. The actual fixing and maintenance of the ship requires the Engineering department. As I followed Oiler Sam Fuller around for the day, I was introduced to just how much is involved in caring for the ship. The engineering department run through the list of what needs to be tackled for the day and what projects are upcoming or ongoing. They make sure everyone knows what to look out for and discusses the tasks to accomplish.
Just like the rest of the ship, the day starts off with a meeting.
Some of the engineering department: From left to right – Junior Unlicensed Engineer Mike Pienta, Chief Marine Engineer John Toye, Oiler Sam Fuller, 1st Assistant Engineer Brian Maddrey
Once the morning meeting was over, Sam took me through a few of the tasks he completes each day. First, he tested the chlorine in the water from the Reverse Osmosis system. They had been having trouble getting the chlorine high enough over the last few months, but today’s reading was finally right on track. Sam made sure to show me the chlorine that gets added to the water and pointed out that I should never be near it without gloves, mask, or goggles because of how dangerous it is. He also let me know that the chlorine added is further from the part of the ship where water is actually used by people because it means more chances to correct for a possible problem.
Sam testing the water for chlorine levels
Then, the engineers showed me how to move the ship’s power from one generator to another. It’s a complicated dance of syncing up the generators so that there is no sudden loss of power to the ship while the next generator comes online. It also prevents catastrophic failure of either generator while one generator slows down and the other takes over.
Generator panels
Then, I got a tour of the engine room. The engine for the ship is massive and it is loud in the engine room. We both wore ear protection while touring the engine room and Sam showed me around.
Thomas Jefferson’s main propulsion engine viewed from above
Thomas Jefferson’s main propulsion engine viewed from the side
Then, it was on to Sam’s projects for the day. One of these projects was to better secure the weights in the gym. He and one of the chief engineers want to create something where several weights can be secured by going through a pipe so they do not move as much. He envisions 4 pipes on a base plate for the weights they have. We went down to measure the weights, and the spacing on the wall so that he could cut and weld everything appropriately.
NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson’s gym, which is available to anyone at any time. Sam is taking measurements for the weight holder project
Once he had the measurements, he put the project aside so that he could wait for one of the chief engineers to come on shift. In the meantime, he went to the survey room to fix an air conditioning condensate pump that broke and caused it to leak water over the computer of one of the Senior Survey Technicians . Previously, a condensate drainage tube had been placed to take care of the problem and the condensate water drained into the bucket over time and then was emptied outside. Sam was able to replace it because they got the necessary part in when they were last docked.
Sam installing the pumpThe circuit diagram and electrical system for the unit Sam is installing the pump in.
Once the pump was installed, Sam went downstairs to start cutting the pieces necessary for the gym weight project.
Sam cutting down the base of the weight holder
Sam had a few things cut but then the survey room called and condensate water was leaking again in the survey room. It turned out that the pump was not enough to adjust for the motion of the ship. The pump that broke and the problem Sam was trying to correct for was that part of the air conditioning was run so that there were pipes at different heights and the water that flowed through the pipes ended up at the lowest point, which makes sense. The pump was meant to make it so that the water went back through the pipe the other way, but it couldn’t because of the elevation of the pipe compared to the other units in the room. The Engineering department decided to install a check valve that allows the water to only flow in one direction. This would make it so that the majority of the water did not make it to the lowest unit in the room and would prevent it from flooding that system. Sam grabbed supplies and started on the repair right away. The Engineering department has enough tools and replacement parts that it can make many repairs while underway and they make sure to keep the ship liveable and comfortable without having to wait to take the ship in for repairs.
Sigh, the organization to which I aspire to. I’m going to print out these pictures and paste them on the door to our garage as I reorganize it.
Once the necessary tools and supplies were collected, they got to work.
Installation of the new check valve
Sam returned to his project for the gym until the small boats came in. At that point, anyone who can is asked to come out on deck so they can help if needed while the small boat is put back on the davit. Engineering is especially important in this process and they keep a watchful eye over the process.
Small Boat Retrieval
After the small boat has been returned to the davit, the engineering department goes over the boat and refills it with fuel, checks the oil, and checks how long it should be until the next maintenance period for the engine. They pass on any problems they find to the crew and it is discussed at the morning meeting the next time the boats are sent out.
Engineering checking the fuel on the small boats.Engineering checking the oil and going over the small boats in detail.
Eventually, Sam was able to begin the process of welding the pipes to the stand that would hold the gym weights. It’s important to place a call to the deck officers and let them know that that type of work is being done so that they don’t worry about a burning smell but also to be aware of any potential for fire so it can be stopped should something go wrong. Again, safety, especially around fire, on a boat is treated very carefully.
Sam welding the pipe to the base plate for the gym project.The welded metal after welding.The welded pipe to the base plate.
Personal Log
One of the biggest things that has struck me throughout my time on ship is the huge number of opportunities aboard. The engineering department has one of the best options for vertical movement on the ship because you can start as an oiler (technically you can start as a wiper, but that’s not actually possible in NOAA). Sam started at NOAA by going through the job corp and then joining NOAA as an Oiler. An oiler’s job is one of the few options that does not require a license and it is considered an unlicensed position and is an entry level position. However, that is not the only way to enter into a NOAA engineering department position. Several other engineers came in after serving time in the Navy or Coast Guard and then moving to NOAA and others came in without military experience and join with experience in other fields instead. The important thing is that they obtained their merchant mariner credential (MMC), which provides proof of their qualifications, which includes their physical readiness as well. More information on obtaining an MMC is found here: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/merchant_mariner_credential/
Did You Know?
Those working aboard NOAA ships get paid overtime for anything over 8 hours of work completed Monday through Friday and they get overtime for working Saturday and Sunday, too. The jobs listed at https://marinerhiring.noaa.gov/Jobs/Openings list base pay, and while overtime is not guaranteed, it often accounts for up to twice the base pay for a given position. The other benefits for working for NOAA are also numerous as well. For example, while on ship, most incidentals are paid for. There is no need for a car or paying for fuel, all food is paid for while at sea, the ships have Starlink, so internet is fast and hasn’t been any less reliable than my home internet, and of course lodging aboard ship is included as well. Most crew are on board NOAA ship Thomas Jefferson before returning to port and then going out again. The professional mariners are on 2 month rotations and then have a month of shore leave, where as one crew member put it, “I’m basically a tradwife. I cook, clean, and have no other responsibilities.” There are opportunities for land based assignments for long periods of time, too, depending on the position aboard the ship.
I spent the overnight shift with Hydrographic senior survey technician Emily Madish tonight. Her shift starts at 3:30 p.m. and goes until 3:30 a.m. She worked with two other crew members in the survey room: Operations Officer Jessie Spruill and Hydrographic Survey Tech Hannah Hernandez. There were more members of the crew on the deck navigating the ship through the dark waters.
Emily keeping track of the ship and the data coming in
I took the opportunity of the quiet evening and having fewer people around to have Emily walk me through the process for collecting data on NOAA ship Thomas Jefferson and to explain how the scientific equipment on the ship works to collect depth data.
Hydrographic surveys make use of a variety of fundamental physics concepts. One of them is how sound travels. Sound travels at a constant speed through a medium (a material like water or air) unless the properties of the medium change. In lake or ocean water, properties that could change the speed are the salinity, temperature, and depth. Thomas Jefferson accounts for these possible changes by collecting that information using the Moving Vessel Profiler (MVP) and collecting that data approximately every hour so that the data collected by the ship can use the most accurate information to create the depth profiles.
This is the graph the MVP software displays, collects, and transfers to other software that works in conjunction with the MVP. This is one of the casts taken from Thomas Jefferson
Once the speed of sound in the area has been collected, the time it takes for the sound to go to the bottom of the seafloor (or in this case lakebed) is collected. From there, the depth of the seafloor can be calculated using the equation:
To solve for depth, it becomes
However, the time included at this point includes both the time leaving the ship and going to the seafloor and back again, which can be visualized like this:
To account for the reflection, the time that is collected is cut in half and the new equation becomes:
(Note: hydrographers use different letters to represent these variables, but I’m keeping everything in notation my high school students are or will be familiar with. They mean the same thing.)
Now, this seems relatively straight forward so far. However, what is really cool is that the ship is not taking just one sounding (depth measurement). Instead, the ship is sending out SONAR in a fan shape using a multibeam or side scan, which can be visualized as follows:
This allows not only the various depths of the sea floor to be collected, but because many (MANY) soundings are taken at once, the soundings can also translate into images and an image of the seafloor can be created. In addition to an image of the seafloor, it is also possible to find out if there are any hazards to shipping or features on the seafloor. For example, in Lake Erie on the last leg of the mission a lot of shipwrecks were seen, and while there haven’t been any shipwrecks found on my leg as far I know, some features of the lakebed, like glacial scarring may have been seen, along with a lot of rocks. A lot of rocks.
The path of the ship (yellow and green, this also shows the depth of the area as well) and an initial image of the seafloor.Notice in the black and white image the possible glacial scarring that can be seen).
It is also possible to see schools of fish in the water column or capture an image of a whale with the multibeam or sidescan.
A picture of a side scan that shows a whale that is displayed on Thomas Jefferson
To get to the point of creating an image and having the image accurately represent the location of where the data was taken to create a meaningful map, while also correcting the data for errors and the motion of the ship requires many steps.
First, the Seafloor Information System collects real time depth data being collected by the multibeam sonar, while HYSWEEP communicates with the bridge. Those in survey use HYPACK to make planned survey lines, and those on the bridge use HYSWEEP and follow those lines. The bridge and the survey team are in constant communication while this process is ongoing.
The path as shown in HYSWEEP that both the bridge and the survey team can see
Thomas Jefferson travels back and forth like someone mowing their yard with long back and forth lines that overlap by about 20% to make sure that no areas are missed.
This is the second swath the ship makes as it goes past the same location as the image above with the glacial scarring
The ship also collects what is called crosslines, which must be collected for every 4% or 8% of the lines collected that are parallel to each other, depending on the spacing between the lines, to make sure that the data remains reliable. It is possible the parallel lines could be offset from each other and the crosslines ensure that they are not.
An entire sheet that shows where data was collected including crosslines (the diagonal lines) and the lines parallel to each other
Once the data is collected, the data from GNSS including GPS and information from other satellites is collated with the ship’s depth data. This involves a lot of additional software that ensures the accuracy and fidelity of the information being collected.
After everything has been processed, it is sent to NOAA for further integration into the maps that allow ships navigating the waters carrying people and goods across the Great Lakes stay safe. Progress on the Great Lakes project and other hydrographic survey projects can be found at: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/855b7102bd0d42d6974c41fa4f8829b9?item=5
Personal Log
It’s fascinating to notice how life aboard the ship mirrors research experiences I’ve had elsewhere. During my undergraduate and graduate work, I spent night shifts at Brookhaven National Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory running experiments at the synchrotrons. The late hours aboard the ship feel remarkably similar.
Night shifts have a distinct stillness. Instead of the busy daytime chatter and people moving about, the ship settles into a steady rhythm defined by the deep hum of instrumentation and running equipment. Monitors glow with data software, and as the end of the shift approaches, fatigue sets in—making it just a little easier to make a minor mistake (though usually the mistakes are fixable). Sometimes it even feels like the software itself gets tired of being up that late and starts acting up. But through it all, really cool data is collected despite anything else that happens.
Did You Know?
NOAA ship Thomas Jefferson is sent out after natural disasters like hurricanes, to help ships enter and exit ports. The ship helps make certain that there are not any dangers to ships from the disaster, so that rescue, shipping, and reconstruction after the disaster can proceed.
A NOAA research vessel is a 24-hour operation. The crew works 12-hour shifts that can start at any part of the day or night and in the rain or shine, pitch black or full daylight.
My day began in the quiet dark at 5:00 a.m. with Ensigns Connor Harrell and Julian Santos as they prepped one of the ship’s small survey boats. Before heading out on the water, thoroughness is everything. They meticulously inspected the engine compartment, checked the water and oil lines, verified the batteries, and—equally crucial for a long shift—packed their sandwich ingredients for the day.
Ensigns Harrell and Santos inspecting the small boat they would later take outEnsign Santos releasing one of the lines securing the small boatSunrise over Lake Ontario after inspecting the small boats
By 6:00 a.m., the entire crew gathered for the daily safety meeting to review small boat operations, including resolving past mechanical issues and flagging things to watch. We discussed both small boats on Thomas Jefferson: one had just received a new alternator, while the other developed a persistent clicking sound. The cause? It requires a specialized lubricant that isn’t currently stocked on the Thomas Jefferson. A temporary alternative lubricant is keeping things safe and operational in the meantime, even if the click remains for now.
By 6:20 a.m., it was time to launch. Watching the coordination required to launch both small boats was incredible—it took less than five minutes per boat. I watched my roommate, Hydrographic Survey Tech Haley Kenyon, balance on the moving small boat, calmly releasing heavy lines, relying entirely on her upper body strength and footwork before stepping back inside.
Deploying Boat 2904
Small Boat 2904 after being deployed into the water
These small boats serve as essential advance scouts for the Thomas Jefferson, especially when surveying specialized areas like designated dumping grounds. Using side-scan sonar, they map the seabed and detect potential hazards in shallow or tricky waters, ensuring our main vessel can later navigate safely to conduct high-resolution multibeam survey scans without risking the ship’s hull. Deploying the small boats also speeds up data collection significantly—with Thomas Jefferson and two small boats working simultaneously, we can map vast stretches of the lakebed in a fraction of the time.
Of course, science at sea always comes with unexpected variables. Boat 2903—the one with the brand-new alternator—ran into electrical trouble mid-morning and had to be recovered early. While Boat 2904 pressed on with its mission, the crew was understandably frustrated. But on a research ship, equipment problems are simply part of the job, and it was necessary to bring the boat in for further inspection.
Meanwhile, aboard Thomas Jefferson, we were running our own multibeam scans. The multibeam and sidescan systems integrate positional data from a variety of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) including GPS, European Galileo satellites, and other available orbital networks with depth soundings.
Survey Tech Josh Gautier collecting hydrographic survey data for NOAA ship Thomas Jefferson
To turn sound waves into precise depth measurements, however, you need to know the speed of sound in water, which changes constantly based on temperature and salinity. To capture these variables, a Moving Vessel Profiler (MVP) is deployed. Towed behind the ship, the MVP measures salinity and temperature profiles through the water column. The survey techs aboard NOAA ship Thomas Jefferson launch it roughly every hour, or whenever we transit to a new area, allowing us to continuously calibrate our sonar equations against local water conditions.
Hydrographic Senior Survey Tech Ali DiTommaso preparing to launch the MVP
At 4:00 p.m., Boat 2904 returned to the ship. We wrapped up the afternoon with our daily debrief—a chance for both the small-boat teams and the shipboard crew to compare notes, troubleshoot the day’s electrical snags, and refine our approach for tomorrow before heading off to dinner.
Personal Log
Living quarters on a working ship must make use of every usable square inch. I share a room with Haley Kenyon, one of our fantastic survey technicians (and one of the people who went out on the small boat from the morning’s launch video).
Stateroom with two berths
Our room is surprisingly spacious with plenty of storage. Haley is a permanent staffer, so she’s aboard Thomas Jefferson long term, while I’m settling in for my two-week adventure. We each have space in the dresser and closets, and I have the bottom bunk. While the porthole offers a fantastic view of the lake, my lower berth keeps the early morning light out of my eyes.
The view from the porthole in my room
Our room connects to the adjacent stateroom via a shared Jack-and-Jill bathroom with a toilet and shower. It’s compact, but totally functional. Both connecting doors lock securely from the inside—though there’s always a slight paranoia about accidentally locking yourself out. Conveniently, our sink and mirror are located right inside our bathroom in our bedroom, making it super easy to brush teeth and wash up even if the bathroom is occupied.
The view of our bathroom from the bedroom
Did You Know?
Dessert is a mandatory shipboard requirement.
On NOAA Ship Thomas Jefferson, official protocol dictates that the crew must be served a dessert at both lunch and dinner. We are extraordinarily lucky because our Chief Steward, Danni Cuff, is a pastry chef trained at the Culinary Institute of America.
Needless to say, the food aboard is great. So far, my scientific duties have been complimented by an impressive rotation of scratch-made cakes, pies, and warm cookies.
One of the pies available to the crew on Thomas Jefferson
Mission: Shark/Red Snapper Bottom Longline Survey, Leg 1
Geographic Area of Cruise: Western North Atlantic Ocean
Date: August 19, 2026
Late afternoon on August 11, 2026, my last night aboard Oregon II.
On August 12, 2026, I disembarked from Oregon II and set foot on land for the first time in 17 days in Charleston, South Carolina. Gradually, the team we had formed for the first leg of the survey began to break up as people went their separate ways. Some would be embarking again in three days’ time for the second leg of the survey. Some were taking their vacations or heading back to work on land but would return for legs three or four. Others, like me, were only part of this one journey from Pascagoula to Charleston.
Arthur Ravenel Jr. BridgePhoto credit: Gretchen ArndtArriving at port in Charleston, SC
It is certainly a strange experience to work so intensely with a group of people – even living and eating meals together – and know that the same team will never come together again exactly as it is. Those of us who wouldn’t return were making way for new people to arrive and gain their own experience. (There is even another Teacher at Sea expected later in the survey!) This is also something we have to accustom ourselves to in education. For a year, we build a sort of family in a classroom, with our own rituals, inside jokes, and memories. Then we ultimately have to say good-bye so that everyone can move on and keep growing somewhere else. As a teacher, I want to make sure that what students experience in my class helps them to contribute the best of themselves to every new team they join.
This week I am returning to school to get ready for the new academic year. I am reflecting on what I learned from my work and life aboard Oregon II and how I can bring that to bear on my teaching and collaboration with colleagues this year. Of course there are many lessons about science and maritime careers. But there are also lessons about resilience, curiosity, and being willing to take risks. I enjoyed so much support from my family, friends, and colleagues at home. My entire district was cheering me on and colleagues told me how brave they thought I was for trying this. Yet it is this very support that allowed me to feel brave enough to go for this opportunity and follow through with it. Having a foundation of trust and support makes people more willing to take on new challenges. We can risk failure because we know somebody will be proud of us just for trying. This is the kind of culture that needs to be built in a classroom. As I decorate my classroom and write lessons, I am thinking of how I can both challenge and support my students this coming year.
That being said, I am also super excited to show my students pictures of sharks, sharks, and more sharks! It occurred to me how very few people have been able to touch, tag and hold sharks like I did. My students are going to be so excited and they will have so many questions for me. Besides sharks, I want to show them pictures of scientists working outside with tools that are like what they might find in a toolbox at home or what their parents might use at work. I want to show them strong scientists holding shark heads and tails to keep their colleagues safe while they measure and tag an animal. I want them to know that some of the scientists I met didn’t always have the easiest time at school, but they still went on to learn, achieve, and snag one of the coolest jobs in the world. I’m also eager to show them pictures of some of the cool machinery aboard ship and allow them to imagine what skills they might need to be an engineer or steward. A boat is like a floating city and it requires many talents to keep it safe and moving forward.
I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned with other educators. (I’ve already had other teachers ask me about they can become NOAA Teacher at Sea!) In our first meetings back at my school, we discussed our main objectives for the year, one of which is to strengthen students’ writing in science class. Being a Teacher at Sea gave me a lot of first-hand experience with how difficult it can be to express scientific concepts clearly and how important it is to be precise. Yet the processes of recording, writing, and drawing can actually help us solidify new learning. Next week my students will be putting together their science notebooks in which they will record all their observations during classroom experiments. We will discuss the importance of taking precise measurements and recording them carefully with the correct units. (After being the data recorder while a team of scientists holds down a thrashing shark to measure it in millimeters, I feel like I have some insights to share.) I can’t wait to see those notebooks fill up with all of their learning and — most important — new questions to investigate.
If you have been following along on my journey, I want to take a moment to thank you. At times, it was a real challenge to sit down and write but then I would think about everyone who told me they enjoyed reading my blog or looking at my pictures. Knowing I had people excited to read about what we were up to on Oregon II or to learn something new about the ocean motivated me. It’s been such a pleasure to share this with you.
Geographic Area of Cruise: West Coast Pacific Ocean
Date: August 14, 2026
Weather Data from Eugene, OR
Latitude: 44.0521° N
Longitude: 123.0868° W
Wind Speed: 7 kts
Air Temperature: 29°C
Science and Technology Log
As I adjust back to being awake during the day, and catch up with all the things at home, I still am in disbelief that I had such an incredible opportunity this summer aboard NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker. Sifting through all the different species that we pulled up in our trawls, exploring the systems that make the ship run, and adjusting to life on a scientific vessel made every day a new adventure. But what really made the trip memorable were the people that I had the chance to talk with during meals, up on the bridge, or in the science labs. I wanted to share a little about what brought them to NOAA and what advice they have for anyone interested in a life on the sea.
Marine Biologist Melissa Liotta
1. Melissa Liotta
Job/Role: What is your role aboard the ship?
I serve as a fish biologist and survey coordinator for the Integrated West Coast Pelagic Survey. In this capacity, I represent the Northwest and Southwest Fisheries Science Centers, though my home base is at the Southwest center. My responsibilities involve extensive logistical planning and preparation before we ever set sail. I coordinate with teams across both centers and work closely with the ship’s crew to ensure every component of the fisheries survey is ready for operation.
Career Path: How did you get into this career?
I hold a PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology, with a doctoral focus on the mating behaviors of freshwater fish in Mexico—specifically the highback pygmy swordtail. While that wasn’t marine-focused, teaching ichthyology helped me build a broad foundation of fish knowledge. After graduate school, I felt a calling toward public service and applied science. I began with part-time GIS work for California Fish and Wildlife, then moved into Clean Water Act restoration plans as an environmental scientist for the Regional Water Quality Control Board. When a fish biologist position opened at the NOAA science center in San Diego, I jumped at the chance to return to fish-centric research.
Student Advice: What advice would you give a high school student considering this type of work?
Do not hesitate to accept entry-level roles or part-time opportunities; the path to your dream career often requires persistence and “grinding” through various positions first. Be open to relocating and seek out volunteer opportunities early on. Whether your interest lies in freshwater, marine life, or even plants, the skills you learn in a science lab—like those for undergraduates—are incredibly transferable. You are training to be a scientist first. Explore diverse fields like plant taxonomy or invertebrate studies; you might discover a passion in an area you never expected. Even if it isn’t dolphins, every bit of field experience counts.
Marine Biologist Brad Erisman
2. Brad Erisman
Job/Role: What is your role aboard the ship?
While I participate as a member of the trawl team during our time at sea, my primary responsibility involves leading the biosampling component of the entire survey. I oversee the design, execution, and comprehensive analysis of all biological data collected from our trawls, as well as managing the specialized staff dedicated to this process.
Career Path: How did you get into this career?
My journey began with a fundamental passion for science and the sea. Inspiring high school teachers encouraged me to pursue marine biology in college, where exceptional professors further ignited my interest in fish biology. This led me to graduate school, where I focused on fish behavior and ecology. This research naturally intersected with fisheries, driving my interest in understanding how to better manage and conserve various species. After spending time as a university professor and researcher, I realized I wanted a more direct hand in active resource management, which prompted my recent transition to NOAA.
Student Advice: What advice would you give a high school student considering this type of work?
The field of fisheries and marine biology is incredibly vast and can often feel overwhelming. My best advice is to identify your specific interests as early as possible to carve out a clear career track. Because this work often combines with other disciplines—such as economics, conservation, or business—finding that unique combination of what you love will help you navigate the path forward. Discovering your niche early on is the key to maintaining momentum and finding success in this broad scientific landscape.
Chief Scientist Kevin Stierhoff
3. Kevin Stierhoff
Job/Role: What is your role aboard the ship?
For this third leg of the journey, I am serving as the chief scientist. Beyond that, I am the principal investigator for our science center, managing the survey’s broader execution. As chief scientist, I act as the primary liaison between the scientific team and the ship’s command and crew. My focus is ensuring we meet our data collection goals with the highest level of quality while navigating the daily logistics and troubleshooting any hurdles that arise. I also handle communications with our shore-based teams and take the lead on the subsequent reporting and data analysis once we return.
Career Path: How did you get into this career?
My path began with an undergraduate degree in marine biology, but it was a summer internship that truly changed my trajectory. I connected with a professor who opened my eyes to graduate school—an option I hadn’t previously considered. I pursued my master’s and eventually my PhD, followed by research roles and a postdoc. In 2008, I joined NOAA and have spent the years since advancing through various scientific levels, eventually serving as an acting program lead and taking on the leadership responsibilities I hold today. Interestingly, in high school, I was pulled between athletics, science, and the arts; I even considered art school or becoming a veterinarian before the right collegiate program in marine biology caught my eye.
Student Advice: What advice would you give a high school student considering this type of work?
Avoid specializing too early; instead, build a rock-solid foundation in the core sciences like math, chemistry, and physics. Those fundamentals are the building blocks for any specialized field in marine or ocean research. Practical experience is just as vital, so pursue internships early to learn what you truly enjoy. I never set out in high school to become a fisheries biologist with a PhD, but by being flexible and embracing opportunities as they appeared, I found a career that fits. Don’t feel like you must have every step mapped out; sometimes, the best path is the one you remain open enough to discover along the way.
Ensign Camille Cubé
4. Camille Cubé
Job/Role: What is your role aboard the ship?
I am Ensign Camille Cubé, serving as a junior officer. My primary responsibility involves navigating and driving the ship for eight hours each day, while my remaining time is dedicated to various secondary duties. I serve as the medical officer, managing hospital administration and responding to any health emergencies. Additionally, I act as the navigation officer—a role I share with my colleague Kaleena—where we coordinate with the science team to program research stations into our electronic chart systems and provide navigational briefings to the other officers. Until very recently, I also managed damage control and fire drills.
Student Advice: What advice would you give a high school student considering this type of work?
I highly recommend reaching out to a recruiter or researching the career through YouTube to see if it resonates with you. If possible, request a ship tour; I toured NOAA Ship Bell M. Shimada before applying, and seeing the environment firsthand was what truly convinced me to join. You do not need prior sea-going experience, but you must possess a sense of adventure and the flexibility to handle a nomadic lifestyle and a changing schedule. Beyond navigation, I have received advanced training in diving, small boat handling, and even a medical crash course where I learned to administer IVs and stitches. Academically, you will need a bachelor’s degree. While it doesn’t have to be a specific science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) degree—my background is in environmental science—you do need core STEM credits in subjects like calculus and chemistry to effectively communicate between the scientific and operational sides of the ship.
What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite moments occur when I am struck by the sheer beauty of our surroundings, like a spectacular sunrise or a massive pod of dolphins appearing alongside the ship. It reminds me how fortunate I am to be in the middle of the ocean doing this work. I also deeply value the close-knit community and the friendships I have built with the crew. From a professional standpoint, the structured promotion scale provides excellent job security. Since I have a personal passion for fish, I specifically chose a fisheries vessel because I love seeing the tangible, physical results of the scientific data we collect.
What do you think the most challenging thing in your job is?
The most difficult aspect is undoubtedly the time spent away from home, which can exceed 200 days a year. It is a demanding schedule, so we prioritize shipboard morale through social activities like the Mario Kart tournaments we had this week. Fortunately, the commitment is balanced; after two years of sea duty, officers transition to a three-year land assignment, then repeat. I quite like the fact that I will hold many different jobs in my career, get to learn new things, and live in different places.
Lieutenant Commander Michael Fuller: Photo Credit LinkedIn
5. Michael Fuller
Job/Role: What is your role aboard the ship?
I am Lieutenant Commander Mike Fuller, and I serve as one of the operations officers aboard this vessel. I am responsible for coordinating projects with our scientific partners, managing port logistics for the ship, and mentoring new officers as they come aboard.
Career Path: How did you get into this career?
My journey began during my undergraduate studies at the University of Miami. Our marine science campus was situated directly across from several NOAA laboratories, which piqued my interest. At the time, I was weighing several options for my future—graduate school, a gap year, or even joining the military to follow my family’s history of service. The turning point came when I met a NOAA officer on his first shore rotation. He had previously sailed with one of my roommates on a research mission and began joining us for football games and social events. He recognized my passion for marine science and my desire to serve, suggesting the NOAA Corps as a perfect marriage of both worlds. He was right; I applied and discovered it was exactly the combination I was looking for. In a full-circle moment, ten years later, that same officer is set to become the next Commanding Officer of this very ship.
Student Advice: What advice would you give a high school student considering this type of work?
There are countless ways to pursue a life at sea, whether through the NOAA Corps and military, the merchant mariner path, or as a research scientist. If you feel drawn to the ocean, the maritime industry offers incredible opportunities in both the public and private sectors. My best advice is to look at where your specific interests intersect with the maritime world. For me, it was a love for natural sciences and environmental conservation, making NOAA the perfect fit. If you are inclined toward engineering or navigation, those roles are vital here as well. Keep an open mind; you can start anywhere from tall ships to working on tugboats to build your experience.
If you are specifically interested in wearing a uniform, take time for self-reflection. Service-based work requires a commitment to leading yourself and others, and ensuring your personal values align with the organization’s mission. Each service has a unique culture—for instance, people join the NOAA Corps because they specifically want to fulfill that unique mission of science and service. Focus on what brings you fulfillment and whether you are ready to put your ego aside to become part of something larger than yourself. Even if you choose not to join a uniformed service, those leadership qualities remain highly applicable across the maritime industry.
How do I get started?
For those interested in the NOAA Corps, the primary requirement is a solid educational foundation. You specifically need at least 48 STEM semester credit hours—essentially a STEM minor plus additional coursework. Most people in this field have a background in natural sciences or engineering. If you have a local NOAA lab nearby, I highly recommend volunteering. It is a fantastic way to understand the wide portfolio of work we handle under the Department of Commerce. There are also excellent programs like the undergraduate Hollings Scholarship, which is very prominent at institutions like Oregon State. These programs can pair you with a principal investigator for advanced research opportunities. While high school students can sometimes find ways to volunteer, it becomes much more common in college. Getting out on a research vessel—whether it is a NOAA ship or a university vessel—will tell you very quickly if this lifestyle is right for you. If it is, dive in: explore USA Jobs, look into Pathways internships, or visit the OMAO website to start your application.
Ultimately, identify your passion first. NOAA covers such a vast range of interests that you will likely find a niche that fits. Once you find that spark, be proactive in seeking out these programs and connecting with people already doing the work. There is a constant need for driven individuals who are ready to make the mission happen.
Ship Engineer Allie Kemskey
6. Allie Kempski
Job/Role: What is your role aboard the ship?
My name is Allie Kempski, and I serve as the third assistant engineer. I have been with this vessel for approximately four months, though my tenure with NOAA spans two years. In my current capacity, I hold a United States Coast Guard engineer license, which authorizes me to stand watch and manage operations within the ship’s engine room. My daily responsibilities involve a ten-hour shift dedicated to maintaining the complex mechanical systems that keep the vessel operational.
Career Path: How did you get into this career?
While many mariners have dramatic tales of discovering the sea, my path was more of a family tradition. Both of my parents were engineers who graduated from SUNY Maritime College in New York. Naturally, I followed in their footsteps, attending the same institution to earn a Bachelor of Engineering in mechanical engineering. This specialized education is essentially a “fast track” to a professional maritime career; over four years, I completed rigorous academic coursework alongside three summers of sea time aboard a federal training ship, the Empire State VI. This environment is highly regimented and military-style, designed to weed out those who cannot handle the pressure of hands-on technical work and strict discipline.
Student Advice: What advice would you give a high school student considering this type of work?
I highly recommend investigating the state maritime academies, such as Cal Maritime or SUNY Maritime. If you enjoy hands-on problem-solving rather than sitting at a desk, this is an exceptional field. Don’t let the “engineering” title intimidate you; it is a practical, visual discipline where you learn by taking apart engines and fixing what breaks. Be prepared to work incredibly hard during your college years—it is a heavy credit load and a demanding lifestyle—but the payoff is a stable, high-paying career right out of school. You must be comfortable with a nomadic life, as the work often involves being away for months at a time, but the trade-off is significant time off to travel and pursue your own interests.
Career Reflections
What is your favorite part about your job?
The travel opportunities are phenomenal. In my first year with NOAA, I was getting paid to kayak in Glacier Bay National Park and live in historic quarters in Hawaii. It is a thrill to see a massive ship move for the first time and realize you understand the systems making it happen. Beyond the sights, I value the deep friendships formed in tight quarters. This crew becomes your family, and because we have a rotation of two months on and one month off, I have total freedom during my breaks to spend time with my actual family or use my earnings to see the world.
What do you think the most challenging thing in your job is?
The primary challenge is the isolation from home for sixty days at a stretch. Shipboard life means constant proximity to others and very little private space, which isn’t for everyone. The academic path is also grueling; I spent my senior year crying over calculus and license exams while friends at traditional colleges were partying. However, we always say that you work hard at the academy so you can “party later” with a six-figure salary and months of vacation time. It is a high-stakes, high-reward lifestyle that requires resilience and a genuine love for the machinery.
CO Erick Estela
7. Capitán del Reuben Lasker: Commanding Officer Erick Estela
Job/Role: What is your role aboard the ship?
Mi función como capitán es armonizar las prioridades de cada departamento para asegurar que todos trabajemos bajo una misión unificada. Mientras que el jefe de máquinas y el oficial ejecutivo supervisan la ejecución técnica diaria, mi responsabilidad se centra en la gestión crítica del riesgo. Por ejemplo, si un motor falla, yo soy quien debe decidir qué planes de contingencia activar. Debido a que la responsabilidad final de todo lo que ocurre a bordo recae sobre mí, no cumplo con una guardia específica; permanezco localizable las 24 horas del día para determinar qué riesgos son aceptables para la seguridad de la embarcación y su tripulación.
My role as captain is to harmonize the priorities of each department to ensure we all work toward a unified mission. While the chief engineer and executive officer oversee daily technical operations, my responsibility focuses on critical risk management. For example, if an engine fails, I am the one who must decide which contingency plans to activate. Because ultimate responsibility for everything that happens on board rests with me, I do not keep a specific watch; I remain reachable 24 hours a day to determine what risks are acceptable for the safety of the vessel and its crew.
Career Path: How did you get into this career?
Crecí en Puerto Rico y me gradué de la Universidad de Puerto Rico con un fuerte interés en las ciencias ambientales. Siempre me apasionó la protección de los recursos naturales y la búsqueda de formas sostenibles y eficientes para utilizar recursos como la pesca y los minerales. Mientras buscaba oportunidades en el servicio público, solicité puestos tanto en el cuerpo de oficiales como en el Departamento de Estado. NOAA respondió primero, lo cual fue ideal dada mi formación científica. En Puerto Rico, NOAA es muy reconocida por su trabajo en meteorología y huracanes; participamos en campañas anuales antes de la temporada de huracanes, una labor fundamental que la comunidad valora profundamente.
I grew up in Puerto Rico and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a strong interest in environmental science. I have always been passionate about protecting natural resources and finding sustainable and efficient ways to use resources such as fisheries and minerals. While seeking opportunities in public service, I applied for positions in both the law enforcement and the State Department. NOAA responded first, which was ideal given my scientific background. In Puerto Rico, NOAA is highly regarded for its work in meteorology and hurricanes; we participate in annual campaigns before hurricane season, a vital service that the community deeply values.
Student Advice: What advice would you give a high school student considering this type of work?
Es esencial construir una base sólida en ciencias y matemáticas básicas. Este camino es perfecto para alguien que posea una gran flexibilidad y pasión por viajar, ya que nuestra vida es nómada; yo me he trasladado cada dos años a lugares como Connecticut, Nueva Jersey, Oregón y Boston. Aunque mudarse constantemente puede ser un reto al formar una familia, las recompensas son incomparables: una oficina con vista al mar, avistamientos constantes de ballenas y la satisfacción de trabajar con una tripulación excepcional. Saber que los datos que proporcionamos al público son de la más alta calidad hace que todo el esfuerzo valga la pena.
Building a solid foundation in basic sciences and math is essential. This path is perfect for someone with great flexibility and a passion for travel, as our life is nomadic; I’ve moved every two years to places like Connecticut, New Jersey, Oregon, and Boston. While constantly moving can be challenging when raising a family, the rewards are unparalleled: an office with an ocean view, frequent whale sightings, and the satisfaction of working with an exceptional crew. Knowing that the data we provide to the public is of the highest quality makes all the effort worthwhile.
En cuanto a la diversidad, aunque todavía somos pocos los oficiales latinos o puertorriqueños, nuestra presencia ha aumentado significativamente desde que comencé mi carrera. Hoy contamos con capitanes, oficiales y pilotos de diversos trasfondos. El primer paso es simplemente saber que estas oportunidades existen y no dudar en solicitarlas. En mi experiencia, recibí un gran apoyo al contactar a otros latinos dentro del NOAA Corps. Es vital que mejoremos nuestra presencia en lugares diversos para que más estudiantes conozcan esta trayectoria profesional.
Regarding diversity, while there are still few Latino or Puerto Rican officers, our presence has increased significantly since I began my career. Today, we have captains, officers, and pilots from diverse backgrounds. The first step is simply knowing that these opportunities exist and not hesitating to apply. In my experience, I received tremendous support when connecting with other Latinos within the NOAA Corps. It is vital that we increase our presence in diverse settings so that more students can learn about this career path.
Career Reflections
What is your favorite part about your job?
Mi parte favorita es presenciar cómo meses o incluso un año de planificación y coordinación logística finalmente rinden frutos. Es sumamente gratificante ver cómo todas las piezas del rompecabezas encajan perfectamente cuando el proyecto comienza: desde la asignación del equipo y el personal hasta la ejecución en el mar. Ver a 40 personas a bordo trabajando en total armonía, respaldadas por un equipo de apoyo en tierra de casi 100 personas que gestionan el combustible y los suministros, es una demostración impresionante de coordinación. Es un orgullo ver que cada departamento cumple su función con excelencia para alcanzar un objetivo común.
My favorite part is witnessing how months or even a year of planning and logistical coordination finally pay off. It’s incredibly rewarding to see all the pieces of the puzzle fall perfectly into place when the project begins: from team and crew assignments to execution at sea. Watching 40 people on board working in perfect harmony, supported by a shore-based team of nearly 100 managing fuel and supplies, is an impressive demonstration of coordination. It’s a source of pride to see each department perform its role with excellence to achieve a common goal.
What do you think the most challenging thing in your job is?
El mayor desafío es gestionar la fatiga y el descanso debido a la naturaleza de mi cargo. Aunque siempre intento encontrar momentos para descansar, la planificación constante y la responsabilidad de estar siempre disponible pueden ser agotadoras. Sin embargo, ver que todo resulta bien al final de la expedición hace que el sacrificio personal sea mucho más llevadero.
The biggest challenge is managing fatigue and rest due to the nature of my role. Although I always try to find time to rest, the constant planning and the responsibility of always being available can be exhausting. However, seeing everything turn out well at the end of the expedition makes the personal sacrifice much more bearable.
Cal Poly Maritime Academy is the only Maritime Academy on the West Coast. Enrolling in a maritime academy offers an accelerated path toward a lucrative profession, rewarding students with a Bachelor of Science alongside a prestigious U.S. Coast Guard unlimited license—as either a Third Mate or Third Assistant Engineer. These institutions boast exceptional job placement rates, providing graduates with the versatility to pursue careers on the open ocean or within various shoreside management roles. For Oregon students who gain admission to Cal Poly Maritime Academy and choose a path toward a U.S. Coast Guard license, there is an incredible financial opportunity through the Maritime In-State Tuition (MIST) program. This initiative automatically brings the cost of out-of-state tuition down to the California resident rate. This results in an annual tuition of roughly $6,450 plus approximately $1,650 in required campus fees, offering a significant reduction in the typical expenses for non-residents. There are numerous scholarships, as maritime employers are desperate to find qualified candidates. Even if you do not plan on working on a ship, you will be highly qualified for landbased jobs as well.
If the traditional four-year maritime academy environment isn’t the right fit for your journey, there are several highly viable alternative paths to becoming a merchant mariner. These range from structured, fully-funded apprenticeships to the classic method of working your way up directly on the water.
Personal Log
Coming into Newport the last day of the voyage was bittersweet for me. I loved being out on the ocean, but I was excited to see my family again. My sons came to meet me and they watched our ship as it went under the Newport bridge. They weren’t the only ones watching, people were waving and taking pictures, I felt like a celebrity! After we came into port we were waiting for the walkway to be set up, and I was invited to listen in to the officers reviewing how things went coming into Newport. It was a good exercise so that each person could give their feedback to improve the approach in the future, and with all the boat traffic coming into harbor, it’s considered the most stressful time sailing the ship.
When it was safe to come aboard, NOAA Corps officer Mike Fuller gave my sons a tour of the ship which definitely left an impression on them. They’ve been talking about it for days now to everyone we meet. I think they may have some new recruits!
While I’d like to extend summer vacation, I am looking forward to talking to students about NOAA and career possibilities. If I were to go back in time, I would definitely consider a maritime career and I want to open that door to the students at Churchill High School.
