Dive and Discover : Expedition 3 : Interview

Dave Murline on the Bridge of RV Melville with his fishing partner Dave Grimes (background) who is the AB (Able-Bodied Seaman) on Dave’s watch.

Question:
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Dave:
I don't feel that I’ve fully grown up yet! My goal in life was to become a beach bum and explore the world’s oceans. Hopefully, I will soon retire or at least cut down on my time at sea and be able to devote myself fully to the beach and traveling. Since I could crawl, I’ve spent the majority of my life on the ocean—sailing, swimming, surfing, diving, and fishing. Working at Scripps has really been a dream come true for me. My only regret is that I have spent so much time away from family and friends. The last few years, I’ve spent about 9 months out of each year at sea.

Question:
What is your educational background, and how did you end up in the job you’re in now?

Dave:
I received a B.S. degree in Nautical Industrial Technology with a minor in Oceanography from the California Maritime Academy (CMA) in Valejo, California. Captain Buck and I were classmates and in the same division at the Academy. I have always been interested in Oceanography, and Scripps is the best. In high school, I took some summer school classes on the SIO Campus and thought it would be an interesting place to work. I thought that would be a great way to make a living -- going to sea and learning all about the ocean’s secrets. The Scripps ships work world-wide and are always going to new places -- unlike merchant ships that have a scheduled route and go from point A to point B. This job gives me the opportunity to see new cultures and meet interesting people. I enjoy talking to people and learning about what they are into with their work and lives. Right after graduating from CMA in 1984, I moved to Catalina Island and spent the summer operating a Glass Bottom Boat and water taxis in Avalon. One day, Scripps called me up and offered me an Able-Bodied (AB) Seaman’s job sailing to Hawaii aboard the Melville. I jumped at the chance and have been here ever since.

Question:
What are your duties while at sea?

Dave:
I’m in charge of the Deck Department. Our responsibility is keeping the ship clean and maintained. On board Melville, my job is made very easy because of the great support I get from the Bosun and AB’s (Able-Bodied Seamen). Everyone on board takes great pride in the work they do to keep Melville looking great. People are always remarking on how good the ship looks even though she is over 30 years old. I am also responsible for ordering all the deck equipment, such as paint and cleaning supplies. I conduct all the safety and fire-fighting drills, and am the on-scene leader in emergency situations. Safety training is probably one of my most important jobs. I stand a bridge watch too from 1600-2000 hours. One of my other duties is keeping track of the beer and t-shirt fund! From the profits we make selling t-shirts, we buy exercise and entertainment equipment, and sometimes we will throw a big beach party. We spend it as quickly as we make it, because we are always buying things for the ship to make it a more comfortable and a better place to live.

Question:
What do you like to do in your spare time, on and off the ship?

Dave:
On the ship I read, workout, and fish. I like to start my day off early with a sunrise swim in the pool and a walk about the decks. When I’m off the ship, I keep a similar routine: get up early, take the dogs for a walk along the Cliffs to check out the ocean, and then decide whether I will go surfing, diving, or fishing. I also play water polo on a club team called San Diego Shores. Often when my at-sea work rotation is up, I’ll spend a few weeks traveling around before returning home. I’ve really had some great opportunities to see some unusual places such as Isla Pasqua (Easter Island). The first five years I worked for Scripps, I hardly ever went home. I would get off the ship and travel and then I’d come home, spend a week, and then get back on the ship and travel again.

Question:
What was the greatest challenge you ever faced in life, and how did you overcome it?

Dave:
Probably the passing away of my parents. They were my greatest inspiration and guidance in my life. I really have a lot of respect for the way they lived their lives. I try to emulate their values and lifestyle. While I can’t see or talk with them anymore, I still think about them all the time and know that their spirits live on in me. That’s how I’ve overcome it. I think of all the good things that they were.