Question:
What are your main responsibilities as Chief Engineer?

Kevin:
I am responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the ship's power plant. This includes the engines, fresh water system, sanitation, electricity, air conditioning and deck machinery. The ship is like a small city that needs all the services the people in the city require. I have to make all that happen. Seven people work for me: three engineers, three oilers, and one electrician.

Question:
So what did you want to be when you grew up? How did you end up being a ship’s Engineer?

Kevin:
When I was young, I wanted to be just like my father who is an electrician. In fact, my brother ended up working with my Dad. I spent some time at a vocational school, which I enjoyed because I really liked hands-on learning and tinkering with things. I then went to Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) with the goal of becoming an electrical engineer. I started going to sea, and fell in love with it. I graduated from MMA with a Marine Engineering degree in 1986.

My first job was in the Merchant Marine as an engineer. I worked on a tramp steamer that took U.S. government relief supplies to Pakistan. After six months, I decided to leave the Merchant Marine. I made a trip to Hawaii on the RV Atlantis II from WHOI. That was the beginning of my career on oceanographic research ships.

Question:
What do you enjoy most about your job?

Kevin:
As chief engineer, I like the challenge of keeping all the equipment functioning and the plant operating efficiently and safely. Managing my staff is an interesting but time-consuming part of being Chief. It is not something that they teach you in school. I don’t get as many opportunities now to repair things and get my hands dirty, because my staff does most of that work. I get left with the paperwork!

Working on RV Atlantis, I find the research that the scientists do very interesting. I really enjoy seeing them getting excited over their work. I also enjoy the travel. I have been around the world once and met many interesting people. I believe that the RV Atlantis is an ambassador for the whole U.S. oceanographic fleet, so I am proud to be on board.

Question:
What is a typical day like for you?

Kevin:
My day begins at 6 a.m. with an early visit to the engine room. I then chat with the captain and steward to make sure I am up to date with everything that is going on. After breakfast, I do office work, some of which relates to making sure we have sufficient equipment and supplies on board. But a lot of my work involves longer-term planning for maintenance and replacement of the equipment. When possible, I do like to spend time in the engine room tinkering with equipment.

Question:
What do you do in your spare time?

Kevin:
I like to read history books and suspense novels when I am on board. When I am at home, I like to spend time with my family. I have a 30-foot motor boat that we take on family outings. I also like to golf and bike. If I am somewhere warm, I like to scuba dive.

Question:
If you could start all over again, would you have chosen the same career path?

Kevin:
Absolutely! This job has opened up doors for me. I have had the opportunity to see places and met people that I never have had if had I taken a different path. The one thing I do not like is being so far from family for eight months of the year. But that was a life style choice I made when I became a chief engineer.