SEAS Cruise 2007 : People
Andy Gillen - Oiler
- What is your job title, and what do you do?
- I am an Oiler. I assist with the maintenance of the ship's engines and support equipment on the vessel.
- How long have you been working on the R/V Atlantis?
- I have been working on Atlantis only about 6 months. I am usually on the R/V Knorr, (another WHOI vessel) which I have been on since 2004.
- What is your background/education/training?
- After high school I joined the navy. I attended numerous engineering schools in Great Lakes Naval base and a few schools in San Diego. I did a lot of firefighting while in the navy and also took a Merchant Marine course for safety and firefighting.
- What inspired you to choose this career/who were your role models?
- I was inspired by my father to choose this path in life. He sailed with British Petroleum on tankers and he would talk about the sea very fondly when I was growing up. When I was younger I was fishing off Point Loma in San Diego. Standing at the dock I watched the big gray Navy destroyers heading out to sea, and I knew right then I wanted to be a sailor.
- Where is your hometown?
- My hometown is Ventura CA, but I have been living in Houston since 1986.
- Please describe your family:
- My mother and father are both from Scotland. Like most of the Scottish we have a good sense of humor and make a joke out of everything. It is fun to go on trips with my folks and just get away from the city. We are always having a good time when we're away from the city.
- What are some of your favorite things about life at sea?
- I love just being out here. You have nothing to worry about that people on land deal with every day. It takes me 3 minutes to get to work every day and traffic is someone standing in the middle of the galley. Every morning and evening we get a picture perfect sunrise and sunset over a beautiful blue sea. I think it is one of the last jobs in this modern era that still has the glamour of the old days of just hopping on a tramp steamer to see the world.
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- During my free time, I do much of the same things I do while at sea. I travel as much as I can, and hope to see Romania, and eastern Europe in the next few years. I am an avid Texas hold 'em player and enjoy the outdoors.
