SEAS Cruise 2007 : People
Mitzi Crane - Chief Mate, R/V Atlantis
- What is your job title, and what do you do?
- My job title is 1st Mate or Chief Mate. I wear many different hats on this ship: Second in command, deck department head, 4-8 watch stander (a.m. and p.m.); chief medical officer; on-scene leader for emergencies; Hazmat (hazardous materials) compliance officer, safety coordinator, ISM compliance officer, training officer, security officer, PIC waste management, and secretary.
- How long have you been working on the R/V Atlantis?
- I joined the Atlantis about 8 years ago.
- What is your background/education/training?
- I attended Maine Maritime Academy and graduated in 1983. I started my sea-going career on tramp tankers. Then, as they were scrapped, I moved onto bulkers. About eight years ago, I came to Atlantis.
- What inspired you to choose this career/who were your role models?
- At age 14, I was intrigued by the most fascinating man I've ever met, Jacques Cousteau. But this was long ago. Many paths and many choices later, I attended Maine Maritime Academy. So for 24 years, I have been going to sea and still loving it.
I've traveled all over the world, and it's always the people who interest me the most. Years later when I open my photo albums, they're filled with the people I've met, not the museums I've seen. The hospitality I've received and the cultural exchanges have always been the most rewarding experiences, but I do have a lot of good sea stories to tell. On tankers, we left our ship in a yard and by the time we returned, the country had changed. I've been to the Soviet Union as it was breaking up, and for many I was among the first American they had ever met. I was the chief mate on a bulker carrying corn to North Korea and definitely provided a cultural shock to the North Korean men. I've been to the poorest countries and met the most generous people. And for my time on research vessels, thanks to Horst Felbeck, I got a chance to dive in Alvin.
- At age 14, I was intrigued by the most fascinating man I've ever met, Jacques Cousteau. But this was long ago. Many paths and many choices later, I attended Maine Maritime Academy. So for 24 years, I have been going to sea and still loving it.
- What are some of your favorite things about life at sea?
- I start watch at 3:45 a.m., and the quiet beauty of the night, the dawning of a new day, and the sunrise still amazes me. I actually get paid to watch (among other things) the sun rise! I love the travel, ports, the sense of adventure, and the people. You've got to smile to be living the life National Geographic films! The thing I like least is the time away from family and friends, and the events in their lives that I miss.
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- My job doesn't allow much free time, but reading is my great source of entertainment. I seldom watch movies. At home, I love working in the garden. At sea, I try to keep a few plants alive. Movies: My Life as a Dog (Swedish), King of Masks (Chinese), Hidalgo. Books: Too many to pick just one. Food: Chocolate.
- Is there any message you'd like to send to the SEAS students?
- Read Cindy Van Dover's book The Octopus's Garden . She was/is the only female Alvin pilot. She took a circuitous route in the scientific field. Develop an interest in the world around you. Don't have such anxiety as children regarding careers. Get a good education and do what you like to do.
