SEAS Cruise 2007 : People
Wayne Bailey - Boatswain
- What is your job title, and what do you do?
- My tile is Boatswain, pronounced "Bosun." I have been a key member of ships' crews for hundreds of years. Basically I am a deck foreman responsible for deploying overboard and recovering scientific equipment, maintenance of the vessel, loading and offloading, splicing of lines, rigging and more. In the days of sail, it was the Bosun's job to mete out punishment with lashes from his "cat-o-nine tails".
- How long have you been working on the R/V Atlantis?
- I am a "plank owner" meaning an original crewman.
- What is your background/education/training?
- I have a high school diploma and have been going to sea for 30+ years.
- What inspired you to choose this career/who were your role models?
- I have always been fascinated by water. As a youngster I loved to swim, boat, and fish. I was blessed with great parents, and raised in an idyllic little town. I had some wonderful teachers.
- Where is your hometown?
- I am from Fairport Harbor, Ohio. That's 25 miles east of Cleveland on Lake Erie.
- Please describe your family:
- I have three beautiful daughters and six grandchildren. Patty and Nina reside in Virginia though my middle daughter Samantha lives in San Diego, CA.
- What are some of your favorite things about life at sea?
- I enjoy the people we meet, both in the crew and science complements. Aboard ship there is a genuine feeling of "team" and comaraderie. Every department of the ship's crew, Alvin group, SSSG, and science must pull together to make each and every cruise a success.
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- Years ago I used to read a great deal but these days I'm more likely plug in a CD or DVD. It's a shame, though, books are such a great escape. I love most sports, especially football. I enjoy fishing, traveling and spending time with my family and friends.
- Is there any message you'd like to send to the SEAS students?
- More is known about the moon than is known about the world's deep ocean. Just imagine what discoveries lay ahead. Who will make them? It could even be you.
