The best perk of this job is the flexible work schedule and time off from work. This time gives flexibility for fun plans, including Mariners opening day and a road trip to the Midwest. This time off will be filled with lots of travel, family, and friends!

We steamed back to Dutch Harbor on Day 75.

The trip was cut short in order to get the boat back to Seattle in time to do some routine maintenance referred to as “shipyard.” Our contracts are usually 90 days or as close as you can get.

If a boat finishes on day 75 there is definitely a chance of getting on another boat. Our field coordinator mentioned to me last offload that if my boat came in before the start of the month, there was a strong chance they would need me to get on another boat.

As we steam my mind is spinning with possibilities. I’m exhausted, but another 15 days of pay would be nice.

The ride into town is about 30 hours, but even this does not feel like enough time to do data checks, laundry, and pack my bags.

Usually, the day I am getting off a boat ends up being very sleepless even if there is a long steam. I start the steam with a good shower and a nap. I proceed to wake up after a few hours and start with all my disembarking tasks, which just adds to the sleep deprivation that comes with a longlining contract.

Much to my surprise, I am ready to go with a few hours to spare. So, I get back in my bunk for another nap. I wake up to the boat slowing down to pull up to the dock. I go out to watch the view as we head to the dock. While watching I receive my word: “You will be flying in the morning; check your email for details." This means I am heading back to Seattle not onto another boat.

Now I start the planning process of what I am going to do in Seattle while handing data in and after. The best perk of this job is the flexible work schedule and time off from work. This time gives flexibility for fun plans, including Mariners opening day and a road trip to the Midwest. This time off will be filled with lots of travel, family, and friends!

Thanks for checking out this blog! If you got this far, you’re likely hungry for more. If so, check out another blog that’s currently running: Innovation to Learn about Deep-Sea Coral Communities in the Gulf of Alaska

If you'd like to learn more about the North Pacific Observer Program and how you can become an Alaska fisheries observer check out the pre-class study guide and training schedule.

Are there other topics you’d like to see us share? Let us know at afsc.info@noaa.gov.

Fair winds and following seas!