Winter work

As I write this I am on the Okeanos Explorer as Chief steward
I want to write about winter work and hours at that time of year.

Normally when your sailing, you get 4 hours of overtime each day because its a twelve hour day. Now when its winter all the ships in NOAA go in for at least a month or more for the winter repair period. You will only get about 8 hours per day.  Now when they are in-port most of the time they only serve breakfast and lunch. They can do this because of the fact that many persons live near their home port and go home at night. During this time the ships get needed work done on all aspects of ship board work. From the obvious painting and chipping, to the unseen work in the engine rooms and every where else conceivable. My galley is getting work done this week, so it will be shut down for a few days. During this time we still have to work. There is always cleaning that can be done and that's going to happen this week. Also sorting of linens and other stores can be done. The coolers can be cleaned from top to bottom and organized for the upcoming sailings.  That will be important later because this ship is leaving for a very long time and will need the organization. I wont be on-board for that but its my job to make sure whoever is doesn't  have any extra worries.

Also much of the regular crew take time off this time of the year, that's OK because it gives guys like me in the relief pool time to work.

I hope anyone who reads this blog and has the ability to go to sea for work looks into NOAA and also the work on the Great Lakes.

Till next time

May your greens never wilt and your sauce never break