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Hello Everyone! I was lucky to be able to interview Captain Dave. He is by far one of the friendliest people on board who always has colorful stories to share as well as sound advice. Captain Dave made daily rounds all across the vessel and checked in with everyone with a big smile.I hope to cross paths with Captain Dave in the future, and maybe even go fishing together! -Jackie
Jackie: What’s your favorite part about being a captain?
Captain Dave: I get to meet new people and do new trips on the cutting edge of science. I get to learn something every trip. I feel that I can learn anything from anyone, from my sea men to my 2nd mate, to everyone else on board.
J: Why did you choose the R/V Revelle?
CD: Because this is the ship they gave me [he laughed]. I’ve worked with all the ships at Scripps, so I just go where ever the job requires.
J: Why did you decide to become a Captain?
CD: I didn’t! I stayed here long enough that I advanced up. Originally, I thought I would go to sea for 5-6 years, go back to school to become a high school teacher or something like that…then have a family and a land job.
J: What is your educational background?
CD: After high school, I went to a 4-year maritime academy at California Maritime Academy and graduated with a degree in Nautical Industrial Technology with a minor in Oceanography and a 3rd mate’s license.
J: What is your least favorite part about being a Captain?
CD: Paperwork! Sometimes I can get up to 50 emails a day and it can be overwhelming…it can be about upcoming trips or in-port logistics.
J: If you could give a piece of advice to us students, what would it be?
CD: I have a little saying… Good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better and your better is best. Always try to do your best!
J: What has been your favorite part about having the STEMSEAS group on board?
CD: It’s always fun having new people and getting to share what we get to do on board every day. It lets you know how special of an opportunity we have, because this is our life every day. To share the experience is probably the best part of having the STEMSEAS people, because they are new to it and their eyes are wide open and everything is new and amazing. It makes it so that you don’t take things for granted.
