Programs Blog

Another Turn around the Sun

February 23, 2024

Author: Süpi Vallas, Marine Tech

Ship’s Log

February 23, 2024Position: Anchored in Waikokopu Harbor, Mahia PeninsulaWeather: Sunny with light and variable winds and waves

I have spent a lot of my birthdays in my 20’s on the Robert C. Seamans. Onmy student trip I turned 22 on my way from Russell NZ to Wellington. It wasmy first ship birthday, Sabrina the steward made me chocolate cakes withraspberry jam on top and one of my fellow students pushed it into my face.Jump ahead a couple of years I was back on the Bobby C after graduating fromcollege, doing the same cruise track as my student trip but this time as anassistant steward to Natalie. We had a vegan student in the galley with usfor my 24th birthday and she helped Natalie make all my favorite foods,which including cooking meat. It was a great day. The next year I was backthis time as Marine Tech, formally known as assistant scientist, again onthe same cruise track, finally in role that I always wanted since steppingonboard all those years ago as a student. I turned 25 in Russell NZ, sent inearly to pick the students up I stopped to get some ice cream, taking thekill switch to the small boat with me. While I was waiting for my ice creamlittle did I know the captain tried to take the small boat back and floodedthe engine, I spent the rest of the day hanging with the engineers.Then covid hit and I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to keep doing thejob that I loved but we persisted. Driving across the country to meet theBobby C in San Diego was a very fun experience and the start of my traditionof driving across the country at least twice a year. I turned 26 at anAirBnB in Chula Vista with all my shipmates around me, playing kazoos andhaving a blast while the Bobby C was hauled out in yard.            Today I turn 29 on board the Bobby C again, doing a similarcruise track to my student trip. Having a birthday on a boat really can makea person feel loved. I was woken up at 00:30 for dawn watch to a lovelyshipmate singing me happy birthday. When I got on deck Delphine had made mea latte and I was greeted by the rest of C watch with lots of love and hugs.All day I have been wished happy birthday, given hugs, candy and cards and Ihave to say having a birthday onboard is one of the best ways to celebrate abirthday. Cam, Marshall, and Kristin made me breakfast sammies for breakfastwith homemade English muffins, it is safe to say it has been a great day!The best thing about this birthday is that my watch partner, Olivia turns 29tomorrow so we get to keep up the party and since we are standing eveningwatch, I will be passing off the birthday crown to her at midnight.I’m looking forward to what this year has to come and it is safe to say ithas started off pretty great!Süpi VallasMarine TechP.S. Hi Mom and Dad. Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday.Spatch I love you and I’ll see you soon.