Can you describe your role?
As Lead Technician, I coordinate and oversee the provision of the CleanTreat® service onboard and manage the operational team. Ultimately, I’m responsible for the smooth running of our CleanTreat® system. In addition, I also hold the role of the onboard Mental Health first aider. This role requires me to communicate with the whole crew on a more personal level, ensuring everyone is happy, confident and comfortable onboard and addressing any issues and concerns while onboard.
What is it like working on the CleanTreat® vessel?
Vessel life is not without its daily challenges and the CleanTreat® vessel is no different. It has only been a few months since we brought System One live and operational – so far with great success. This is no doubt down to the excellent attitudes and co-operation we have within the crew onboard. Everyday can be different, with new obstacles to face. Adaptability is crucial to achieve our common goal, something that we are succeeding in doing so far.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
The planning and co-ordinating aspect is something I thrive on as I get great pleasure out of being well-organised. I believe that successful planning translates into a safe and well executed operation, which is in everyone’s interest.
What’s your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge so far has been making the step into a whole new industry and operation. Before joining Benchmark, I was not aware of the scale of the aquaculture
industry, the challenges it faces or the innovative products in place to improve the standards within the industry – specifically products like CleanTreat®. My background is naval and offshore which has allowed me to adapt easily to be part of the CleanTreat® team – however there are always new things to learn!
Tell us about the people you work with.
Our crew is made up of a fantastic mix of personalities, ages and experiences. This diversity helps strengthen us as a team and ensure we get the best from everyone. We really thrive from having such a wealth of background and experience. We co-operate, support and listen to each other.
I’m pleased that the strength of the team goes beyond our day-to-day work. We often come together for a movie or games night – a real testament to the positive attitudes and great humour onboard. A special mention must go to our Offshore Manager, Stuart. I feel incredibly supported by him and learn from his experience and wisdom every day.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would love to take my family to Canada. I have a fiancée (we should be married, but Covid-19 has cancelled two weddings so far), and a 3 year old daughter. I’d love to take them both to Canada and explore the Rocky’s mountain range. A tour of Canada in a large RV is definitely on my bucket list!
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my family, my fiancée and my daughter. I am proud of their adaptability, resilience and ability to keep everything moving forward at home while I’m away. Somehow, they provide me with support from afar. I am incredibly grateful for my fiancé, Francesca, who continues to raise our daughter Hadley while I’m away with work, enabling me to provide for our family and give them the best opportunities I can. We are a team.
