**Here we go again:** Setting sail out of Sidney, British Columbia for my 10th expedition aboard the E/V *Nautilus*.

Precious Time

July 15, 2023 in Ocean Exploration

“You are all so amazing and brilliant. I so wish I would have done something this unforgettable in my youth. I understand that you are working hard, but these memories will serve you well in your golden years. Please enjoy this precious time.”

— Nautilus Live viewer

These days, Nautilus feels like home away from home. I know where to find just about anything I might need on the ship. I know how to adjust my routines for eating, sleeping, bathing, and exercising at sea. I know how to balance my work tasks, watch schedules, and requests from shipmates or the Shoreside team. I know when I should ask a question and when I should try to figure something out for myself.

This familiarity brings a sense of comfort. But the exhilaration of going to sea and exploring the deep ocean has not faded. I don’t believe it ever will.

Working with a fully female crew and science team aboard the *Extended Horizons* dive boat, just off the coast of Maui on September 18, 2022.

Mana Wahine

October 01, 2022 in Ocean

The evening Hawaiian sun saturates the social deck of E/V Nautilus with golden light. Over 30 people crowd around the two long, wooden tables — some of them are Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) staff, some are contractors (like me) who have sailed on Nautilus before, and some are National Geographic explorers.

Lively conversations die down as everyone gathered here turns towards Samantha Wishnak, the expedition leader, and Allison Fundis, the Chief Operating Officer at OET. Together, they extend a warm welcome, and explain how this expedition partnership with the National Geographic Society has been years in the making.

When I first learned that a bunch of Nat Geo folks would be coming on board, I was excited — but also nervous (intimidated, frankly.) It’s only the first day, but my nerves have already dissipated.

My shipmates Jamie Zaccaria and Jonathan Fiely looking bright-eyed and beautiful, despite starting their work day aboard E/V *Nautilus* at 4am.

Conversations at Sea

May 31, 2022 in Ocean

Imagine spending all day every day with your co-workers. Imagine having breakfast, lunch, and dinner with them. Imagine working together at all hours of the night and day, whether it’s 10pm or 4am.

If you can picture yourself doing that, you ought to consider working on a research vessel. At sea, people get to know each other very well very quickly. We see our shipmates when they are happy and excited, as well as stressed, frustrated, or annoyed. We live together in all states of being: sleep deprived, highly caffeinated, completely exhausted, overjoyed.

We spend almost all our time together. And we spend much of that time talking.