 | Paul First Mate Canada |
I first got involved with Greenpeace (GP) in 1983, I went to a protest against nuclear weapons in Vancouver and liked what I saw!
From 1984-87 I sailed with a Canadian merchant company. While working onboard these ships I noticed how polluted the Great Lakes and Atlantic coast of Canada were.
When my sisters gave me a Greenpeace magazine, I noticed that GP had several small ships. I sent in an application and about 7-months later I was working on the GP river boat "Beluga". Since then I have been involved with every type of Campaign that there is/was. From campaigning against new oil, the anti- French Nuclear Testing, Pirate {Illegal} fishing,Toxics, anti-whaling,Illegal Logging in several countries, to antinuclear transports.
In my opinion the best campaign/action was the installation of a complete Solar system at a school on the Island of Crete in Greece. To show how feasible solar is, while at the same time campaigning against a proposed new oil-burning electrical company. A great and long-lasting campaign/action. Not just saying "no oil" but showing that renewable energy is the way to go!
My 1st Mate position involves the safe navigation of the ship as well as making sure that all the crew are aware of safety onboard. Driving and training people to drive our inflatable boats. Working with the Captain, Bosun, campaign/actions people and making sure that all of our deck equipment is maintained properly. Life onboard is Good. We have a great crew for a Great ship. I like every aspect of the Arctic Sunrise. What I don't like is people slamming doors!!
