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The crew of the M/V Arctic Sunrise come from a variety of backgrounds, age groups, and nationalities but they all share a commitment to protect our planet's fragile environment.
About the Ship
She's been to the Arctic and the Antarctic, confronted illegal Japanese whalers and companies intent on polluting the North Sea.
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The M/V Arctic Sunrise Crew
The crew of the M/V Arctic Sunrise come from a variety of backgrounds,
age groups, and nationalities but they all share a commitment to protect
our planet's fragile environment. |
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Name:Peter
Nationality: British
Age: 50
Position on Board: Captain
Professional Background: Master Mariner. I served my Apprenticeship
in the British Merchant Navy and have been working with Greenpeace
off and on since 1978. I was on the first voyage of the original Rainbow
Warrior.
Motivation to Work for Greenpeace: I can't ignore the destruction
of the environment, particularly the marine environment, by unfettered
greed. With Greenpeace I can use my professional knowledge and qualifications
to do something constructive to stop it.
Hobbies: Walking the dog |
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Name:Frank
Age: 36
Home: Deventer, Netherlands
Position on Ship: 1st Mate
Professional Experience: Ten years working on tugboats and
eight years working for Greenpeace.
Motivation to Work for Greenpeace: For the opportunity to make
up to the sea for what I did wrong to the sea in the beginning of
my career. |
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 Name:
Slava
Age: 22
Hometown: Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk,Sakhalin Island, Russia.
Position on board: 2nd Mate - marine navigator
Professional Experience: I have been working at sea for almost
six years, and as a navigator on commercial ships for two of those
years.
Why do you work for Greenpeace?: I like to do this job for Greenpeace.
With Greenpeace I have the chance to work with good people - we are
all going in the same direction and have the same goals. And it is
good not to have any regrets about what I am doing.
Interesting fact: Slava is the first Russian navigator on a
Greenpeace ship. |
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Name:Curtis
Age: 30
Hometown: Pittwater - Sydney, Australia
Position on Board: 3rd mate
Professional Experience: I have been working on boats since
I was 15, and first went to sea when I was 17. This is my fourth trip
with Greenpeace since I started working for the organization in 1997.
When I'm not working on Greenpeace ships I work on traditional sailing
vessels.
Why do you work for Greenpeace?: I've always wanted to work
for Greenpeace, ever since I was a kid and saw them involved in exciting,
dangerous actions. I believe that we all need to do something positive
for nature, to make a difference. |
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Name: Eric
Nickname:
Viking
Hometown: Amsterdam
Age: 25
Role on Ship: 2nd Engineer
Professional Background: Maritime officer, deck and engineering.
I've been working for 3 years on cargo and seismic support ships.
This is my first voyage with Greenpeace
Why Do You Work for Greenpeace? I got a bit sick of the mentality
on the cargo ships. Greenpeace gives me the opportunity to play an
active role in the protection of the environment.
Hobbies, pursuits: Painting, Backpacking÷ Normal stuff, partying
reading |
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 Name:
Neil
Role on ship: Radio Operator.
Age: Just turned 36
Professional Experience: I Served for 10 years in the Australian
army as a communications technician, have a diploma of engineering
in maritime electronics, and an amateur radio operator's license (call
sign - vk3grn). I have worked with Greenpeace since 1990.
Why do you work for Greenpeace?: To make a change.
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 Name:
Claire
Age: 31
Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand...kinda
Position on board: Assistant Radio Operator
Professional Experience: Being in the right place at the right
time. I did a good job as a volunteer on the Arctic Sunrise when it
was in Auckland. Three months later Greenpeace asked if I fancied
going to the ice edge, so here I am.
Why do you work for Greenpeace?: Why DON'T people work for
Greenpeace? We must all do what we can to save this planet because
if we don't then which planet are we going to live on?
Hobbies, pursuits: Tai chi. The crew finds my daily sessions
of qi gong on the helicopter deck amusing. Astrology, massage, aromatherapy,
reiki, life, the universe, and everything. |
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Name: Frank
Hometown: Utrecht, Netherlands
Age: 33
Role on Ship: Chief Engineer
Professional Background: Ships and power plants. 2nd trip with
Greenpeace.
Why
Do You Work for Greenpeace? It's nice to work for an organization
like Greenpeace. You can learn things that will help you out in the
next stage of life. I like the ship and I like to work with the variety
of people. |
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 Name:
Denise
Hometown: Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, living in Sydney, Australia
since '92
Age: 35
Position on Board: Campaigner & Expedition Leader
Professional Background: Degrees in science and marine environmental
protection from Aberdeen University, Scotland and Bangor University,
Wales. After many unsuccessful attempts to get a job in marine biology
fields in Queensland, Australia, I started doing some voluntary research
for Greenpeace. I've been campaigning since 1994 and, since 1997,
my focus has been ocean ecology issues in Australia and the region.
Why do you work for Greenpeace? To counter the ongoing assault
on our oceans and seas by those who seek to exploit and pollute them
with no thought for the future. I was increasingly concerned about
what I saw happening, but realised it was possible to do something
about it.
Hobbies/Interests? Bushwalking, cinema, reading, skiing, and
a spot of recreational fishing!
Anything else you want the world to know? Greenpeace is supported
purely by the generosity of individuals, so if you agree with what
we are doing and would like to help, please make a donation to your
local Greenpeace office. |
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Name:
Richard
Nickname: Rico
Hometown: Dunedin ,New Zealand
Age: 28
Position on Board: Campaigner
Professional Background: I work as Action Coordinator and
warehouse manager for the Greenpeace Australia National office in
Sydney.
Why do you work for Greenpeace? Because I am determined to expose
and identify the problems that our planet faces from the increasingly
sophisticated and agressive campaigns of global capitalists and
their public relations firms. Greenpeace can help the public
become more informed about what is going on.
Any Hobbies or Areas of Special Interest? Camping,especially
by the sea,traveling and exploring the coast,motorcyling and snowboarding
in New Zealand. I am keen on amateur video and active in comunity
activist groups in Sydney.
Anything else you want the world to know? "Evil
plans don't just make themselves."
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 Name:
Alan
Hometown: Christchurch, New Zealand - born in UK
Age: 43
Role on Ship: Chief Scientist
Professional Background: PhD in Seabird Biology. Formerly British
Antarctic Survey. Environmental Consultant specialising in Polar Regions.
Honorary Research Fellow in School of Environmental & Marine Sciences,
University of Auckland.. Also lecture at Universities of Waikato &
Canterbury on Antarctic environment. Senior Advisor to Antarctic and
Southern Ocean Coalition .
Why Do You Work for Greenpeace? Because if we are to preserve
the Antarctic we have to be able to put pressure on governments and
inform the public about Antarctica. Greenpeace is the only environmental
organisation able to operate in Antarctica, and has a history of involvement
there.
Likes: The music of Monteverdi and JS Bach, and remote places
Dislikes: Commercial radio and post-modernist architecture!
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 Name:
Mariajo
Hometown: Madrid, Spain
Age: 31
Position on Board: Assistant campaigner/scientist
Professional Background: I worked as a scientist 6 months in
Newfoundland working on fishing ships with halibut. I have worked
in several jobs. I worked as a volunteer in an owl hospital since
1992. Since last year, I work in Greenpeace Spain as biodiversity
assistant. Why do you work for Greenpeace? I can't explain
it very well, it's like a dream come true.I love playing on the right
team.
Any Hobbies or Areas of Special Interest? Birdwatching
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Name: Lena
Age: 37
Hometown: Shetland Islands
Role on ship: Cook and purveyor of superior dining - but usually
I sail as second mate. I just fancied a change of scene.
Professional Experience: I have been working on ships for 13
years. I used to be a mate on coasters around northern Europe & West
Africa lugging around general cargo. In 1990, I joined the Greenpeace
Marine Division. Since then I have worked in all of the campaign areas.
This is my fifth Antarctic trip.
Why do you work for Greenpeace?: It is good to feel that I
can use my skills to help Greenpeace. In the commercial sector,we
were often carrying chemicals and fertilizers and it was depressing
to see the general lack of concern for the marine environment. Garbage
and oil going overboard was a daily occurrence. I enjoy the camaraderie
of working with an international team of dedicated people towards
a common goal. |
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 Name:
Deb
Age: 28
Home: Pambula, Australia
Professional Experience: I have been working for Greenpeace
for five years. I started as an office manager, but after 18 months
I moved over to the actions team. I have been working as a deckhand
for over a year now. I have a degree in Administration.
Why do you work for Greenpeace?: In the hope that our actions
can assist in providing a world and an environment free of contamination
and social injustice for future generations to appreciate, enjoy and
respect. |
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 Name:
Yasu
Age: 29
Home: Tokyo, Japan
Professional Experience: I worked as a deckhand on commercial
fishing ships for a year.
Why do you work for Greenpeace?: I wanted to work for a non-commercial
ship. I don't like how many companies, and their ships, put money
before everything else. |
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 Name:
Olivier
Hometown: Poitiers, France
Age: 30
Role on Ship: Deckhand
Professional Background: Fisherman since 15. Joined the 1995
Rainbow Warrior expedition to Moruroa Atoll to stop French nuclear
testing. At sea during Greenpeace driftnet campaigns in the Bay of
Biscay and the Mediterranean.
Why Do You Work for Greenpeace? I see the damage we do when
I was working on trawlers. I saw the ground we cleared out in just
five years. So, it's not working against the fishermen, its working
against stupidity. I try to raise consciousness.
Pursuits: walking/hiking. Clear your head and get fit. Volunteer
on an organic farm. Gardener, painter
Dislikes: Cities. TV
Anything Else You Want the World To Know? Small is beautiful.
It always starts with self-consciousness and then it rises up.
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 Name:Ross
Nickname: Roscoe
Hometown: Takapuna, Auckland, NZ
Role on Ship: Outboard Mechanic/Boat Operator
Professional Background: Teacher. Inflatable Boat Repairman.
Gardener
Why do You Work For Greenpeace? I have been inspired by many
greenpeace people I have had the privledge to meet. I trust I can
contribute to a group who bring Logic and Reason to the world. Sanity
has never had a great influence on my life
Hobbies/Likes? Windsurfing. Star Trek÷the new ones..."Voyager"..."Deep
Space Nine"...the bald guy. Cats
Anything Else You Want the World to Know? Its not where you
are but what you do there that counts |
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 Name:
Phil
Age: 40
Home: Marton, New Zealand (on the lower North island)
Role on ship: Helicopter pilot
Professional Experience: Twenty years of aviation background.
Two years fixed wing and 18 years helicopter. As a helicopter pilot
I have done everything from crop dusting to search and rescue. I have
a lot of experience working in remote locations, and have two instructor
ratings. This is my second trip with Greenpeace.
Why do you work for Greenpeace? I feel working for Greenpeace
is a rewarding compliment to my belief that one person can make a
difference, but more importantly, that working together we can make
a big difference. |
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 Name:
Barry
Age: 48
Home: TeAnau, New Zealand
Role on ship: Helicopter mechanic
Professional Experience: Thirty years as an aircraft engineer.
Four thousand hours logged as a helicopter pilot. This is my second
trip with Greenpeace.
Why do you work for Greenpeace? I turned down a job with Greenpeace
once. My brother went instead of me, and I have always regretted not
going.
Life changing event: I was a passenger on an airplane that
went down. Out of 254 people on that plane, only 26 of us survived.
This changed my outlook on life, and made working on a Greenpeace
ship even more important to me. |
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 Name:
Namhee
Age: 28
Hometown: Pusan, South Korea
Role on ship: Assistant Cook
Professional Experience: Masters degree in International Environmental
Law. Studied at Kyushu University in Japan for 1 year. Worked for
Korean Federation for Environmental Movements (KFEM) as a researcher.
Then I joined in for two Greenpeace actions, and now I am on the ship!
Why do you work for Greenpeace? I love the spirit of Greenpeace.
And the most important reason is that I can be myself and enjoy what
I am doing here. Of course I am here to "Save the Earth".
Thoughts on ship life: Being on the ship is enjoyable. Except
sleeping can be very difficult for me when the sea is rough. Also,
I am looking forward to seeing penguins. |
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Name: Nicholas
Age: 40
Hometown: I now live in Sydney, Australia, but was born in
London, UK.
Role on ship: Deckhand, contributing to the web page.
Usual Occupation: When not on a Greenpeace ship I work for
Greenpeace (Australia) supporter services.
Why do you work for Greenpeace? To try and redress the imbalance
caused by the mad monkeys whose actions are only driven by short term
profit. |
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 Name:
Daniel
Hometown: Madrid, Spain
Age: 35
Role on Board: Photographer
Professional Background: worked for different international
photo agencies. Actually with Gamma from Paris. I've been working
as a freelancer for Greenpeace the last 10 years.
Why do you work for Greenpeace? I like these crazy guys! It's
worth it. Photography is a good tool for denouncing the harm we are
doing to our planet.
Any Hobbies or Areas of Special Interest? Anything related
to nature: birdwatching, backpacking, sports÷ |
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 Name:
John
Hometown: Perth, Australia
Age: 64
Role on Ship: Independent scientist specializing in Indian
Ocean birds.
Professional Experience: Retired engineer but I've always been
interested in natural history. I have done previous trips to Antarctica
on South African research vessels and am now a research associate
at the Western Australia, Museum where I focus on Indonesian and South
Asian birds.
Why Do You Work for Greenpeace? Opportunity to go places, meet
people, and give give something back to the earth for all the enjoyment
its provided me over the past six decades.
Hobbies: You don't have time for too many hobbies when you
pursue twin careers! A little art and illustration when I do have
the time. |
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 Name:
Brenton
Hometown: Adelaide, South Australia
Age: Now you're getting personal!
Role on Ship: Videographer
Professional Background: News cameraman. I covered a Greenpeace
protest once but this is my first expedition.
Why Do You Work for Greenpeace? An opportunity to go somewhere
I wouldn't normally be able to go and see places I wouldn't normally
be able to see.
Hobbies/pursuits: Family first! Scuba Diving, photography.
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 Name:
Emily
Nickname: Emily Blue (but it should probably be Emily 'Green'
now)
Hometown: Planet Blue
Age: 24 going on 12
Role on Ship: Deckhand Garbologist but I prefer the term 'waste
engineer'
Professional Background: Bachelor's degree in Politics, philosophy,
and sociology. When not traveling with my surf board or writing postcards
I am a trainee astrophysist. (editor's note: she might be joking but
we're not sure). Worked with Greenpeace in England off and on but
never anything this big.
Why Do You Work for Greenpeace? It's fundamental to my philosophy
of life.
Hobbies/pursuits: Surfing, travel, roller blades, football.
100% vegetarianism!
Anything Else? We're bearing witness for the people who plead
ignorance. |
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