Name: Damian

Position on Board: Deckhand

Nationality: United Kingdom

The story so far: This is my first time on a Greenpeace ship.

I joined the ship in Holland, after a hectic race there from London. I had only found out about the opportunity two days previously, and had to get everything ready double quick time.

I had no idea what we were going to do here, as discretion is such an important part of any action, nobody was telling me too much.

Twenty-four hours after first setting eyes on the Esperanza, I was leaping onto a fast moving boat in heavy seas in a survival suit with full climbing gear and two days food, the target a Russian timber ship with wood unsustainably logged from the ancient forest.

The boarding operation was particularly precarious due to the combination of an unexpectedly high deck and a frighteningly short ladder. Scrambling up the ladder in a large swell, wet through with full kit was more then just a little alarming.

After the excitement, of the action and the arrest it was quite a contrast to be back on board painting steelwork and cleaning equipment.

Back in the UK, I work as an industrial climber on anything from electrical pylons to church steeples, and I am so proud to be given the chance to use my skills for something like this. The whole team are fantastic to work with and everyone has such an essential part to play.

What I am trying to say is that no matter what your talent is in life you can use it to be part of a positive change. All you need is a little enthusiasm, get involved in what you believe in. Get active!

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