Meet Andrew Leachman

Meet Andrew Leachman

How long have you worked on the Tangaroa?

Since it was being built, Norway 1991.

What is your job?

Captain. This involves bridge watch keeping, making sure that we run a safe ship and keeping the scientific staff happy.

What does a typical day involve?

03:50 start. I take the 4 – 8 watch, morning and evening. On a typical day I do the observation meteorological entry as well as sending daily situation reports. I also do general ship administration.

What do you enjoy the most?

Ship handling, catching fish, reading, seeing magnificent sunrises and sunsets, fixed routine, listening to scientific staff talk about their work.

What’s the least enjoyable aspect of your work?

Administration/paper work. Having to get “interested” at 03:50 and rough weather, being “hoved to” and dealing with unreliable people.

Do you get seasick? Any tips for not getting ill?

Yes, once in 1957 but not since! If you sleep, then drink plenty of water and soft foods like yoghurt and bananas. And make sure you get some fresh air!

What is your favourite memory from working on the ship?

Seeing 60 whales playing close to the ship off the Balleny Islands, seeing them coming over to look at the ship.

What do you do when off shift, and in your spare time at home?

Read books on the Antarctic and Arctic, write letters and e-mails, go to the gym and practice my saxophone, play scrabble. At home I tend my olive grove and my wife and house