Yeah, I'm starting to think that way too...The Captains seem to have it pretty good!

Until your first mate farks up and drives up onto a sand bar in the fog!

When he went to work for Hy-Line in the early 80s, my Dad had perhaps the only unlimted master ticket, had 26 round-the-world trips in his logs, and had, I think, more sea time than the rest of the company combined.

He started as a *deckhand* on the Patience/Prudence, moved up to skipper those challenging single-screw, rope-steered tour boats for several years, and then transitoned to first mate on East Chop for a few years before 5-6 years as captain on that boat. No getting around paying those dues!

Yes, I'd say toughest is 1st mate. Have to be there earlier and stay late. Captain just shows up and asks the 1st "everything ready?"

I am really grateful for him having that Hy-Line opportunity. My hat's off to them. I hope I can manage something as much fun!