Sundays are the only remnant of the 'normal' working week on board. The crew have their day off, well, with the caveat that nothing goes wrong. However, needs must and some things can't relent; the mates continue their watches, steering the boat; the engineers are often called into action when there's an emergency; the RO or radio operator, Colin, seems to be at constant beckoning; and we are always watching the sea - willing dark backs out of the waves.

That's the great thing about boats, there's always some sort of tinkering to be done. Between the radio room and the various workshops and engines there's a hum of activity. The RO, particularly, has a knack for getting things to work. It's not a matter of if it can be done, but how. I see a tremendous satisfaction to be had in whatever route he takes. All this industrial-ness is infectious. For instance, one of the photographers turned her hand to the wood bench, producing a cup holder of which any carpenter'd be proud. I think this adaptability is both learnt from experience on board and forced upon you when all the resources you have are what you can see.

So far I've also had varied jobs, from soldering to carpentry and quick IT solutions to window-washing. Because they are so absorbing, these little jobs take on a precedence in the mind above that which they probably should!

Simon, WDCS scientist