First FRC Adventure; Departure to the Gilavar

FRC in Calm Waters; Gulf of Mexico: Geco Snapper 05.2008

Suddenly my bags were all packed and I was about to be welcomed with a new venture. With my most recent time on the Geco Snapper – “5 Best Flashbacks on the Geco Snapper; a Dedication to a Late Friend;” one thing was evident I was not quite ready to leave yet. Instead of a personnel basket transfer and a chaseboat – “Thanks for the Memories; My Recollections of the Boston, Massachusetts Project,” I was transported by a Fast Rescue Craft (FRC). What is a FRC you may ask? FRC’s are designed for life-saving and working purposes within the shipping and offshore industries. Modern concepts combined with the basic ideas of traditional boat-building principles have given these rescue boats the stability, strength, and excellent seagoing qualities required under maritime conditions.

FRC Being Lowered; Gulf of Mexico: Geco Snapper 05.2008

The rule is that a Marine Biologist, like me for example, may never drive this watercraft without proper training (shocking news in international future post). The FRC was a bright orange coloration and had remnants of saltwater all over the exterior. I was overly excited before my departure to the Gilavar, because this was my first time on a FRC. As we proceeded away from the vessel I glanced back one more time to say my final goodbye. It was then I realized that this particular crew I have grown to deeply care about and treat in a way like my own family. I have younger brothers who I absolutely adore and have a lot of respect for (I know they will do great in life and pursue their dreams like I have), but I have to admit it was refreshing to have a group of older guys to talk “grown up” topics with for a change. I saw the same group of guys for a solid month and I was rather used to waking up to their smiling faces and talking about their families and personal lives. Needless to say, we became really close. 

Crew in FRC; Gulf of Mexico: Geco Snapper 05.2008

As great memories filled my head, I remember thinking, “How fortunate was I in this situation to not only have worked on this project, but to have had the remarkable opportunity to work on the ocean?” My first Rough-toothed dolphin sighting was awesomely unexpected – “The Unexpected Surprise; First Encounter with Rough-toothed Dolphins.” The laughter that was all shared on a daily basis, complete with our endless supply of inside jokes – “Swept to the Geco Snapper; A Spark of Insanity” and  “How to Cope with Steamy Situations; Helpful Hints to Improve Your Breathing,” all remained close to my heart. Not to mention the amazing oceanscapes that were viewed, some of which no one else in the world was able to see at that particular moment – “5 Best Flashbacks on the Geco Snapper; a Dedication to a Late Friend.” What are oceanscapes you may ask? My definition, complete with unbelievable breath-taking photographs was one of my highlights of working offshore – “A Compilation of Cool Oceanscapes on the Water; a Glimpse into an Effervescent World.”

My Final Sunset Viewed onboard the Geco Snapper; Gulf of Mexico: Geco Snapper 05.2008

 

The wind violently pressed up against my yellow helmet slightly bobbing it back and forth, the saltwater filled the bottom of my blue jeans, and a strong smell of diesel fuel overwhelmed my senses were all clear representations that in this second I was one step closer to achieving my ultimate goal: To be recognized as a successful and respectable Marine Biologist – “"Last Destination Florida; the Road Trip down the Chosen Path.” I could not wait to get off the FRC and see what adventures greeted me next.

Birthday Photograph on the Geco Snapperin; Gulf of Mexico: Geco Snapper 05.2008