After my training, I was immediately referred to Ocean Group. They saw in me a great potential and a natural fit with the company. And they weren’t wrong.
From the start, they told me they were looking for people ready to be deployed anywhere in Canada and I was up for it. This is what brought me to British Columbia and what will soon bring me to Eastern Canada. For some, this kind of change can be a drag, but for me, I love this flexibility that allows me to travel the country.
Right now, I’m on a six-week work schedule, and then, I have two weeks off to relax and enjoy everything the province has to offer. I mainly work night shifts: from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., which makes for a good 12-hour shift. It might seem long, but I see it as a marathon and I love what I do.
Since we’re far from home, we’re staying in a hotel by the water. That way, we don’t have to worry about accommodations or traffic, which is great!
Being a fairly simple person, I usually get up around 4 p.m. I pack my lunch and I’m ready to take on my work night. I head down to the lobby where a shuttle picks up our team of 8 people. The vehicle takes us to the port where a ship will pick us up while the daytime crew ends its shift.
Before leaving, they explain to us what has been done during the day. This way, we know where there were some problems and if there is equipment that needs to be repaired or monitored. We then board the ship that will bring us to a barge stationed on the water, where we work. This ride, whether it takes 5 or 30 minutes, I enjoy every moment. On the water, surrounded by mountains, there’s no better view.
Once we get there, we make sure to inspect the premises and the machinery to check what needs to be done, check the generators (that provide us electricity) and prepare the equipment so we don’t have any bad surprises during our shift. As the sun sets early in the winter months, it’s not uncommon that we start working when it’s already dark outside.
Essentially, our team is in charge of bringing rocks to the construction site to put them underwater to build a road. So I make sure the loads are safe. As it’s dark outside, I’m the “Captain’s eyes” to help him navigate. Other than that, I make sure the ship and the barge are always clean and safe. I also have to check on the generators so that they don’t run out of gas. Since this is our only source of electricity, we can’t afford to have them stop working. Finally, because I act a bit like the Captain’s right hand, I assist them with whatever they need.
Basically, I’m a handyman, but on the water! And I love that.
We always work as a team and it’s essential to have chemistry and mutual trust with your teammates.
When the night ends, I sometimes get a little tired, but I usually feel good! Often, when we get back to the hotel, I will have a beer or breakfast with the team before leaving.
Personally, I wouldn’t trade my job for the world. I work for an amazing company and am fortunate enough to be on the water and see breathtaking scenery every day. I’m fortunate to be involved in many things and that makes my day-to-day always different.
