Over the past couple of weeks we have posted several updates about the experiences of scientists and other scientific aspects of this cruise. While these updates have entertained and informed friends and families of the scientists, we have yet to introduce the crew of the R/V Roger Revelle. We thought the best way to start these introductions was to interview Captain Dave Murline.

Captain Murline is currently a Senior Relief Captain and started working for Scripps over 24 years ago as an able body seaman. He attended the California Maritime Academy where he received a B.S. in Nautical Industrial Technology with a minor in Oceanography. He says that being the Captain of a research vessel like the R/V Revelle is his “dream job” as it allows him to travel the world and satisfies his curiosity of oceanography. This “dream job” does have its drawbacks, however, as Dave often spends six to ten months a year out at sea away from his wife, whom he met at the shipyard where the Revelle was built, two children and one grandchild. His family is very supportive though and often takes advantage of his travels by meeting him in foreign ports like Thailand and New Zealand. When Dave is not traveling or sailing, he enjoys free diving, fishing, surfing, and gardening.

As a Captain, Dave is curious about the science on his ship and often asks questions of us scientists. His loyalty to the scientists, however, is questionable because he is known to affiliate with “pirates” and when asked what he would do if the ship was sinking, he replied “every man, women and scientist for themselves.”  All joking aside, Dave Murline blends his authority as Captain with a gregarious personality that garners respect from both scientists and crew. Without people like Captain Murline, we as scientists and novice sailors would have a much more difficult time achieving our scientific objectives while at sea.

Dave Murline and family. From left: Chris, son, Sarah, daughter, Luke, grandson, Valerie, wife and Dave.

Pirates!

The R/V Revelle during a 2006 research cruise to Antarctica

< previous day

next day >