Parker Rogers

What is your job on the ship? I help keep the engine room and machinery spaces clean.

How long have you been doing this? Since 1969. 21 years.

What is your favorite part of what you do?
The places I get to see. The people I get to meet.

What is the least favorite part of your work? Leaving family and loved ones at home.

How/why did you get into this field?
I tried factory and similar jobs as a young man and did not like it! I wanted to do something different.

What are your career goals?
Never had one—just wanted to work at a good job.

What is the biggest misconception about what you do?
The average person thinks anyone could do this—not true—the average person would have difficulty dealing with being so far from land.

What is the most important skill/trait that you rely on?
Over 20 years of experience and in an emergency, my will to survive.

What is your most memorable experience from your career?
I guess being on the first tug to go to Lewiston, Idaho and being on the first tug on the West Coast to have a woman working on it.

Tell us something about yourself.
I’m 55 and from Vancouver, Washington. I have 2 grown daughters, 2 grandsons and a granddaughter. I have a brother, 54, with a mental disability and I take care of him when I’m home. No pets. I’m a hunting, fishing, camping fanatic. I like to play chess, cribbage and pool. I love watching pro and college football. I love the NCAA BB tourney and we’re missing it now.+