Gregory Geagan

My name is Greg Geagan and I am currently a junior at UMASS Amherst studying Building and Construction Technology. For the past 3 summers, I have worked on a passenger tour boat on the Cape Cod Canal out of Onset, MA. The vessel that I work on is a part of Hy-Line Cruises, stationed out Hyannis, MA. Hy-Line is known for their fast ferries which transport people to and from Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. They also offer sighseeing tours and fishing trips as well. My main job title on this vessel, the "Viking", is a Deckhand/Bartender, where my responsibilities are vast, especially working on the water. My tasks on a daily basis range from tending bar, serving drinks and snacks to various passengers. I have developed a variety of great qualities, including customer service and satisfaction, organizational skills and money management skills. I also need to have technical nautical qualities, such as maintaining the engines, keeping logs of pressure gauges, docking the boat by throwing lines to the shore as well as being able to steer, dock and operate the vessel by using a compass and GPS and Radar location.

Despite majoring in Building and Construction Technology, there really isn't anything I am more passionate about than being on the water. I have always said that a bad day on the water beats a good day in the office any day of the week. I have also found an extreme passion for bartending since acquiring this job, as I have really grown to understand the "customer is always right" policy, a concept that really is hard, for many, to grasp and agree with at times. I get to learn each customer and their tendencies as the night progresses, as well as making new friends and connections on a regular basis. I work with a great crew who I know and understand on a personal level, which makes this job ideal and more importantly, enjoyable! Everyday, I am fortunate enough to be able to enjoy the sceneic qualities of the Cape Cod Canal and the history behind it. I get to have fun while I am working, which leads me to feel like I'm not working at all, which in the end, is the main goal of any occupation.

In a few years from now, I hope to still be working on the water. As I continue to log my sea-time, I plan on testing for my 100 ton Captain's license. As a licensed bartender already, I will also have that in my back pocket. I feel as though with all the connections I have made thus far, I will end up in the right place.