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ATLANTIC TOWING
WELCOME ABOARD
MARINE WAVE
Marine Wave was pleased to speak with new hire, Chief Engineer, Joel Gionet. We caught up with Gionet at a remote hotel in Baker Lake, following a two-week relief contract at Atlantic Towing’s seasonal Baker Lake operations. He was about to sail home to enjoy a three-week break before starting a new role at the Port of Belledune in Belledune, New Brunswick.
MW: Tell us a bit about yourself
JG: I was born and raised in Caraquet, New Brunswick. I studied at the School of Fisheries in Caraquet, where I received my Mechanical Engineer ticket in 1987. I then worked in the fishing industry for 25 years, and changed my career path in 2010 to the Marine Industry. I was with CSL (Canadian Steamship Line) until August, 2016, when I started working with Atlantic Towing. I was happy with CSL, but I was looking for more stability and the chance to spend more time with my wife, Nathalie, and my three kids, Alisson (19), Mikelle (17) and Natanielle (17). I was offered a position with Atlantic Towing to work at the Port of Belledune, which is a 40-hour work week, and the opportunity to spend nights at home. I start in three weeks.
I also have two dogs, and while I was away on this contact, my wife informed me that she and the kids have added another dog to the family.
MW: What got you interested in the Marine Industry? Do you have other family members that are Mariners?
JG: I grew up watching my older brothers enter and enjoy the fishing industry. I followed them to the sea, and like them, became a fisherman. I love the sea. I tried to work in Fort McMurray for a time - the work was fine, but not seeing the water felt really foreign and it got to me. I realized pretty early that I have to see the sea every day. The sea is a huge part of what makes me feel content and happy.
MW: What is your role on the tug? JOEL GIONET
JG: For my first contract with the company, I was Chief Engineer on the Atlantic Elm. When I start at the Belledune facility, I will be the Chief Engineer on the Atlantic Hemlock.
MW: How was your first experience on the job? What were you doing?
JG: It was good and really interesting. It wasn’t a huge change for me, as I have been working on ships in some capacity for over 30 years. I found Baker Lake and the surrounding area to be so remote and untouched. I am told that I arrived at a great time, as the bug season was pretty much over. I heard that the bugs are a definite challenge, and something to get used to, if you can.
MW: What did you like best about the contract that you just completed?
JG: I found the crew was really friendly and the food was really good. I enjoyed the isolation, as I have never worked in such a remote area before.
MW: What do you plan to do on your time off work?
JG: I enjoy doing renovations on our house. When I return to Caraquet, I hope to complete a nanny suite for my mother-in-law, who will be moving in with us next month.
MW: What do you miss most when you are on the tug?
JG: I miss my family, and being home, I accepted that this was part of the job, but I am really looking forward to the Belledune opportunity.
MW: How do you occupy your time on the tug when you are not working?
JG: I tend to start new vessel-related projects and I do paperwork. I can always find things to do. I am all about prevention – I like to get things done in advance, before something happens.
MW: Do you have any interesting stories that you would like to share about your first contract with Atlantic Towing?
JG: Baker Lake is so different from where we live – I have never seen anything like it. The people live so differently; they lead simple lives and are not materialistic. I found their way of life to be fascinating. I am happy to be leaving though. It’s getting really cold quickly here, but I am so grateful to have seen such a neat part of Canada. I’ll always remember it.
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