While growing up in Holland, Daan listened to his father’s tales about sailing around the world as Captain of the JOIDES Resolution. Following in his father’s footsteps, Daan decided to pursue a career working on a ship.

After taking a couple of years off after high school, Daan went to maritime college for four years to qualify for a sailing position. Upon receiving his degree, he applied to work aboard the JOIDES Resolution. Daan has been working on the ship for four years and is now the Second Mate. He hopes that some day in the future he will be the Captain of a ship.

As Second Mate, Daan is responsible for the navigation of the ship. He has a great deal of technology to support this task, but must also know how to navigate with the sun and stars in case the systems break down. If weather does not permit sighting the sun or stars, then Daan must determine the ship’s location by calculating speed and time.

Daan enjoys his job because it is very multicultural. The people who live and work aboard the ship hail from all around the world: South Africa, Portugal, United States, Philippines, and Scotland, in addition to the scientists who are from around 15 different countries.

Staff Name: Daan Kuster

Majors: Marine Transportation

Education: Maritime College, The Netherlands

Courses: Navigation, Seamanship, Damage Control, Math, GPS systems, Meteorology

Experiences: Pass rigorous US Coast Guard examination, complete STWC 95 requirements, sailing experience/support

IODP Experience: 4 years navigating the JOIDES Resolution in ODP and IODP

Interests: Sailing, navigation, graphing, oceanography, systems technology, travel

Interests: gliding, racing remote cars and planes, traveling

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