Sub Sea Research team, from left: Kevin LaChance, Nick Snyer, Alex Bezkoravainy, Joe Maloney, Brian Ryder, Greg Brooks, Gary Esper, Dave St. Cyr, Cody LaChance, Zach Cox, Nick Grass and Eddie Bourges.

The current Sub Sea Research crew is dedicated and hard working. Both the crew that works aboard the ship and those who work behind the scenes to make sure the mission is a success are an integral part of the company. Our team is stronger than it has ever been before! We’re all very excited to be entering this salvage season with those who are onboard presently. It is with this crew that we plan on bringing up the treasure and getting the job done. It is with great pleasure that we introduce you to the present Sub Sea Research ship crew.

Greg Brooks (Co-Owner of Sub Sea Research / Admiral): Greg started Sub Sea Research as a full-time company back in 1993, when it was known as Silver Bars. The company evolved over time into Sub Sea Recovery and later became known as the present day Sub Sea Research. Greg works both behind the scenes to keep the company running smoothly, and is also the Admiral aboard the Sea Hunter and Son Worshipper. It is up to him to keep everyone motivated and to come up with the ultimate plan that will guide the crew toward their goals.

Gary Esper (Captain): Gary is the captain of the M/V Sea Hunter, and is second in command. He leads the crew aboard the ship, particularly when Greg is not present. His job is to chart the courses and study the weather to find appropriate times to travel to the wreck site, and to ensure the crew’s safety through scheduling watches and work day activities.

Brian Ryder (Chief Engineer): Brian works as the chief engineer aboard the Sea Hunter, and so he must study all the equipment onboard so he knows it inside and out. He is also in charge of troubleshooting and fixing broken machinery.

Kevin LaChance (ROV Pilot/Deck Boss): Kevin pilots the Remote Operated Vehicle, and it is his job to make sure it can maneuver safely though shipwrecks without damage. He will sometimes have to sit at the screen, operating the ROV for up to 12 hours at a time. When it comes time to actually lift the cargo from the ship, Kevin will be the one operating the ROV and pulling it up. He also helps run the deck, making sure tasks get designated and done.

Alex Bezkorovainy (Sonar Operator on ROV/Deckhand/Diver): Alex has a number of different jobs aboard the Sea Hunter. He works the sonar aboard the ROV on missions out to the wreck site, and has many years experience as a diver, which comes into play in shallower wrecks. For the Port Nicholson recovery, he is a part of the ROV team. Alex also works aboard the ship, making sure that it stays clean and that all tasks are getting done.

Dave St. Cyr (Welder/Fabricator/Deckhand): Dave works as a welder aboard the ship. He fabricates many useful pieces of machinery, including flotation buoys and other useful tools for salvage. He does general deckwork too, but mainly works as a welding specialist.

Eddie Bourges (Second Engineer/Cook): Eddie is second in command to Brian, and helps with keeping the machinery of the ship up and running. He also is a talented chef aboard the ship, making sure no one goes hungry.

Joe Maloney (Captain/Technician): Joe is a registered captain, and so he and Gary often share the duty of running the Sea Hunter (and also the Son Worshipper). On long trips to and from the wreck site, it’s important to have at least two people onboard with the knowledge of how to run a ship, whether so one can act as a co-captain or they can take turns during grueling hours spent on the sea. Joe also works as a technician aboard the ship.

Nick Snyer (Diver/Deckhand): Nick is a trained diver and deckhand aboard the Sea Hunter. He is a part of the ROV Tether team, which consists of four crew members. Their job while out at the wrecksite is to ensure the lengthy cord of the ROV does not get tangled, and that the ROV is launched safely. This is a very important job, since the ROV is the most necessary object in recovery.

Nick Grass (Commercial Diver/Deckhand): Nick is a commercial diver. He works as a deckhand aboard the Sea Hunter, and is also a part of the ROV Tether team. He has some skills as a welder and assists Dave with his projects.

Cody LaChance (Deckhand): Cody works as a general laborer aboard the Sea Hunter, and is also a part of the ROV Tether team.

Zach Cox (Deckhand): Zach works as a deckhand aboard the Sea Hunter and is an integral part of the ROV Tether team.

This team knows what it takes to get the job done. In a future post, the entire Sub Sea behind the scenes team will be introduced.