Shaun McQuaid

Chief Steward

It's Shaun McQuaid here; I've worked onboard Aurora for 16 years, which make's me the longest serving crew member on board Aurora. I first went to sea as a boy rating on the QE 2. My father and four brothers all went to sea, so it was a natural choice for me. I worked on the QE 2 for 2 and a bit years, learning all the skills needed to be a First Class Waiter in one of the "Lizzie's" (crew name for the QE 2) four restaurants.

From there I worked on various other passenger ships and Cross Channel ferries out of the Portsmouth and Southampton. I finished up on the Canberra ‘White Whale’, as she was affectionately known, which put the idea of coming to Australia in my head.

I was born in Belfast and as a child immigrated to Australia and returned to Belfast after two years, left school at 16 and went to sea. I left the UK in 1987 and worked in the construction industry in Melbourne as a steel fixer for 2 years. I then got the opportunity to go to sea on the Australian coast. After 6 weeks of safety training, I joined my first Australian ship, MV Australian Trader. I did several trips on her to New Zealand carrying containers.

From there I joined a variety of ships, bulk carriers, container ships, oil tankers and the Bass Strait ferry Able Tasman. I was give, the opportunity to join Aurora in September 1991, where I have worked since.

I am the Chief Steward and I am responsible for all aspects of the catering on board. I am ably assisted in this by a Chief Cook, Paul, who is one of the best cooks I've worked with and a great pal. I also have John and Nathan in the galley keeping us well feed. Also assisting me are Sue, who runs the laundry for me and Ash who runs the restaurant. Between us all we keep the ship as clean as we can, considering we have fully clothed crew and scientists marching all over our lovely clean decks.

I also run a small shop and an active union delegate, which keep me very busy. I have stayed on Aurora because she is the best ship I've ever sailed on and we go to an amazing place and I have met some very interesting people from all over the world. My crew and I do our very best to ensure everyone on Aurora has a good time. Slan go foil. (Good-bye in Gaelic)