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Humans of WHOI » Eric Benway

Eric Benway

Port Captain

I manage the day-to-day operations and logistics of all three of our vessels, the @rvatlantis@rvneilarmstrong, and R/V Tioga. I also manage all visiting vessels visiting WHOI and work with large international companies and agencies to help support our vessels and crew.⁠

I graduated from @massmaritime in the ‘90s and envisioned sailing on cargo ships my whole career with the Merchant Marine. That changed in 2008. I took a pay cut to improve my quality of life– and it was the best decision I ever made. You never know how your career will turn out. I never imagined I would be the port captain for WHOI! The biggest lesson was to keep listening and observing what others are doing and saying. You may find another path you never expected.⁠

WHOI does a great job supporting my goals and professional development. From 2015-2018, I took advantage of the WHOI Tuition Assistance Program and I was able to get my Master’s Degree in Project Management from @northeasternuniversity. This assistance made all the difference and I probably wouldn't have enrolled without it. WHOI is also very supportive on all other professional training as well.⁠