I'm on my first rotation on a tugboat and, I've been really, really enjoying my time onboard.

Here's a couple things I've been really liking (as opposed to ships):

It's relaxed. People seem to take a very common sense approach to things which means that for the most part it's a much more relaxed environment.

It's dynamic. We're much more in tune with the environmental factors. What's the wind doing? Lots of current today? What are the assist boats doing? How much water are we in?

It's a community. It's blown my mind how much the tugs take care of each other. Shared groceries, shared water, shared information. Two days ago a tug dropped off a box of herbal tea for me. It's very, very refreshing.

It's social. The crew actually socializes. Cribbage anyone? Wanna watch a show? There's one dining room table - we have lively dinner conversations. It's so good for morale.

It's an open galley. Off meal times you can go to the fridge - find some food - and sheesh even cook it up if you want! Coming from ships this feels like a luxury.

It's flexible. Specifically regarding food. We actually go shopping at the grocery store. If you want a specific cereal put it on the list. Again, coming from ships this feels like a luxury.

It's fun. Hands on often times equals fun and that's very much the case here.

It's also really hard to not love using the hashtag #nautietugshavenicersterns on Instagram.