Rachel Colquhoun's journey as a seafarer

When Rachel Colquhoun moved from Ottawa to Halifax to attend Dalhousie University, she knew it wouldn’t be a temporary stay in the coastal city. Ten years later, Rachel’s still in Halifax – working as a Deckhand with Atlantic Towing and living on the water. 

June 25 marks the Day of the Seafarer, an event coordinated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Today and every day, we’re proud to recognize seafarers like Rachel and their dedication to the marine industry. 

This year, the IMO is placing a special emphasis on promoting a culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment at sea. “Feeling safe and supported on boats is so important because you do not have the option to exit situations where you feel uncomfortable,” says Rachel. “The only support you have is the people around you – when you support them and they support you, everything else flows naturally.” 

Rachel originally started working on the water during her first summer in Halifax through attending a job fair to find summer work. “One of the jobs they were advertising was a tour guide on the Theodore Too, a full-scale replica of Theodore Tugboat, one of my favourite TV shows as a child. I had to do it,” she said. “It allowed me to gain sea-time and that’s what allowed me to pursue more work in the marine industry.”  

Rachel decided she wanted to work on the water more than just a summer gig. While pursuing her master’s degree out west, she took on extra marine courses and completed an Enhanced Bridge Watch Rating program. Once she finished, Rachel moved back to Halifax and was hired by Atlantic Towing in August 2023 as a Deckhand. “I work on deck, attaching the tug’s assist line to the vessel, working with the Chief to get our tug on and off the dock,” she says. “When we’re not doing jobs, we take care of the boat. It’s a workplace, but it’s also a home.”  

Still holding a special place in her heart for marine tourism, Rachel drives the Harbour Hopper – a vessel that does tours of the city and Halifax Harbour — on her weeks off. Rachel says her favourite part of both jobs is the people. 

Reflecting on the Day of the Seafarer, Rachel wants to draw attention to the work they do. “None of my friends outside of work have any idea what I do, but without seafarers, trade wouldn’t happen, people wouldn’t get their mail or be able to fill up their cars with gas or get their groceries.”