Unless the seas are heavy, then you read a lot. Some days it's like a birthday party and some days it's like detention. Sometimes it is the greatest thing in the world. Other times it is long and hard. The weather plays a very important role in ship life.
Work can be very dangerous when the weather is rough.
You have to remember in order to work you have to be outside on deck. If the waves are big and the water cold it makes for a tough day. On the other hand, when the weather is clear and you get to see whales and other marine creatures the days are wonderful. We are very lucky to have supportive sea-going people. I also enjoy looking at the zooplankton we collect on the net tows.