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Story of a Polperro Crew Member by Jim Curtis For the past seven years, I have studied environmental planning at the University of Melbourne. I recently completed my University career with a master's thesis on The Future of Ecotourism in Victoria, and it was while researching this topic that I had the good fortune of meeting Judy Muir from Polperro Dolphin Swims. I was in the process of choosing a case study of ecotourism and the dolphin-based tourism industry in Port Phillip Bay seemed a suitable example. Little did I know that my choice of case study would have some significant repercussions. I initially interviewed Judy in September 1996, and after deciding on my choice of case study, I spent the following summer gathering field data related to the Bay's dolphin-based tourism industry. It was during this time that I had the pleasure of meeting the rest of the Polperro gang: Tony, Troy, Justine, Stefan, Ben and Jess. I can honestly say it was one of the best summers I have ever had. The people I met and the whole dolphin experience had a very profound effect on me, and I had to keep on reminding myself that I was actually conducting research. It was certainly better than spending hours in a library and reading books. But if I was ever asked to describe this profound personal effect, I could never give an accurate answer. This is because it was more of a feeling and an attitude than a tangible expression, and it was something that I did not want to relinquish. So when the day came that I realised I had collected all the required field data, I left Polperro with a sense that I was leaving something very important and special behind. But I knew it would be there again next summer. The ensuing ten months were extremely demanding. I had more research to do concerning other areas of ecotourism in Victoria and I was constantly aware of the encroaching deadlines. But despite the insane pressure, I kept going knowing that my reward at the end of it all would be going out on Polperro again the following summer. And what a reward it was as the weather and the dolphins were sensational. But people kept on inquiring about my work aspirations, and I initially replied that I would move back to the city by the end of January for the purpose of finding employment in a planning-related field. However this never eventuated, and in March I had the great pleasure of becoming one of the crew members aboard Polperro. Although there was an expectation, more from myself than anyone else, that I would go back to the city and work in some form of office, this was absolutely the last thing I wanted to do. The chance to work on a boat with a great bunch of people and swim with dolphins on a regular basis was an opportunity that I did not want to give up. Every time I worked on the boat, there was always at least one person who said they wished they had my job. Given that I had just finished University and was about to embark on my professional career, I considered such comments very seriously. At this point in time, the prospect of working in an office and potentially earning a significant amount of money is not a priority. I want to enjoy life, and I know that I am at my happiest when I am aboard Polperro and helping to provide people with the opportunity to safely and responsibly interact with a wild animal in its own environment. It is a very special, unique and rewarding experience. So instead of waking up every morning in the city and putting on a pair of Calvin Klein underwear, some fancy cologne and a business suit, I wake up and put on a pair of Speedos, sunblock and a wetsuit. And I would not swap it for anything in the world. |
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