This book is a compilation of many of my working trips around the world. All the stories are true. it is more than a travelogue; describing some of the work I did, but also commenting on the various cultures in the countries I visited.
Looking back at the opportunities my career has given me, sometimes I have to “pinch myself” and ask, “Did I really do all of this?” Many traveling business people hate their nomadic life, but not me. Other than a few minor glitches (and the increased airport security after 9/11/2001) here and there, I enjoyed my travels, my work, and the wonderful people I worked with and met because of these travels. I still enjoy it.
Author: Bob Ojala
Bob Ojala has a BSE in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan, Class of 1970. Bob spent four years in the U.S. Coast Guard, 17 years with the American Bureau of Shipping, and 8-1/2 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in addition to 30 years in his own business (including the time while with the USACE). Bob is still active in marine surveying.
Bob is a Wisconsin native with Finnish roots. His father was a Merchant Mariner for 32 years, giving Bob the interest in the Maritime Industry, but not the desire to be a sailor.
Bob worked as a Naval Architect, designing small passenger vessels, tugs, and barges after graduation. However, Bob found he enjoyed working in the shipyard, with the workers, more than sitting in the design office. Getting dirty was more fun.
I started writing non-fiction books about my own experiences but then moved on to SWEETWATER SAILORS, which was a book that included stories from eighteen (18) active and retired Great Lakes Sailors. Using their actual words, and over 160 pictures, I wanted to show the dedication and hard work of those sailors, as well as both the humorous and serious consequences of the career they had chosen. Five of those sailor-contributors were women, two Captains and three Chief Engineers, and their path to success, in a male-dominated profession on these ships, was amazing.