People of R/V Endeavor: Lee Singer

June 23, 2026

Deckhand

Lee Singer smiling at the camera on the back deck of the research vessel Endeavor. She is wearing a safety vest and is in calm seas with land far in the background.
Lee Singer aboard R/V Endeavor.

Bringing New Skills to the Ship

My chance for working on Endeavor literally fell into my lap. On an August evening in 2023, I was playing my fife at an outdoor concert of the Wakefield Civic Band, and we had just finished a set and the next group was playing when my phone vibrated in my lap. A close friend had forwarded me a Facebook post by Matt Cavaco, coordinator of GSO marine logistics, saying he was looking for crew for Endeavor. I had 7 minutes before I had to play again so I used my phone to email him my resume. When I next checked my phone, Matt was setting up an interview for the next day. And soon I was hired for Endeavor as an ordinary seafarer.

I also brought to the position my certification as a medical person in charge (MPIC) meaning I could provide medical care, manage illnesses, handle injuries on board and be in contact with the Maritime Medical Office for consultation. I qualified for this certification because of my experience as registered nurse for 40 years, with a specialty in emergency medicine. Also, as soon as I turned 18 and was eligible, I became an emergency medical technician (EMT).

It’s been a lifelong dream to work on ships. I started by volunteering on several tall ships to gain experience. Then I gained more experience working on cable laying ships, including my longest cruise of 110 days. So my resume was ready for the call about Endeavor, my first time working on a research vessel.

On Endeavor I work as a deckhand, usually part of the crew handing stern lines during arrivals and departures. My watch is usually the midnight-to-4-a.m. watch, so I often see beautiful moonlight on the water and star-filled skies out where there is no light pollution. I’m also responsible for keeping an eye out on the bridge for any navigational hazards such as marine traffic, icebergs, rogue waves and also marine life such as whales. Part of the time on watch is walking the ship, checking for any issues – so I get plenty of steps in!

Lee Singer on the stern deck of the Endeavor. She is wearing a safety vest and managing ship lines under a large crane. The ship's wake is visible behind her, as is a bridge in the distance.
Singer manages the lines on the stern deck as R/V Endeavor steams out of Narragansett Bay.

As a MPIC on Endeavor, I’ve done everything from give out medications, to starting an intravenous line for fluids, to overseeing a ship member be transferred to a U.S. Coast Guard vessel while at sea so they could get to a hospital for cardiac issues.

One of my most memorable cruises was Endeavor’s last scientific cruise. We had a good trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia, the science went very well, and we had some shore days, so I visited the tall ship Bluenose II and sang sea shanties in a local pub. We also had time to decorate Endeavor with flags from all the countries of people who have sailed on her and we made her ship-shape for her final arrival at the GSO pier. Now I’m looking forward to learning all about the Narragansett Dawn and bringing her to Narragansett.