Quickies #104 Menu
Quickies
Reg Bloomfield - Great Adventures Pontoon Caretaker
A behind the scenes glimpse at tourism on the Great Barrier Reef.
Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is a once in a lifetime experience for most people, but for Reg Bloomfield, one of Great Adventures pontoon caretakers, his job (which he agrees may be one of the best in the world!), is living on the Great Barrier Reef. And he’s been enjoying it for the past eleven years!
Long before guests arrive for a day at the outer reef, Reg’s day has begun. With an official weather station (at Norman and Moore Reefs), from 6am, he reports the daily weather observations to the Bureau of Meteorology as well as Great Adventures mainland operations. Ensuring the pontoon (activity platform) is in tip-top condition and ready for the passengers’ arrival and driving the semi-submersible vessel tours are all in a day’s work.
Best part of the job? Seeing the smiling faces of passengers during the day, as they get out of the semi-sub or from snorkelling and knowing they are having a great day.
While never out of communication, waving goodbye to the passengers and crew as the vessel departs at 3.45pm is the last human contact until the next day. After hours Reg has enjoyed many magic moments such as during whale season, being treated to spectacular displays as the humpback whales come alongside and play near the pontoon, or enjoying a refreshing “sundowner” drink and the amazing view as the sun sets over the Great Barrier Reef.
Starting as the master’s mate some 25 years ago on Hayles Cruises (forerunner to Great Adventures), Reg was a vessel master for 15 years before taking on the role of pontoon caretaker, a vital ‘behind the scenes’ role within our operation.