John Harmon ’97: Chief Engineer Aboard M/V Catalyst

Every day is different, but the mornings always start with “waking up” the ship — checking the fluid levels, the water supply and the electrical service. Catalyst is a historic wooden ship, first commissioned in 1932 as a research vessel for the University of Washington.

Harmon works with a small crew to take guests through the waters of Southeast Alaska. During the day, he operates the vessel’s 94-year-old Washington Ironworks diesel engine. In his remaining time, he might be found rolling gnocchi, washing dishes, rebuilding a pump — whatever the crew requires. This is the oldest and most intimate ship he’s operated in more than a decade of engineering. 

“On a larger vessel, I’d usually have a dedicated department helping me,” he said. “Now, if something goes wrong with the engine, I’m solely responsible for fixing it.”

Interestingly, Harmon picked up his first maritime job so he could become a full-time painter. A studio art major at Davidson, he moved to Los Angeles after graduating and spent several years working various roles in the film industry.  When an opportunity to work aboard a small eco-tourism boat presented itself, he decided it was time for a career change. At age 37, he started out as an entry-level deckhand.

“I knew within a month or two that I wanted to keep doing it,” he said. “At the time, lots of people were retiring from the maritime industry, so it was essential to pick up new skills and put myself in an advantageous position. Engineering was the best fit, and I never looked back.”

Today, life feels rich for Harmon. During the off-season, he lives with his wife in Arkansas, where they are restoring an 1875-era farmhouse. He also works on historical preservation projects for the nationally renowned Norton Arts, Inc. 

“I came out of Davidson pretty rudderless, but open to anything” he said, “I look back at that time wistfully. I was never working towards a specific career. I’ve done a lot of very different things, but I never could have imagined I’d be doing this for a living.”