The gap girl
Jessica, or "Bird", as she's called by the crew of Hammersley, is 17 years old. She finished high school just four months ago and decided, rather than go straight on to university, to sign up for a "gap" year on a navy patrol boat out of Cairns.
It's a long way north and a big change from a comfortable life in Melbourne but this bright and energetic teenager is looking forward to having a break from study, earning real bucks and getting away for some adventure in the tropics. Who knows, if things work out, she may even ditch her dream of being a paramedic and become a navy medic instead.
When we meet her, Bird has been on Hammersley for two months and just loves being away at sea for weeks on end. She'll soon get over that, the boys tell her.
But while she may have come across as a bit of a princess at first, Bird has quickly become Hammersley's favourite daughter. Proving herself to be smart and capable, Bird earns the affection of Kate, who takes her under her wing.
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