PASS IT ON

I had no means of knowing that what had happened to me was a manifestation of the sixth sense possessed by every born
seaman. You can train a man in navigation, seamanship, celestial observation and the computing of tide, current, speed,
wind, and drift, and yet he will never be a sailor unless, at the moment of truth when he is forced into a corner from which
there is no way out except by instant intuitive action, he unerringly makes the right move.

Too often a mate is promoted to a position for which, through no fault of his own, he is not
ready. The principal cause of this is inadequate on-board experience, especially “hands-0n”
experience for junior officers under the supervision of more experienced officers. This lack
of experience is especially significant in the area of shiphandling, including the conning of a
ship in restricted waters and the use of anchors, although it is important that such
experience be gained in all the shipboard skills. In an industry that operates in an
environment alien to the novice, It’s imperative that knowledge be passed from one
generation of seamen to the next if professional standards are to be maintained. The fine
training schools and maritime academies that serve the seafaring community offer an
excellent theoretical beginning, but it is only that – a beginning. There is much that can be
passed to a new officer only by example or instruction.
Pride in profession, appreciation of the relative importance of various tasks, and acquisition
of that intangible that separates the exceptional seafarer from the average--sea sense—can
only be gleaned by observation of others experienced in working at sea.
The planning and effort required giving junior officers on-board experience is as important
as any other shipboard task and deserves the same attention from the seasoned master,
mate, or chief. Hands-on training assures both better operating ships and a continuation of
seafaring traditions and skills. Let the chief mate conn the ship and pick up the pilot; have
the second mate plan a cargo loading under the supervision of the mate; and give the third
mate a chance to handle the ship during Williamson turns and other maneuvers at sea. Insist
that these and other tasks be carried out properly. To assure that high standards of seagoing
life are maintained, it is necessary that the master be a stern taskmaster and demand that
those working for him perform to the highest standards.
In no area is hands-on experience more important than in shiphandling. It is possible to
watch a shiphandler work for years and still not acquire a feeling for that art. Arrive at the
pilot station a bit early and give the mates an opportunity to perform the maneuvers. Let
those officers put the ship to anchor. While maneuvering, explain why you choose a
particular heading to allow for wind and current. When one of these mates later has to alter
course on the mid-watch for a fishing boat not seen until close at hand and is able to
maneuver without hesitation or mistake, the effort put into training will suddenly be
worthwhile.
As a young mate, didn’t you appreciate the master or chief mate who took time to pass
along a hint or to recount a sea story with a lesson at coffee time? You have the skills now,
and a pride in what you do—it is your turn to pass them along.
2023/5/25