I’m always intrigued how the maritime community is intrinsically helpful without even trying.
In my experience, humans are not like this on land, and even when a good deed is done, it’s usually considered a rare act or often described with, “that still gives me faith in humanity.”
Seriously? Returning someone’s wallet restores faith in humanity?! Sigh.
Anyway, my boat’s VHF gets turned on with the engines. If I hear a distress call on 16 and I’m nearby, I’ll do what I can to help. (It is a law, of course, but the golden rule drives me way more than any potential legal penalty.)
Most boaters, or at least the ones who take their passion seriously, are willing to coach, help, or offer advice to new skippers. I’ve hopped onto many boats to share the piloting knowledge I have to help my fellow boater become capable and confident.
And then, there’s the social element. Boaters have a bond, they have a trust.
Earlier this year, I had the chance to invite Captain Sandy Yawn (from the Bravo TV show “Below Deck Mediterranean”) aboard my boat. In looking back on this memorable evening, I thought to myself, “I’d never invite someone I’ve only seen on TV to my home, nor would I even expect them to accept. But a boat…that’s ok!”
There’s just something about boats and the maritime community that make this normal, if not downright selfish if you don’t offer to share your boat with fellow boaters.
Sandy and I had some great chats. We talked about traits that make a good captain, how to trust a crew, and how we captains notice everything, on sea *and* on land. While I personally don’t have anywhere near the experience that Sandy does, what stuck with me most was her willingness to inspire and share her own experiences for no reason other than she felt I’d benefit from hearing them, and I did. For me, our simple conversation was a combination of coaching, inspiration, and a healthy dose of fun.
The next time you’re on the water, take a moment and see how your willingness to help others is much greater than it would normally be on land. Whether it’s responding to hand signals from a disabled mariner, or keeping an eye on nearby swimmers (even if they didn’t arrive on your vessel), it’s quite a contrast in how we look out for other humans when not on terra firma.
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