Topic starter
15/02/2008 2:56 pm
Greetings From New Orleans ,
Lately there has been some discussion concerning Piloting and Pilots in general and I would like to take this opportunity to post my thoughts on this issue . First of all , Piloting Is an art and Not a science . Someone may read all the books on Piloting , attend numerous maritime academies , and even go through a lengthy Pilot apprentice program but unless this individual has a DESIRE or even a thirst to attain this knowlege and experience he or now she will simply and literally have missed the boat . Also , I Do Not believe that for anyone that Piloting becomes " Natural " and futhermore I feel that all must work and persevere toward this goal . Years ago a book came out known as Zin And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance . For those of you that have both read the book and as myself drive motorcycles , hopfully you received something from this and understood the premis of the message . Essentially , Zin is the acquirement of enlightment through meditation , intuition and self contemplation resulting in oneness with the universe . Now I am sure that some of you are assuming that I am having a reaction to something or just flash backs to the 60's but I firmly believe that if you really want to be a Pilot and not just an operator it is essential that you become " one with " your ship or boat inorder to fully and totally be in tune with not only your ship or boat , but your entire surrounding environment as well . Some of the best " Cracker-jack " , Pilots I have ever been priviliged to work with have related to me thier own road to their own present day status and none of them have told me that it was an easy or " Natural " endeavor . Well , now you may ask how to you acquire this lofty status with the universe and or your ship or boat and my simple answer to one and all is to concentrate and focus and to humble yourself and to open your mind to your surroundings . Remember also , its not the destination but the journey and you never ever close your mind to your surroundings and those whom have gone before that wish to show You the Way .
Smoothe Sailing !
Ted Davisson
" May The Force Be With You " !
Just Kidding !!
15/02/2008 4:13 pm
Captain, When I have been honored to observe in the Pilothouse, I see the pilots as something like Zen "Top Guns"--exactly what you are describing. Pilots have worked long and hard to be "one" with the boat or ship, observant of the surroundings at all times. When they need to, their long hours of experience and thought pay off--they move the vessel without conscious thought. Their thought processes are so fast that disaster--large or small--is diverted before the observer is even aware it was looming. Maybe it's not "natural," but I suspect it is more intuitive for some than others. I've had experienced pilots tell me they could tell pretty quickly whether a rookie had it or not. And as much as I'd love to do it, I think you have to start young, so when the time comes, you still look calm when it's over! Yep--Zen Top Guns--the best of the best, in my book.