DSK wrote:
... in moments of
stress I tend to revert....


Joe wrote:
That works if you are not married to the other Skipper.

Well, that does complicate the issue.

.... The only
time I ever struck a crew member on the helm I caught him sleeping. I
fired him on the spot.


After beating his ass, I hope.

No , I just made him wake up to a head full of stars....He was a new
mate, I was in the wheelhouse sleeping on the bench, and got up knowing
we should be getting close to the jetties and asked how things were
going, he did not answer and kept snoozing so I slaped him hard across
the back of the head(i regret it). I should have just had him go below
and pack his bags.

I have caught people sleeping on watch, unfortunately it has
not been in my power to fire them on the spot. I did take
steps to make sure it never happened again though. For
example, being awakend by a kick in the nuts is a pretty
good guarantee....




If the vessel is truly in such grave danger, then a relief
helmsman should have already been trained.


Bull****.


You think training others is bull****?

No, training is the number two responsibility.. after the ship and
crew/ passengers..

You do not train in " grave danger" situation by letting a sub take
charge. They can learn more by watching. The risk is to high IMO in
"grave danger" situations.


Joe wrote:
In storm conditions I worry about broaching, capsizing, pitch-poling,
having windows blown in, gear torn off the vessel, injury to
passengers, equipment failures.. ect....things I refuse to allow others
to deal with.


Maybe one day, you'll look down and realize that there is no
'S' painted on your chest. What you can deal with, others
can either deal with already (unless you believe that you
are the best sailor in the world) and still more can be
taught to deal with.

Sure, but until I feel the student/sub can do a better job I will keep
command in grave situations, and that is never going to happen. As most
sailors know life at sea is long boring times entwined with brief
moments of sheer terror. I've never been in a "grave danger" storm I
could not ride out from one end to the other. Longer than 48 hrs
anyway.


A captain who drives himself into fatigue when his vessel is
in danger, after having ignored & denied others the chance
to become skilled in handing the vessel, is himself a hazard.

Agreed.

A Captain who does not command his vessel in times of danger is a
fool.


Joe

DSK