Deadliest Catch

Just finished up watching a marathon of this show - which is, for many reasons, extremely popular here at the academy. A lot of guys here grew up on crab boats in the berring sea, or fishing in the area. Crab-stories are pretty common but they never cease to enthrall. Sea stories - the ones at sea and the ones on liberty - are in full supply and you'll definitely hear the good ones more than once. There are plenty of stories about drunken liberties, daring escapes, insane saves, and big hauls. There are lessons learned, traditions upheld, and superstitions proven with years and years of experience and knowledge.

But there are plenty of stories that are spoken without laughs, in somber tones on the mess deck. Because not everyone makes it home, and many are claimed by the sea - it's more common than people think.

There were 3 deaths and 2 people pulled out of the water this season (one by the coast guard, one by one of the ships); which definitely hits close to home for mariners. We train extensively for man overboard situations - you wouldnt believe how often - so that when it happens, you can respond fast enough to make sure that you DO save lives - not lose one.

Going to sea is inherently extremely dangerous. There are around 2000 deaths at sea every year - thats ~166 a month. The industry is VERY small, and every time you hear about losing a man at sea, it tugs at your heart - because it could have been you, one of your guys, and sometimes there is literally nothing you can do.

Watching the guys on the Time Bandit pull a fellow fisherman up - i have to tell you that my heart caught in my throat and I was damned teary eyed when they saved him.

Here's to my shipmates - those out at sea and those heading out soon - stay safe, stay smart, stay aware of yourself and your equipment.

Fair skies and fair seas, friends.