Usually, boating experiences invoke the most positive thoughts. The memories of our best catch, great times with friends and family, or perhaps we might be overcome by a feeling of freedom and relaxation that comes only from being on the water. All of our normal worries and fears get buried because the positivity of a day offshore often trumps them. Just another reason why we love it—a temporary respite from the day-to-day.
However, serious issues can be lurking around every corner, especially on a boat. And being prepared is just something that is baked into the boating equation. As captains, we need to be able to keep an issue from becoming a disaster, and I