How to Handle a Loved one that’s afraid for you to go out on the Ocean
What if your signifcant other doesn't want you to go out there? What if they beg you not to go? You're not alone and it's actually a very common problem.
Often your loved on is just plain scared. They may not even know it, or they may not realize how scared they really are. They're scared you might get in trouble, especially on notorious bars like the Columbia RIver, Tillamook, Noosa, Haulover or Hatteras Inlet. They're scared you might not come back. They don't want to spend the whole day worrying.
How can you relieve their fears? Education is the key. Gently begin showing them your planning and safety process. Don't do it all at once. Just bring it into normal conversation over the course of weeks and months. You're playing the long game here. Here are some examples.
* Use Google Earth to show them where you plan to fish. Show them the latitude and longitude of your destination, and how far it is from the ramp. Tell them about the waypoints you have stored in your chartplotter. It's ok to get a little geeky about it. The point is show them you've got the bases covered.
* Give them a written float plan with all the details of where you're going, who will be with you, a complete boat description and when you will be back. This makes them part of the process.
* Show them your radio and the red panic button. Tell them how it works with your MMSI number. Talk about all the radio chatter out there. Tell them help is just a radio call away.
And the most important thing is don't be late getting home or at least calling in to say you're back on shore and safe. When you're late, they may go through an excruciating amount of worry.
Imparting a sense of calm and confidence has been a captain's role since forever. It's part of your job. And remember how fortunate you are that someone cares so much about you in the first place.
This article orginally appeared in the Ocean Coach newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter to get great articles like this in your inbox twice a month. Become The Captain Everyone Trusts!