Over the years I built my flying skills and confidence by flying along with accomplished pilots in their planes or getting them to fly along with me. My IFR skills and ability to fly into busy complex airfields grew by leaps and bounds.
I also got some right seat time in some really nice planes.
I've used the same philosophy with boats by soliciting crew opportunities with experienced captains on deliveries. Getting hands on experience in a variety of boats-off-shore, in all types of weather is hard to beat when it comes to confidence levels. It took me to a level that I probably wouldn't have gotten to on my own.
Starting Monday I'm getting some 'right seat' time in a 80' inspected vessel with an accomplished captain. Not only will my skill and confidence levels increase but it's an opportunity to upgrade my 50 ton Masters to 100 ton and get a nice part time gig as captain of really nice boat.
Find a mentor. There are plenty of opportunities out there if you just look.
|