Seafarers know that there’s nothing more brutal than tempting the sea. I was advised to keep the mad ideas aside for 3 days and focus on what I might encounter at sea.

I signed up for NAMAC’s Personal Safety Techniques course that should in all likelihood keep my head above water. 3 days later, I’ve walked out with a good understanding of what to expect out there, and some quick insights on what to do if I come across the unexpected.

However, there were some gems that went like –

Me: So, sir, if I were to encounter a shark. What should I do?

Naval looking instructor: See. Shark is a fish. If it smells your blood, it will come. And it will suck your blood.

Me: Ok.

Naval looking instructor: See. It won’t bite you. It will suck your blood. And it will leave.

Needless to say, I called it a day after that. [Jaws.Twilight.]

The practical training was quite a bit of fun. And jumping from 4.5 metres into a pool and ferrying people using just the one hand makes for a highly successful day.

We had a good bit of fun over 3 days, and the chaps headed to the next level were a good crowd.