Safe at Sea: How is your ‘sea sight’?
More frequently than you think, the “old guy” is the first to spot something of interest on the water. Most likely, he is the skipper of a sportfisherman, and he has developed the skill of seeing — quite accurately and quickly — at sea. Meanwhile, those on board with much younger — and yes, better — eyes are awed by the old man’s skill.
What’s the trick?
Being the first to see things is a point of pride with most captains, and being able to point out details of the sea world around him is a finely-tuned skill. Typically, he knows not only where to look and what to look for, but also “how” to look. These skills are critical at sea. Luckily, they can be improved dramatically with the right technique(s), though, not surprisingly, doing so is not necessarily easy.
Developing this “sea sight” is challenging because you are trying to see small objects faraway, such as distant buoys or lights, and in many cases you must distinguish colors, either of running lights or of aids to navigation. Then to complicate things, this may all have to be done in dim light.
Your ability to see clearly is not the whole story: knowing how to look is also important. Of course, defects in seeing can be corrected with lenses, but defects in looking can be corrected only with a change in technique. How many times have you been told, “Hey, take a look at that (fill in the blank)!” You look and look and look, finally remarking, “I can’t see it. Where is it, again?” When you finally see it — whatever “it” is — the object is so obvious.
One of the keys to this “sea sight” (also “land sight,” to be honest) is the ability to “see small.” Remember: It is easier to see something than it is to find it. Makes sense, doesn’t it? First, keep in mind that you look at a small object with the very center of your visual field. In this small area, your eyes are able to see finer detail than anywhere else. Off to the perimeter, your eyes are far less able to detect small objects.
So when you’re looking for something small and far away, it does no good to “sweep the horizon.” You will only spot a tiny object if you stare right at it. So the best way to search the horizon is … bit by bit. Look at one small area in detail. Study it carefully. Then shift your gaze to another small portion adjacent to it. Thus, your eyes are not moving; rather, they are fixed on one spot. Also helpful is to site a cloud or some shape as a point of reference. This will help you keep your focus in place.
Seeing things well on the water demands having a technique and practice, practice, practice! Then, you’ll be that “old guy or gal” who has incredible sea sight, too.
Pat Schmidt is a member of America’s Boating Club of Sanibel-Captiva. For more about the chapter and its courses, visit www.sancapboating.club or contact education@sanibelcaptivasps.org or 612-987-2125.