Boating: A Different Look on Literacy

A couple times a year my family and I travel down to Miami, Florida to spend time on our boat. The boat is docked in a large marina next to many other boats and boat owners. Every time that we visit our boat, it is like entering a new community. The people who reside there speak technical yachting jargon and expect others to do the same. At first, it was very hard to understand what they were trying to tell me; however, I soon caught on.
The first thing that one needs to understand to be considered a member of the boating community is simple terminology. For example, the front of the boat is called the bow. The back of the boat is called the stern. The left side of the boat is called the Port side and the right side is called the Starboard side. The underside of the boat is called the hull and the floor of the boat is called the deck. In order to be well navigated while aboard the ship it is a necessity to understand those terms. When inside the boat it is important to remember that the kitchen is called the galley, the living area is called the cabin, and the toilets are referred to as heads. Besides having an elementary understanding of ship navigation and its compartments, it is also important to be able to perform simple tasks around the ship and the marina. For example, a literate member of the boating community is expected to know how to tie simple but reliable knots, make sure deck is tidy, and perform every action with extreme caution. Lastly, every literate member needs to be respectful of other boaters and marina customs. For example, when entering the marina boaters must proceed at low speeds so they don’t create a wake. Also, members are expected to keep the marina clean and orderly. Lastly, all people are expected to be quiet during the evening hours.
Living in the boating community is a completely different way of life than I am used to back home. It is very laid back and relaxing. Often times I forget my mission in life and sit around all day in the sun wasting time. At this point in my life, the boating community is certainly not one in which I would like to become an active member. However, from time to time it can be the perfect reward for such an active lifestyle.