Don’t Be That Mate

By Capt. Jerry Lanzerotti

Don’t be that mate. You know the one I am talking about …

One of the most rewarding jobs that you can ever have, if you can make it in this career, is being a mate.

There are a few simple things to avoid to keep you on track:

Don’t be that mate …. over-indulging after hours. Simply put: Have some self-control with all of the vices.

Don’t be that mate…. the know-it-all.

Some people come to learn so don’t knock ’em for not knowing. they will be better students if they are treated with respect. Some already know the way they have been shown before you. Be respectful when showing them an alternative way.

We have the privilege of having an adventurous job; there is a trade-off for that. We go to exotic places, and it’s easy to be distracted,  so remember to put work first.

The way I handle that is to make sure we have time for the “field trips.”  I make it a point to get the crew together for an excursion. Sometimes just a beach trip or to one of the local tourist attractions. But as the leader it’s important to have a team that enjoys being there. I find that it’s a good