Did you ever ask for or been a part of an ‘All Hands On Deck”?
So sorry just realized that maybe some aren’t aware of what this even means?
Online definition from writingexplained.org:
This expression has a naval origin. Hands is another word for sailors and deck is a part of the boat. In a storm or other emergency, the captain might yell all hands on deck. This is a command for all the sailors to come to the deck of the boat to help navigate the storm.
And from Wiktionary:
(nautical) An order, on board ship, for all seamen of all watches to muster on deck immediately; normally shortened to “All hands” quotations.
During my years at sea there were a handful of times when it was ‘All Hands On Deck’.
Each of these times, yes, I was directly involved in the need. Actually it was more than a need it was a requirement. If a ship at sea is in a certain situation and if it is determined the safety of the ship, the crew and the cargo is at risk – everyone who is breathing and has a heartbeat is required to help out as needed when called upon to do.
One of the times when it was All Hands On Deck we were located out in International waters in the region off the coasts of China and Vietnam. From the bridge we spotted a small boat which was clearly not a fishing ‘junk’ or a trawler. As we came closer it was clearly a boat filled with refugees, over 60 of them, on this small boat with no sail and no engine power adrift at sea. We needed to have everyone on the ship assist in various capacities as we were going to maneuver to pick up the people.
Another time when we had to call All Hands On Deck we were located in the seagoing straits near Singapore. This area was beginning to be patrolled by speed boats with pirates aboard. They would look specifically for US Flag ships transiting these waters at night. Onboard their speedboat the pirates had grappling hooks to throw onboard the passing ship with rope attached so they would be able to rapidly climb up and board the ships. All of the pirates were armed.
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So the question for you is – have you ever asked for or been a part of an All Hands On Deck?
It may have been for work, in your business, during a volunteer activity or personal life. Please share your story in the comments area of this article.
Mitch Tublin is the CEO and Founder of Wenkroy International LLC a boutique consulting company with a main focus on adding value to people. Through Speaking, Training and Coaching we change lives. Our passion is to take people to the next level in their life and in their career or business.
