[Mary Sward Charlton]

Captain, When I have been honored to observe in the Pilothouse, I see the pilots as something like Zen "Top Guns"--exactly what you are describing. Pilots have worked long and hard to be "one" with the boat or ship, observant of the surroundings at all times. When they need to, their long hours of experience and thought pay off--they move the vessel without conscious thought. Their thought processes are so fast that disaster--large or small--is diverted before the observer is even aware it was looming. Maybe it's not "natural," but I suspect it is more intuitive for some than others. I've had experienced pilots tell me they could tell pretty quickly whether a rookie had it or not. And as much as I'd love to do it, I think you have to start young, so when the time comes, you still look calm when it's over! Yep--Zen Top Guns--the best of the best, in my book.