MAKING WAVES

Deadliest Catch, Captain of F/V Wizard

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Capt. Keith Colburn is one of the most colorful and hard-driving skippers on the popular and enduring reality TV series Deadliest Catch. Colburn’s commercial fishing career spans 35 years, and he is a 14-year veteran of the TV series. Colburn took time to share with us just a slice of what he has learned over his long career. By the way, he reads Boating magazine. ÑJim Hendricks

What’s the biggest mistake that captains make?

Not preparing for a worst-case scenario. Boaters can apply this by having a float plan and a safety talk before you depart. I am also a huge advocate for wearing life jackets.

What’s the biggest problem you’ve encountered?

It comes down to crew and making sure they are competent. It is not a pleasant job, so it’s a challenge keeping morale up. You keep morale up by having a good boat and equipment.

Are the verbal outbursts on the TV show real?

On Wizard, anytime there is yelling, it is real. Things are super high-stress, so you’re already on edge. Add fatigue and danger, and yelling becomes common.

Do you own recreational boats?

I just bought a 36-foot Sea Ray Sundancer. I am really good at docking Wizard, but I am more intimidated by docking the Sea Ray because I’m not used to it, but I will get there.