Step 4 of 5•7 minutes read
Signs of Aggression
The trigger that often causes people to become aggressive is that they feel disappointed, mistreated or wronged. They can, for example, have been denied something that others get or have been chastised by someone.
Of course, totally normal people can get angry in an emergency, but usually, such people can be calmed down again by discussion. For persons with personality disorders, everyday situations may be enough to provoke aggression, such as not being permitted to order more alcohol, being asked to lower their voices or the feeling that the crew did not listen to their arguments in a discussion.
Self-defence is legally allowed for self-preservation in an emergency. But then you should "not use more force than is necessary." Who are the ship's experts on dealing with aggressive people that you can ask for advice on how to behave?...
In order to respond to aggression, it is important to "read the situation" and be flexible. The basic rule is "listen - bargain - guide".
A high general level of stress in normal people can also reach the "tipping point" and make seemingly trivial events lead to aggression. There can be many signs that the situation is about to become violent:
- A rising tone of voice, rapid breathing and sweating,
- Red colour on the face and neck, bulging veins in temples and neck,
- Tense cheek muscles and compressed lips, aggressive language or threats,
- Stubborn or oppositional,
- Expressing and emphasising their importance and status,
- Taking out blunt instruments and weapons, aggressive body language or anxious movements (such as staring, expressions, posturing, positioning hands to attack position, moving back and forth), and
- Shoving and slapping or enforcing.
Managing Aggressive Persons
To do this, the following applies - create a picture of whether the situation is really threatening or harmless. The first contact is important, try to communicate with the person and with the people in the surrounding area where appropriate (gladly with several people, preferably both men and women).
Remain calm and positive, it is enough that the person is upset. Be sure to listen to the person or people and let them finish their sentences. If you try to interrupt and explain before they finish speaking, this can cause them to become even more aggressive. Be prepared for the person himself trying to augment his own rage and look for reasons to argue. Therefore avoid topics that may upset another person. Try to correct the person and actively guide him to a "peaceful solution".
You can offer an option to retreat with honour intact but be very clear about the "rules" that apply. You should ask the person to sit down, it is more difficult to attack from a seated position. Always adopt the least severe reaction that could bring the situation back to normal. Being aware of the moment when talking no longer helps.
If the person continues to be intimidating, you should call for reinforcements from others in the crew or the yacht's security guards, and then pull yourself away while waiting for help to arrive. If possible, try to warn or move people to a safer location so that they are not exposed to immediate danger. While waiting, try to gather more information about what has happened. This information may be required in a future investigation.
