There are valuable lessons to be learned from others’ awkward moments.

For example, in October 1998 off the coast of Kerry, Ireland, there was this exchange:

Irish: “Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south, to avoid a collision.”

British: “We recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision.”

Irish: “Negative. Divert your course 15 degrees to the south, to avoid a collision.”

British: “This is the captain of a British navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course.”

Irish: “Negative. I say again, you will have to divert YOUR course.”

British: “This is the aircraft carrier HMS Britannia, We are the second largest ship in the British Atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers, and numerous support vessels. I demand that you change your course 15 degrees north, I say again, that is 15 degrees north, or countermeasures will be undertaken to ensure the safety of the ship and her crew.”

Irish: “We are a lighthouse. Your call.”