Quote:
| Originally Posted by NYCAP123 Luckylg,
Experience seldom encourages reckless actions, at least not in my life. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. Ever watch the C.G. surf school up your way at Cape Disappointment? Don't say that's their job, because it's not. Their first job is to get home safe. Getting their second job done requires them to go to the limits of their training and ability. Now, I'm in no way comparing myself to those men and women ( hell, I'd be changing my scivies there), but I've been through 40 knot winds more times than i'd like to remember so I know exactly where the limits of my abilities are. Risking my life is one thing, risking someone elses is far different, and risking fiberglass or a prop is a third. The risk here was the third, not the first and certainly not the second. I'm old school. If anyone on my boat dies I'm already dead. In 20 years in this business I've gotten (2) speed tickets, (1) PFD violation when they first invented infant PFD's and I hadn't heard, no lawsuits, and (1) bent prop (acquired mid channel in Carolina Beach). Thanks for the concern and I hope anybody reading this learns, but I'm one of the most concervative small boat captains you'll find. I've gotten caught in a lot, but I rarely go looking for it. Again, thanks for the concern. |
Well, as a Coast Guard veteran who actually went thru motorlifeboat school at Cape D, and also served on the Columbia River Lightship where the CG 44 footer was our taxi, I can tell you that it actually is their job. The difference being is that the best of the best are instructors there and the equipment is designed for these conditions. Yet, there are weather limitations placed on the school. But when mariner's lives are at risk, sometimes even a Coastie goes beyond prudence and winds up a crumpled mass of aluminim on the beach. I have sat on the lightship for days waiting for a 44 to pick me up but mission after mission was scrubbed because the weather was not worth the risk for such a low priority as a crew rotation.
The point being, Small Craft Advisories are just that, advisories. But when Gale and Storm Warnings go up, then the responsible and prudent mariner stays in port. I take it from NYCAP that he is either a puke boat captain or a commercial fisherman.
Admin Edit: This post has been edited to remove unnecessary comments.