[YachtForums]

Originally Posted by CaptPKilbride

How about if we all take a deep breath and rein in on the condescending personal attacks.

Well said Patrick. Thank you.

Aeronautic1 - I was about to send you a PM regarding your post, which has been edited for "unnecessary content". If you have a problem with that... then I'll be happy to remove your membership.

[NYCAP123]

Obviously the point was missed. THERE WAS NO RISK TO LIFE or OF SERIOUS DAMAGE. This was on small bays that you can walk out of. The risk was to fiberglass from a hard docking or an anchor light if a bridge couldn't be negotiated just right or a tow off a shoal if we were blown off an unmarked channel. It was done because the boat was moving with or without help and it was for a friend not for money. Do you lawyers understand that. And if, even with my release, it costs me a few dollars to help someone I can handle that.
The point of this was to say that new owners of boats don't understand the risks they take. Get off the high horse. Stop trying to argue tangents like a drunk. As for the coastie, your job is not to die. Your job is to get home safe because a dead coastie can't help anyone. When you end up waiting to be rescued you made a miscalculation that will now put other's LIVES at risk. How many times did you say you did that? You pushed too far because a job needed to get done. Some of you really need to sit behind a desk practicing law and forget about anything that may involve risk and that certainly includes operating boats anywhere beyond the bathtub.

[Marmot]

"Methinks thou doth protest too much."

[strat57]

I just got around to reading this thread and got quite the chuckle. Funny how some members will dole out advice like an attorney, making statements regarding being held to "higher standards" because of a "piece of paper". Or better yet, how that piece of paper doesn't a captain make....

But to attempt to justify actions that are knowingly risky at best as stated by themselves and several others? Or how about "knowing your limitations".... Can any of us really predict what's in store over the next wave?

Knowing your limitations is setting boundaries and not crossing them when something can be put off and/or altogether avoided.

I also subscribe to the theory that a "hunk-O-paper" or "X" number of years of experience doesn't mean much when actions certainly speak volumes about ones character and judgment.

Any boater who would feel the necessity to get a "waiver" due to weather conditions no matter what "excuse" is certainly proof regarding the statement of that license being only a piece of paper.

Then we come to the property issue..... risking a grounding alone, in any size vessel due to avoidable weather conditions? Well, it shows poor judgment period! Need much else be said?

So even considering as a licensed captain and claiming to teach.... leading by example is a very effective tool wouldn't most agree?. So If an inexperienced boater sees a seasoned captain refuse to go out, I feel pretty certain most boaters will follow his direction. If not, at least remind them to file a float plan with the authorities. That suggestion alone is quite effective also!

But to then try and place doubt about the actions of the Coast Guard, and it's past or present members?

No captain "worth his salt" (including those in the military) would place themselves as well as others who may have to make a rescue, in danger if it's totally avoidable!! This wasn't a situation of rescue and even then, prudence and great caution must be exercised against the potential for additional loss.

Hey, Isn't there a member here who claims they can detect BS and will call it out? Hmmm..... maybe this is a good example of how some "sea stories" are best left untold! Anybody else ready for another round of 'bilge water" too!

Semper Paritus

[Capt J]

In my opinion, the most important aspect of a Captain is his decision making process. A good Captain knows when to say "NO" and stands by it. I have seen a lot of good Captain's get complacent after doing things for a long time and then that's when something inevitably hits the fan. In 40 knot winds all it takes is one mechanical mishap (loss of 1 engine, loss of steering, loss of bow thruster when docking) and things can turn ugly in an instant.