[JHA]

Lets face it folks. Everything we're discussing here depends on the situation. Would I go to the head while transiting a busy port without a reliable stand-in? Helllll no. But if I'm 75nm offshore, I'll take a good look around, run my radar out and see if anything's out there, and then make the mad dash while the stewie (read-useless on the bridge) holds the watch. BTW - CBKHI - the best captain I ever worked with was an ex-coastie. He knew his stuff, and was the best teacher I've ever come across. Also had some jokes about how badly the Navy's coastal navigation is - but that's for another time.
Quick story: I was out fishing with this friend and his old man. We were on a 21' Mako, the coasties decided we were weekend warriors ripe for a boarding party... as the old man pulled out the ammo box that held the flares one of the coasties noticed that he had a license tucked in there. The harrassment started: "oh so you think you're a captain!"... "why don't you hand that license over so I can have a better look".... Well as it turns out the old man holds an unlimited - all oceans license, with pilot endorsement for the waters we were in. You've never seen a coastie salute, and apologize so fast in your life. I found it hysterical.
Anyway, on a final note of this ramble - use (not so)common sense. The captains who do will have long careers without incident, The one's who dont end up on the wrong side of a coast guard inquiry - and a job behind a desk.

[aeronautic1]

The captains who do will have long careers without incident, The one's who dont end up on the wrong side of a coast guard inquiry - and a job behind a desk. [/b][/quote]


Amen Brother. And by the way, as a veteran of the USCG, there are two definitions for the acronym 1.) Uncle Sam's Confused Group 2.) U're Screwed Coming or Going. What's the difference between the Coast Guard and the Boy Scouts? The Boy Scouts have adult supervision!!

No, actually, I had a great career in the (old) Guard (even served on a lightship and it has made me an even better captain. I have forgotten more about boating than most people will learn in a lifetime. "Becket bend: to join two lines of unequal size, the larger of the two being the standing part." Yeah!! still remember them from boot camp in Alameda!!

[CBKHI]

Aeronautic1 is the former Coastie , If you really want to know who makes it sooooo easy for people to get a lisc. you must turn the mirror upon yourself. Take a good look at the article in the "Triton", about the first meeting of the "Bridge" April issue. Also if your looking for me Im in there!

[CBKHI]

Aeronautic1 have a safe trip , I am actually on my way to Panama City , Panama. Im preping to enter the canal in the morning. Ahhhh underway and making money , does it get any better?!!!!

[aeronautic1]

Not going there to pick up a sailing Cat for Lake Ponchatrain are you? I am going to Balboa to pick up a 46 Post next month for Miami.

[CBKHI]

No actually Im heading south! dmn I miss slingin bouys!

[aeronautic1]

Was on the Bouy snatcher Salvia WLB400

[JHA]

Well CBKHI - you beat me to the "bridge" lunch - I wasn't invited until the second meeting. Keep your eyes peeled.

JHA, Be careful, they don't seem to like us "young" captains around there! Did you read the article in the Triton that CBKHI referred to? It is not very well written, with several contradictions. There are also a lot of areas that are left unclear, such as the size yachts they are referring to. Big difference between a 100' and a 145'. I would pick it apart in detail but i do not have it here in front of me. Will be happy to do so when I do. In the mean time I think these guys need to look a little deeper into why they are not getting jobs. Pompous? Arrogant? Lazy? Peacocks? Not accusing anyone! Just some random thoughts!