hurray bass! and hurray coast guard!

[Roger]

Originally Posted by bjs

The one thing the owner of the boat DIDNT have and I thought he did was the VHF... Everything else other than a GPS was accounted for.... We did have a working compass and knew the route back to the dock... The owner just didnt want to chance it.

It's likely that a boater without rudimentary items like a VHF has not had his compass swung, rendering it all but useless in zero vis. (not to mention the effect of current and wind on boat direction and orientation)

BJS, you get a pass because you are not the boater and have no need to be familiar with what a responsible boater should know or have on board. It sounds like you did the right thing in calling the coasties. Your well being was likely in danger, even if you do not realize it.

The owner however does not get the same pass. If he can't navigate in zero vis, he should not be out in the dark. He needs to start by taking a boating course.

BTW, you think the guys here are tough? Can you imagine how much the coasties are laughing at you along with their friends? They've got their own term for you folks that's not approriate for polite company.

[RIROCKHOUND]

BW; I know you aint know yuppie... it's just so tempting cause you live on the island, my offer still stands anytime your on the rhody mainland......

BJS sorry for my rant I had just worked the weekend in Newport and was frustrated with the morons out there, it wasnt your boat so I agree your buddy needs lessons, you're cool

Even if you dont own a boat, if you dont know a ton, take a boating class even without a boat, it will help in the long run if you get into a similar situation.....

Bryan

[Homerun04]

My problem is more in venturing out in an ill equiped boat and running into problems, which may or may not have been you guys... I run a variety of boats, mainly a 60ft commercial pax. vessel, along with a small r/v and several small fishing boats. My personal boat is a 13ft whaler, and I would never leave the dock w/o a compass, flares, fog horn, vhf and cell phone. On nights with Fog in the forescast I wont even leave my side of the bay, at worst I can pick my way along the shore and get home.

My tactics EXACTLY....and I run a 19' Whaler. If I call the CG ONCE in my lifetime for help, it will be 1 time too many, as far as I am concerned.

[BrianS]

Originally Posted by RIROCKHOUND

Even if you dont own a boat, if you dont know a ton, take a boating class even without a boat, it will help in the long run if you get into a similar situation.....

Bryan

not a bad idea..

can anyone reccomend anywhere to look into in the southeastern MA area?

[Slipknot]

Power Squadron has a course at Bristol/Plymouth Tech. High school in taunton. You missed the spring course but I believe they may have another. Coast Gaurd courses are available also but I don't know where or when.

[BrianS]

BP does?

ill check it out... havent been there since graduation.

[Iwannakeeper]

any info on courses would be appreciated

I grew up on boats, but that was in a lake. Hope to be buying a boat by late fall or over the winter, and want some classes before I launch into the big water

-IWK

[BrianS]

http://www.tauntonriverpowersquadron...e_schedule.htm

doesnt look like anything is coming for the power squadron one.. but there is a couple email links.. I am gonna see what I can find out