What is going on here ?
If you are operating a
boat for hire or compensation, in the U.S.A. you need a U.S.C.G. Captains license. 6 pack requires 360 days documented sea time. The 100 ton required 720 days. Plus the written test, etc.
I know skippers who have their own vessels, no lic. of any kind, who take out charters, and they put down the U.S.C.G Licensed captains, like myself.
They are operating illegally, but it does not seem to bother them. I just let it slide.
What I do not understand , if they qualify to take the U.S.C.G. Capt license test, what the heck is their problem. If you have the sea time, and the knowledge , and experience , apply and sit for your exam.
Many moons back , I began structured
sailing lessons and then eventually started working for a sailing club that was no nonsense and very ridged on all aspects of sailing,
navigation, and seamanship.
Back then none of us instructors were licensed captains, In 1982, that all came to an end, when the owner told us we needed to get certified or leave.
Actually, we were all for it. I had been instructing, taking out charters, teaching coastal piloting, etc. But, when I turned in my sea time for my 720 days, I had to note it as crew. The time was verified on the sailing clubs
computers. That time was acquired over a 5 year period.
All of us instructors attended a U.S.C.G Lic. prep
school. We thought we knew our stuff, but we learned so much more in that class. We were on the edge of our seats assimilating all of this information, and also learned easy methods of transferring that knowledge to our students, plus becoming much more professional .
For me, this was not a mickey mouse venture for the hell of it. My responsibility was to impart all of the knowledge that I had in all aspects of sailing and
power boating and seaman ship to our members.
Also, I did not take that class just so I could pass the test, I wanted to learn as much as I possibly could and use it .
I eventually held a U.S.C.G Captains License starting in 1982, up to and including my 5th issue....all 100 tons. That is renewals every 5 years. My last renewal ( the 5th) issue was 100 ton, but on the front of the certificate it says 'see reverse' I turned it over and the 100 ton was boosted to 500 tons near coastal. Never even been on a ship that size, but there it was.
Not everyone thinks alike. They want the short cut and the easy way or they want follow procedures. All up to the individual.
My attitude on procedures also comes from nearly 40 years of flying. After
vietnam, I was able to use the GI BILL ( like college ) . Stared lessons in 1967. ( Over 2.5 year time frame ) I paid for my private, but after that, Uncle Sam paid 90 % of my
commercial, instrument, flight instructor and multi
engine ratings. That resulted in two parallel careers as a CFI,
charter pilot and corporate pilot, and the last 17 years as an Instructor Pilot flying fighters for Air Combat U.S.A.
I absolutely loved both the sailing and the flying. Great life it was.
I have found that life goes along pretty well when you follow procedures .
Others are totally free to find ways to circumvent the established paths and that is totally up to them. But if a person qualifies, why not go for that 6 pack, or even 100 ton ? Never can tell where life may lead you .