Safety At Sea---Take Note

[ThistleCap]

The next time you are operating in close quarters with large ships, or making assumptions that they will be in the channel, on the correct side of the channel, reducing speed in reduced visibility or complying with other COLREG requirements, remember these findings of a marine board following a collision.  This case is by no means unique.
The mariner involved ?had four DUI convictions, two refusals to submit to alcohol testing, two (criminal) arrests, three federal mariner license suspensions, three civil penalties for negligent operation of a vessel, and two state license suspensions.?  He was involved in two collisions less than a mile apart.  Tonnage is no proof  of competence.
I should add that he was allowed to renew his federal master's license with pilot endorsement.   

[maxiSwede]

Tonnage is no proof  of competence.

So true. I've noticed that among pleasure craft skippers, too much respect are often the case as to the 'pro's'

In the Baltic for instance we have a history of russian merchant mariners being drunk to the point of oblivion, (3 %o and more!) running around in circles before driving their 5000+ tonner right up on the beach.... or lighthouse.... or the rocks for a change 

What more is there to say?   

[marujo_sortudo]

Someone told me that the tonnage for a Captain's license is simply based on what size ship you got your sea hours on, not what your role was on that ship.  Is that correct?  If so, I could see some folks getting licenses that barely have any experience directing a boat of any size.  I'm sure requirements vary widely from country to country, too, and there are many places in the world where a few bills in the right hand would buy a license...