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Lisa,Jim and Carl,
Thanks for responding and allowing me to view your opinions and experiances
on this subject.
My major thrust in my origonal post was even if one is taught something in
class if one doesn't use it on more then in an emergency situation or once
or twice a year in practical sailing situations the ability to use that
basic knowledge is eroded towards worthlessness because one has to think
about what one's doing before and during the situation.Even when a cadet is
graduated from the academy with all his/her lessons passed they are still
only "entry level" candidates and must be given practical lessons to round
out their education.
I really do understand that rec boaters are in it to have fun or gain
experiance.They really don't require the in depth training professionals
do.But to allow someone to buy and operate any vessel without some basic
training at least in the art of plotting and collision avoidance(rules of
the road) is foolhearty.
I find the serious sailers(blowboat operators of all sizes)to be much more
competant in seamanship then are motor(stinkpot)vessel operators.At least
out here on the west coast of the states.
Brings to mind a situation from last year.We(297 ft cargo vessel) were
entering San Deigo harbor.San Deigo has a narrow channel and is classified
as such.A Navy warship is exiting the harbor the same time we are entering
it.We are hugging the starboard side of the channel as the warship is
hugging the port side.We are travelling at around 7 kts.We are overtaking a
45 ft yatch(who has no business in the channel)and give the proper sound
signals to overtake on his port side.He doesn't respond to repeated
signals(nor responds to hailing over various marine radio channels).In fact
now all the people on board are on the stern area waving hello and the
operator slows his vessel allowing us to get even closer.No room to
manouver.I order turns for 1/8 reverse speed.
To end the story a collision was avoided(no thanks to the yatchy).But the
operator of that yatch had no clue as to the basics of the rules of
manouver.
I'm heartened to hear that Lisa and Jim conduct drills and evolutions on a
scheduled basis on their private vessels.Good on both of you.
Jim, your Power Squadron courses sound like the ticket.I hope you have many
new boaters attending classes.
Carl,thanks for the insight into what you teach.
I'm at a point in my life where I don't wish to go to sea for extended
periods anymore.A couple of days here and a couple of days there to keep my
currentcy up to date is all I want.
I am now teaching the STCW courses to cadets and proffesional people who
need the certs to meet C.G. requirements for documentation.I find I actually
really enjoy teaching the younger people these skills.And as a bonus I find
the STCW courses taught to be some of the most important,practical and real
life situation lessons offered to these people before they get out into the
real world.

[NOTE for fer3.com/arc: This message has been modified slightly from the original
message due to a technical issue. No change in content.]

   

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