The owner of this marina asked me if I would like to become an operator of their ‘Tow-boat U.S.’ boat that they have. Deaton Marine runs the local franchise for Tow Boat U.S. and John asked if I’d like to take a week of sevice calls for the Franchise. I replied "sounds like fun!" The only hitch is that I would have to get my USCG Captain’s license. They agreed to pay for the cost of the course so I signed up for the next set of weekend classes at World Wide Marine Training.
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| Where I spent a month of weekends |
For the next 4 weekends I sat and took notes about the
different types of lights on ships, sound signals in fog, how to plot courses,
take a 3 point fix and hundreds of other bits of knowledge that a captain needs
to know. Then, after 5 tests, a CPR/first responders course, mandatory drug
testing, another physical, going to another city to obtain a Home Land Security
“Twic” card, 3 personal references from friends and a detailed list of all of
my time on the water for the last 20 years… I was left with a pile of paperwork
that stood over a 3/8 inch high! It’s amazing that anyone can become a captain
when you have to jump through so many hoops to become one. Oh, did I mention
the cost? Never mind, I don’t want to embarrass myself. Anyway, the entire packet
has been sent off to the USCG for approval and in a month or so I should find
out if I’ll officially be granted a Captain license or not. Stay tuned!
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