Re: do boaters help boaters?
I am retired Coast Guard Auxilairy, after 26 years and over 250 documented assists.
Before Sea Tow sued the govt, and removed the CG from assiting boaters, we were the assist people for mostly all of the Lakes and the rivers. Even the ICW and offshore. Money could not be acepted, because of Govt rules.
I had some of the rudest and ungrateful people that I assisted, and some of the nicest. OK, As a boater myself, I can understand getting upset because the boat broke down and ruined an outting. But, hey: I am not getting paid for this. We have done 20 mile offshore tows. I will tow you to the first location where you can get help for your problem, which may be just feet away, but not 30 miles bach to YOUR marina.
One instance, a guy had a twin engine go-fast, complete with gold chains and blonde. His batteries were dead at the marina, and they jumpped the boat and got him going. At the no-wake zone, he was doing about 50, and the marine patrol officer stopped him, and ticketed him. Then it would not start. Thats when we came along, not knowing the situation. The officer radioed us and asked us to take him to teh nearest marina. After calling it in, we towed this SOB, who compained all the way back, including comments: " I could tow this boat faster by swimming with a rope in my teeth", etc (Note: we were towing at hull speed, which is the maximum safe speed.)
I told him if he did not shut up, I may give him the opportunity to demonstate it to us. So, more comments, and we called the situation in. The CG boarding team met us at the marine and did a complete inspection. Wrote 2 more tickets.
Would I stop now that I am not "official" now? Yes with caviets: Nasty, verbally abusive, ordering me around, and such will get it called into $ea tow. I will stand by at a safe distance until they arrive and then leave.
No, the LAW does not require you to courtesy tow another boat which is NOT in distress. (Distress: a medical or other problem threatening life.) You duties are to help them if you can , within the scope of your training and abilities, without endangering your boat or people. The only time you MUST stop and render aid is if you are involved in the incident
Besides this, I have done many hours of tow training the the CG. I have the proper equipment aboard. I would venture an educated guess as to 90% of the boaters on the water not having the skills ( or equipment) needed for a safe tow. Just because you did this once and didn't get hurt doesn't mean you are skilled.
Example: Look at a CG vessel. There is a chain link fence behind the helmsman. Reason: If the cleat on a towed boat breaks loose (or out) under a towing stress, the tow line stretch will propell it at the back of your head. They lost a fewCG helmsman that way.
No, I don't have an attitude. I just want to point out that assist towing is a serious thing.
(No, I won't teach this here becasue of the liabilities involved)
Speaking of which, the good samaritin law applies to a voluntary assist same as ashore.
