Question
| Captain Larry Walker, |  |
| What is the rule about using a VHF Radio on my boat? Must I have a license? Is it a license to operate or a Permit to have a radio on the boat? | |
| Richard | |
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Answer
| Richard, | |
| Recreational boaters do not need a license or permit for their 25 watt VHF radios. The requirement for that was dropped years ago. | |
| Captain Larry Walker | |
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Question
| Captain Larry Walker, | |
| In technical terms, what is the definition of a hard grounding, and how does it differentiate from a soft grounding, especially as it relates to towing? | |
| Keith | |
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Answer
| Keith, | |
| The terms "soft grounding" and "hard grounding" generally refer to the degree of difficulty involved in floating your vessel off the ground. The use of the terms is not consistent around the country. Some towing operators use the terms to determine whether they will charge an ungrounding fee or make a salvage claim. That often has to do with justifying a higher fee that might not be warranted. It is a gray area that is routinely disputed. | |
| Captain Larry Walker | |
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Question
| Captain Larry Walker, | |
| What are the laws that goven were one can anchor a vessel in coastal waters...specifically California? | |
| David | |
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Answer
| David, | |
| Because of "landlubber" politicians overstepping their bounds, there is much confusion on this topic. The coastal regulators of the inland tidal waters vary in their policy from state to state. Your best bet is to contact the local U.S. Coast Guard Station or other governmental authority that has officers ion the water in your area. There is no simple explanation that covers all scenarios. | |
| Captain Larry Walker | |
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Question
| Captain Larry Walker, | |
| There are diurnal tides in certain areas. Do you have knowledge of the areas or where I may obtain this information? | |
| Joseph | |
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Answer
| Joseph, | |
| Your local marine store will have several publications that provide tide times and heights. That is best source for most boaters that need to have something onboard. There are also electronic and Internet based sources that require hardware and software. Your marine store staff should be able to help you there too. Good Luck! | |
| Captain Larry Walker | |
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Question
| Captain Larry Walker, | |
| I have purchased a 21 foot center console Sprint Pro Master boat. I know that I can go into the marsh areas and bays, but how far can I go into the ocean, or can I? It has a yamaha 150 hp engine. If so, what sea conditions are safe for me? | |
| Christopher | |
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Answer
| Christopher, | |
| Based on your question, I suspect that you do not have the experience for ocean cruising. I suggest that you take the boating safety course offered either by the Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadrons. Both courses are excellent and inexpensive. After that training, you will be better able to assess your readiness for an ocean voyage. Good Luck! | |
| Captain Larry Walker | |
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Question
| Captain Larry Walker, | |
| I have relocated to the desert and have decided to donate my boat to a good charity. Does Boat/US have any recomendations? I will continue to boat by chartering. | |
| John | |
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Answer
| John, | |
| I suggest that you go on the Internet to search for charities in your area that accept boats. Community colleges that have maritime programs would be a good place to look. Good Luck! | |
| Captain Larry Walker | |
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Question
| Captain Larry Walker, | |
| I'm in florida and need to renew my Captains license. What do I have to do? | |
| Luis | |
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Answer
| Luis, | |
| You can call the USCG Regional Exam Center that issued your license and ask them to send you a "renewal package." The information that they send you will have instructions to follow. Good Luck! | |
| Captain Larry Walker | |
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Question
| Captain Larry Walker, | |
| I often see mooring buoys in rivers and channels. I presume someone has put these in privately, however can anyone just use them for an overnight mooring? | |
| Michael | |
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Answer
| Michael, | |
| The right to use mooring buoys varies quite a bit. Most mooring fields are governed by the municipality, county or yacht club ashore. Access may require a membership in a club, an annual fee to a governmental agency or a daily transient fee. Some mooring buoys are just "out there." Local knowledge is really important. You need to go on a case by case basis. There is no general rule for access to a mooring buoy. | |
| Captain Larry Walker | |
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Question
| Captain Larry Walker, | |
Do I need a drivers license to operate a boat? Thank You.
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| Jorge | |
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Answer
| Jorge, | |
On the Navigable Waters Governed by the Coast Guard you do not need a license to operate a vessel unless you are carrying passengers or certain freight for hire. There are other things that would require a license that you, as a recreational boater, need not worry about.
However, on waters under state, county or municipal regulation, they might have requirements that requires licensing. You are best advised to consult with the enforcement authority on the waters where you intend to operate. The enforcement may be by the U.S. Coast Guard, the state or local officers that patrol the waters.
There are too many variables that are unknown about your question. It is impossible for me to give you an absolute answer without knowing the waters on which you do your boating. The local enforcement authorities are the best source to answer your question. I would give them a call.
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| Captain Larry Walker | |
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Question
| Captain Larry Walker, | |
| I was just wondering if you know of a recent article in your magazines, (Seaworthy or BoatUS) or perhaps in another magazine regarding the history of measurements. I am struggling to remember where I recently read this article. Perhaps you are familiar with it. It could have been as far back as a June 2008 issue. I am still searching online, but haven't found it. It was a great article and helps me remember the references of various distances like fathom, knots, etc. I want to share it with some boating friends and cannot find it. Can you help? | |
| Susan | |
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Answer
| Susan, | |
I can't help you on that specific magazine article. However, I can tell you that a fathom is equal to 6 feet. Soundings (depths) on navigation charts can be indicated in feet, meters or fathoms.
A knot is a rate of speed (one nautical mile per hour). A "nautical mile" is 6,076 feet in length, as opposed to a "statute mile" which is 5,280 feet in length. The rate of speed in statute miles is referred to as "Miles Per Hour" while the rate of speed in "Nautical Miles" is refered to as "Knots."
I hope that I have cleared things up for you. | |
| Captain Larry Walker | |
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