Let's say that the USCG, or US Navy, instituted a volunteer program in
which you would be required to pass a background check including
security clearance, physical (within civilian specifications - we're
not talking NAvy Seals of Marine Recon types here), complete the basic
Captain's level license (whatever that is) in return for which, the
Navy or USCG would pay for the use of your vessel to do port security
patrols and other security type work as deemed necessary and
appropriate.

Would you participate?


Not likely.

1. No problem with background check and security clearance.

2. I'd like to think that I could pass the physical, but God only knows. I
turn 50 in a couple of months, and I'm about 50 miles south of buff. Can
you say sea slug?

3. I would truly enjoy the pursuit of a Captain's license.

4. But, the bottom line is that my boat is a PLEASURE vessel. I'm not
looking for anybody to pay for its use, and I wouldn't want anybody
dictating how/when/where it was used. My bathing suit wouldn't pass for a
uniform, and I'm pretty sure they would frown on sipping a cold beer while
on duty. I'm a working stiff with a job, and treasure my boat as a place to
get away from many of life's impositions. I'm fortunate to have a 12-month
boating season (79 degree high today, woohoo!), and I take full advantage of
it. It would be a bad trade for me. But since I'm inland, most likely a
moot question for me since I have nothing much to guard, with the possible
exceptions of Hoover and Glen Canyon Dams, which actually would be
tactically devastating targets if hit successfully. But I wouldn't think
they'd likely be targeted from the water. More likely from above, I would
think. Interesting question, though.