On Tue, 27 Mar 2007 23:17:05 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

One of my good friends just retired from the Merchant Marine after
twenty years as Captain of various tanker and super tanker vessels.

Since he retired, he purchased a boat (50 foot Hatteras convertible)
and went to see the DEP about getting the required Boating Operation
Certificate. He took all his Master's documents down to DEP HQ in
Lyme, CT and was refused - he has to take a boating course.

So I looked it up. As silly as this is, here is the official
statement on previous experience.

13 - I have a valid Coast Guard Operating License. Do I need the Safe
Boating Certificate to operate my boat?

If you have a current master, mate, or pilot license issued through
the Coast Guard, you do not need the Connecticut Safe Boating
Certificate to operate your boat. You must keep the valid license with
you at all times. You cannot use the valid Coast Guard License to
obtain your Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate. You would have to
take a boating course or provide us with proof that you have taken an
approved boating course to obtain a safe boating certificate.

Now I ask you - does that seem even reasonable? He doesn't want to
keep his documents with him at all times - not when a small, wallet
sized card is available from the state.

Freakin' unbelivable.

When I was merchant marine, the CG issued a laminated ID much like my
military ID. Had my rating (Fireman/Watertender) on the card. Still
have it buried in a drawer somewhere.
Seems they would issue the same for a master, mate or pilot, but maybe
they don't - then or now.

--Vic