Me wrote:



I think that it will be very interesting to see what the Marine Safety
Officer will conclude from the investigation of this grounding. I
suspect that the Master is going to have to hire a pile of GOOD Sea
Lawyers, just to keep his license from being suspended, or revoked.
Looks to me like a case of very Poor Seamanship, and navigation.
For a Small Passenger Ship to get itself in such a situation, shows
how much there is a need for better testing for a Masters License.


Me

Until all the facts are in, we'll have to speculate. My only sense is
that he was too far right in his approach. If so, what caused this
and/or why, will determine much of what happens next.

As for license exams......
An exam is only an indication of how well someone takes exams and knows
basic information. From there, it becomes the onus of the
owners/managers of the particular vessel, to determine the suitability
of an individual to perform under that license.
If you look at those individuals giving the test for US upper licenses,
I doubt you'd find one who is themselves, qualified to hold that license.

otn