On Tue, 4 Sep 2007 12:27:23 -0400, "D-unit" cof42_AT_embarqmail.com
wrote:

After getting drenched in a heavy downpour last week and on my way
home, I notice a fellow off to the side of the ICW *walking* his boat
up the waterway. He waves and appears to be in distress so I turn
around to see what's up.

Turns out,

His battery is dead. I hand over my battery booster which doesn't help
much. (Im wondering if I shouldn't have bought a larger one) He then
asks me to tow him to the wildlife ramp. (approx. 3-4 miles)
to which I reluctantly replied ok. He said a couple other guys had stopped
but refused to give him a tow. I have never had to tow anyone but was
willing to help the guy out.

I did irk me that he had no back up of any kind. i.e. extra battery, paddle.
battery booster.

When we got to the ramp, he offered no *thank you* but a "what do I owe
you"?
A thank you would have sufficed, I guess that's what he meant.

Afterwards, I starting thinking about what my obligations are in similar
situations.

I think Im only legally obligated to lend assistance only if it is a dire
situation or
someone is hurt. Maybe someone could clear this up.



I now, after towing in a few people from the bay, offer to contact TowBoat
US and to stick around until help arrives. I carry jumper cables, and have
helped a guy get his boat started. But, I won't tow him. Once you take a
boat under tow, you've assumed a *lot* of responsibility.
--
John H

"D-unit" wrote:

After getting drenched in a heavy downpour last week and on my way
home, I notice a fellow off to the side of the ICW *walking* his boat
up the waterway. He waves and appears to be in distress so I turn
around to see what's up.

Turns out,

His battery is dead. I hand over my battery booster which doesn't help
much. (Im wondering if I shouldn't have bought a larger one) He then
asks me to tow him to the wildlife ramp. (approx. 3-4 miles)
to which I reluctantly replied ok. He said a couple other guys had stopped
but refused to give him a tow. I have never had to tow anyone but was
willing to help the guy out.

I did irk me that he had no back up of any kind. i.e. extra battery, paddle.
battery booster.

When we got to the ramp, he offered no *thank you* but a "what do I owe
you"?
A thank you would have sufficed, I guess that's what he meant.

Afterwards, I starting thinking about what my obligations are in similar
situations.

I think Im only legally obligated to lend assistance only if it is a dire
situation or
someone is hurt. Maybe someone could clear this up.


I've towed in a few boaters with dead engines over the years. I don't
believe there is any legal obligation to do so. If the boat is otherwise
sound and its captain sober enough to handle his end of the tow line, I
don't see any serious problem.

I think if you see a boat in distress (fire, sinking, man overboard, et
cetera) you are obligated as a fellow human being to render whatever
assistance you can. I rarely ask who the guy voted for in the last
presidential election.

Incidentally, on a small boat such as I have, the odds are just as
likely the battery wire has come loose and that's why there's no juice
and why a jumper won't help. It's happened to me.

"HK" wrote in message
. ..

I think if you see a boat in distress (fire, sinking, man overboard, et
cetera) you are obligated as a fellow human being to render whatever
assistance you can. I rarely ask who the guy voted for in the last
presidential election.


Subject to certain conditions (inability, danger to you or your passengers,
and a couple of others) I believe you also have a legal obligation to
provide assistance if a bona fide distress call (Mayday) is received and/or
you are directed by appropriate authority such as the Coast Guard to assist.

It would obviously be hard to prove that you avoided this responsibility,
but IIRC, those are the rules.

Eisboch

Eisboch wrote:
"HK" wrote in message
. ..

I think if you see a boat in distress (fire, sinking, man overboard, et
cetera) you are obligated as a fellow human being to render whatever
assistance you can. I rarely ask who the guy voted for in the last
presidential election.


Subject to certain conditions (inability, danger to you or your passengers,
and a couple of others) I believe you also have a legal obligation to
provide assistance if a bona fide distress call (Mayday) is received and/or
you are directed by appropriate authority such as the Coast Guard to assist.

It would obviously be hard to prove that you avoided this responsibility,
but IIRC, those are the rules.

Eisboch




Well, I'm not "corporate America" when I'm out boating, and only out to
make a profit. If I see someone having trouble or if I am directed to
help, I will. I made up a large loop spliced line with handhold knots to
help someone in the water climb aboard the old Yo Ho (the ladder was not
a permanent attachment), and I still have it on the new Yo Ho.

"HK" wrote in message
. ..

Eisboch wrote:
"HK" wrote in message
. ..

I think if you see a boat in distress (fire, sinking, man overboard, et
cetera) you are obligated as a fellow human being to render whatever
assistance you can. I rarely ask who the guy voted for in the last
presidential election.


Subject to certain conditions (inability, danger to you or your
passengers, and a couple of others) I believe you also have a legal
obligation to provide assistance if a bona fide distress call (Mayday) is
received and/or you are directed by appropriate authority such as the
Coast Guard to assist.

It would obviously be hard to prove that you avoided this responsibility,
but IIRC, those are the rules.

Eisboch


Well, I'm not "corporate America" when I'm out boating, and only out to
make a profit. If I see someone having trouble or if I am directed to
help, I will. I made up a large loop spliced line with handhold knots to
help someone in the water climb aboard the old Yo Ho (the ladder was not a
permanent attachment), and I still have it on the new Yo Ho.

That went over my head. What does "corporate America" and "making a
profit" have to do with a legal obligation (as well as moral) to provide
assistance in a legitimate maritime emergency?

Eisboch

Eisboch wrote:
"HK" wrote in message
. ..

Eisboch wrote:
"HK" wrote in message
. ..

I think if you see a boat in distress (fire, sinking, man overboard, et
cetera) you are obligated as a fellow human being to render whatever
assistance you can. I rarely ask who the guy voted for in the last
presidential election.

Subject to certain conditions (inability, danger to you or your
passengers, and a couple of others) I believe you also have a legal
obligation to provide assistance if a bona fide distress call (Mayday) is
received and/or you are directed by appropriate authority such as the
Coast Guard to assist.

It would obviously be hard to prove that you avoided this responsibility,
but IIRC, those are the rules.

Eisboch

Well, I'm not "corporate America" when I'm out boating, and only out to
make a profit. If I see someone having trouble or if I am directed to
help, I will. I made up a large loop spliced line with handhold knots to
help someone in the water climb aboard the old Yo Ho (the ladder was not a
permanent attachment), and I still have it on the new Yo Ho.

That went over my head. What does "corporate America" and "making a
profit" have to do with a legal obligation (as well as moral) to provide
assistance in a legitimate maritime emergency?

Eisboch



Precisely.

On Tue, 04 Sep 2007 14:51:25 -0400, HK wrote:

Eisboch wrote:
"HK" wrote in message
. ..

Eisboch wrote:
"HK" wrote in message
. ..

I think if you see a boat in distress (fire, sinking, man overboard, et
cetera) you are obligated as a fellow human being to render whatever
assistance you can. I rarely ask who the guy voted for in the last
presidential election.

Subject to certain conditions (inability, danger to you or your
passengers, and a couple of others) I believe you also have a legal
obligation to provide assistance if a bona fide distress call (Mayday) is
received and/or you are directed by appropriate authority such as the
Coast Guard to assist.

It would obviously be hard to prove that you avoided this responsibility,
but IIRC, those are the rules.

Eisboch

Well, I'm not "corporate America" when I'm out boating, and only out to
make a profit. If I see someone having trouble or if I am directed to
help, I will. I made up a large loop spliced line with handhold knots to
help someone in the water climb aboard the old Yo Ho (the ladder was not a
permanent attachment), and I still have it on the new Yo Ho.

That went over my head. What does "corporate America" and "making a
profit" have to do with a legal obligation (as well as moral) to provide
assistance in a legitimate maritime emergency?

Eisboch



Precisely.

Excellent.

--Vic