T&T: Obligations for Rescue at Sea

[Scott E. Bulger]

Most of us are operating fairly small boats and I seriously doubt any of us
would come under the scrutiny of a maritime court for any decisions we made
regarding refusing to assist in a rescue at sea.  Don't get me wrong, I've
participated in numerous assistance efforts (none of them were rescues) and
provided water to fisherman in the ocean, but I'd NEVER allow a boat like
the one pictured on the cover of the pamphlet describing assistance for
refugees to come anywhere near my boat.  I would radio or satphone call the
USCG, put some water, a handheld VHF radio, flares and some food in an
appropriate container and pitch it over the side upwind of the distressed
boat.  After making sure they got it, and the CG knew where they were I'd
either hold a safe distance off, or proceed on my way.  Those guys made
their choice to put to sea and it's not my responsibility to insure they are
successful.  It is my responsibility to return my wife to shore safely.
Nothing else is more important.



Scott E. Bulger, ALANUI, Nordhavn 40II, Seattle WA