T&T: 20 Year-Old Ferry Captain Heroine

[Truelove39 at aol.com]

Hi Ron,
 
Don't know what the rules are today, but all you needed awhile  back was 12 
months service as a deckhand and you could sit for a  100-ton license as 
operator of inspected passenger vessels. You could use time aboard your family yacht 
as part of the 12 months  experience, too. 
 
Years ago I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with the  venerable 
Luther Blount (RIP) who figured out how to circumvent the  intent of the 100-ton 
admeasurement limit by filling otherwise  void spaces with frames, thus 
excluding them from inclusion in the gross  tonnage. Beginning in the '60s, Luther's 
Warren, RI yard turned out many vessels  under 100 GT, some over 200 feet.   
 
So, whereas the original "Motorboat Operator's" License allowed operation  of 
vessels only up to 65 feet, there are now some big inspected passenger  boats 
being run by kids with 12 months experience. But kids are quick  learners and 
some rapidly become very adept at "shiphandling." Obviously, this  young lady 
is one of them and bless her for her courage common sense and quick  thinking 
in addition to her skill. Navigating a fast ferry in New York's North River, 
what with the  traffic, currents and inexperienced NJ boaters ;-) say nothing 
of the  unexpected, is not child's play. 
 
Best,
 
John
"Seahorse"   


Isn't it exceptional for a 20 year-old to get a USCG Captain's  ticket to
carry passengers for hire? 
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