[Paddlewise] USCG (Boat Vis: USCG Answers)

In a message dated 12/15/00 6:36:16 PM, shawnkayak_at_yahoo.com writes:

<< He didn't say "Boat safe so you won't ever need to call us", or "don't
forget all your kayak-related safety equipment and skills", he said
"don't forget...a radio or cell phone". >>

    I respectfully disagree with Shawn's take on the response from the USCG. 
I see nothing in the response from the USCG that justifies the interpolation 
to the exclusion of other safety equipment or training and seamanship for 
that matter. Rather I think we've just seen a perfect example of the 
limitations of email bytes and the media within which we chose to converse.  
The USCG is in the business of keeping US waters safe and free of carrion 
type flotsam. I was impressed that the ebyte referred to a cell phone / VHF 
device at all. Bravo to the USCG for thinking of including such a 
recommendation in their response.
    I suspect that the respondent gave the recipient the benefit of the doubt 
concerning safety awareness since he was bright enough to seek boat color 
information from the USCG. This is not the actions of the average 
recreational kayaker. Certainly this is all speculation but it would take 
much clearer language for me to read the same spin into this response.
    I will send a separate non-PaddleWise flame directly to Shawn for his 
transgressions against that most highly respected service.  ;-)

Jed

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