Oye!

SHIP'S LOG:

     It has been about a week since the last post so I figured it was about time. I have spent the last few days getting together the necessary items and paperwork to get a Master's Limited License and the bureaucratic hoops for such a trivial item are rather involved.  Basically the item is one step about the "6 Pack" license, perhaps the most common which lots of boat owners get so that they can call themselves "Captain" and have it mean something. Actually, from what I understand, the term "CAPTAIN" is nowhere on the license which actually uses the official term of "Master." Get the license and you become "Master" of your vessel. What it does for you is allow you to carry 6 paying Passengers on your vessel, hence the nickname "6 pack."  It also allows your insurance company to be more rigorous in determining your liability in the event of some type of marine accident. Since you are now an expert, they afford you less wiggle room should you pull a "Titanic!"

     The "Limited Master's License" once obtained allows you to pilot a launch for a yacht club or similar organization. TYC is looking for a couple of people to help with the launch duties and I figured that since I live down there during the summer, I might as well sign up. To that end, I have been running around getting a certified copy of my birth certificate and a new Social Security card. I also have to get a TWIC ( Transportation Worker's Identification Card) which is a photo DI that proves I am not a terrorist and can safely be let loose around boats, trains, planes and automotive vehicles. That requires finger printing, photo taking, form filling and providing the appropriate documentation, ie: certified birth certificate and Social Security Card. The birth certificate was $20 and instantly available once I got to the Town Clerk in Norwich. The Social Security Card was free, but it has a 3 week delivery time frame. They call when it shows up at the SS Office in Willimantic. Next I have to take a boating course ($190) and pass a Coast Guard test. I have to take a drug test, medical test, eye test, prove I have a sufficient number of days (190 in the last 3 years) aboard an appropriately sized vessel, as well as to supply 3 character references. Of course, none of this is available all in the same place or at the same time and I have been logging, and will continue to log, mucho miles getting it all done. Oh fun, fun, fun!

     The weather seems to be warming though once again this week they are looking at the possibility of snow. It makes one want to scream. It doesn't help I suppose that next weekend I am heading up to New Hampshire for a bacchanal with some old college friends. There's sure to be snow up there.

     TYC had a "after-the-fact" st. Patrick's Day party last night. Though it was Irish-themed, it was actually more of a chance to judge where people were in their spring boat preparation. Mid-80's Jim Avery is the furthest along, all be set to drop his boat in on his traditional Date of April 1st.  I hate him! Well, not really, 'cause I race with him on Wednesdays and Sundays, but the fact that I have only uncovered ABISHAG as of yet, well he can be a bit irritating. There is still ankle-deep mud in Portland! as well as piles of snow! I had winter.