[Andy the Coastie]

Originally Posted by Keith L

The PBA has a long history of looking after its members interests, there is nothing whatsoever wrong with that, that it what it is supposed to do! But all that I am seeing is a professional skipper, who never tires of making that point, using the RNLI/Coastguard statement to have yet another go at those horrible, nasty club RIBs who cannot possibly have any clue whatsoever as they are not "professional" skippers!

To which i'm NOT a member of, and never will be, my idea of a PROFESSIONAL skipper is one that makes a living from his boat, getting paid , Professional in your eyes seems to Mr Perfect , to which i am not. There are some good dive boat handlers out there who have just the basic RYA Day Skippers ticket, then there are yachtmasters who don't give a flying fcuk, as long as they cover thier expenses......

NOW, You know that after one of my customers was hit by a TUG,I PM'ed you about advice on a BSAC incident form , and I hope you got my PM back after i sent it to Mr Cummin.

Thats my idea of being a professional, I was stuck and asked for advice.


No Andy, I cannot support your call for "more legislation" and "something must be done". Therein lies a can of worms that you do not want to even consider opening. Get off your high horse about these non-professional skippers you keep whinging on about, they are not the problem and legislation will solve NOTHING.

Ok, lets see if i can make sense again .......

Your wife is picking up your kids from school, and driving her nice shiney new car is hit by another car, it kills the kids and your wife is left in a wheel chair for life.
The other driver walks free from the accident,but the law knab him for drink drinking , but is only just over the limit.
However the car he was driving, had 3 bald tyres no tax and no insurance.

See where i'm coming from ?





Yes, I have also been on professional boats in a very poor state of repair. Yes, I've also been on them when they have broken down. Accidents happen Andy, when there is a risk to life then that is not the time to be considering whether one can afford to summon assistance.

[b]Yes, i understand that what your saying ,,, BUT , why shouldn't some motor cruiser owner be stung for TOW job , when he didn't have to sense to carry the right amount of fuel for the passage ........

FFS, in the BSAC questions on dive planning it always says you need a 50 bar RESERVE........ In diving , use your reserve and the price can be DEATH. BIG PRICE TO PAY that is ....