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I looked at all the pics on the Deaf Anglers Club Web site and all I can say is "Wow, what a group of fisherman!!". I would love to have the honor to fish with this bunch!!!
I also emailed Steve Turner (the cited Deaf Angler) from the website and invited him to "The Hull Truth" and told him about the thread. Hopefully he will chime in and give us his perspective....
whether or not deaf boaters comprise a dire risk to the boating community, did he really need to be cited.
what would have been wrong with showing him the adress to visit or a coast guard rep to meet with. surely he wasn't the greatest risk on the water that day....i hardly see how his actions warranted a citation....try telling the guy how he could possibly put himself and others in danger...some education maybe...don't cite the guy
That's a good question and one the story doesn't make clear.
My read of the story is that they were originally stopped to address their proximity to the cruise ship. The second stop was to address their deafness and boating, realizing after they had already left that this was against regulations.
Heres a link to a San Diego offshore fishing forum that has the local buzz on this issue.. A lot of mixed opionions, I personally happen to be on Steves side, he has been on the water many more years than most of the newbies that are throwing rocks....
Perhaps I'm just stupid, but I've re-read the article a few times, and see no reference to commercial operations, paying passengers, etc. The article only notes that he had 3 deaf passengers, without reference to their commercial status.
Unless I'm missing something, this portion of the argument has no relation to the situation.
I'm with those here who believe that this guy is probably a top 1% boater. If he's been on the water 28 years without prior incident, he's on my list of people I'd be mighty pleased to boat with.
Given the extent to which access to boating is unregulated, this guy would be one of the last I'd pull off the water using the 'likely to be an unsafe operator' criterion:
First, All those who've never heard of the Rules of the Road go,
Next, those who know the Rules exist, but have no clue what they are,
then those who know only a few of the Rules, and apply them randomly, (I'm generally a big fan of the USCG, they do a great job of meeting many missions with far too few resources, but all too often, boarding teams seem to fall into this category).
those who are distracted by their sandwiches/TV's/microwaves/dogs/drinks/cell phones/whatever, (sometimes this applies to the boarding teams as well, esp. if you add firearms to the list.)
everyone with a PWC or go-fast,
etc...
I've got a LOOOOONG way to go before I get to the highly experienced deaf sportfishermen.
In the event of an emergency, individuals in charge of a vessel are required to provide assistance so far as they can do so without serious danger to their own vessel or the individuals on board their vessel. Assistance from other boaters can reduce the loss of life, injury or property damage resulting from boating accidents.
*************************************************
RULE 5
Look-out
Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight
and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing
circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of
the situation and of the risk of collision.
*************************************************
Rule 5 means if you have a radio(required) you are to use it for watch. If you have radar--it's ON. Everything on your boat that can be used for watch purposed should be used.
MOB is one situation that had never crossed my mind and only re-confirms my postion on the subject.
This is a classic "tempest in a teapot" on a number of forums. The point is that the rules prohibit the USCG from issuing a captain's licence to any person "impaired" in sight (color blindness) and hearing!
They're not putting him in jail! This guy was accepting payment from his "passengers" and acting as "Captain". Not allowed and so ticketed!
Rule 5 means if you have a radio(required) you are to use it for watch. If you have radar--it's ON. Everything on your boat that can be used for watch purposed should be used.
At least if this guy is on the water he can respond to a visual distress. If he's sitting at home, not allowed to use his boat, he can't do a damn thing. I'd rather have him out there.
We could "what if" ourselves into paralysis. This particular "what if", that he can't respond to a mayday, a MOB, or some other situation to render assistance doesn't make practical sense--it's bogus.
Paisley -
Recreational boaters are not required to have their VHF radios on or their radar. I have both on my boat and almost never use the VHF and use the radar only at night.
This citing the deaf guy is just an example of poor judgement by a USCG officer. Nothing else. I think a little dose of common sense (for the USCG) would have helped avoid the whole thing.
Sorry but I don't see a clear danger to what this guy was doing. The coasties were able to easily communicate what they wanted to tell this guy. Then they get "book smart" and decide to cite him. I hope he sues the crap out of them.
And to those who think ADA is "crap" well isn't it nice that you (and your kids) were born with all working limbs, eyes and ears. Good for you. If people had made reasonable accommodations for those who weren't so well off, there'd be no need for ADA. I do admit ADA is just as bad in the other direction but I guess that's the penalty for not providing reasonable accommodation in the first place.
What would be reasonable in this case?? Well, how about a deaf boater flag (like a diving flag)? Lets everybody know this guy is not going to hear sound signals. Seems to be a pretty easy and sane solution to me. Kind of like a handicap tag on a car.
Oh by the way, sold my last boat to a deaf guy and his deaf girlfriend. Yes, the demo ride was a trip but I enjoyed every second of it. He asked all the right questions (on a note pad) and went over the boat with a fine tooth comb. I was impressed and wouldn't hesitate to fish with him anytime.
And for you high and mighty VHF guys, can you really hear that radio when running on plane?? All the way up I can tell somebody transmitted something but can't hear the message.
As far as the "commercial" deal, I bet there's not a person here who's not split costs on a fishing trip at some point.
Give the guy a break. The coasties were busting balls that day and his got in the way.
Coast Guard Cites Deaf Boater 
