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First mate for a special skipper

By WILBUR SCOTT
Published April 28, 2006

In my introductory article for this new series of safe boating articles, I indicated that the first topic would be about you, the skipper, and the importance of your selection of a first mate.

I also mentioned that this particular topic would be of special importance to me personally because, although I have served as both a skipper and as a first mate, I currently serve as first mate for a very special skipper. More about this special skipper a little later.

From what has been said thus far, you might think perhaps we are talking about a skipper or first mate of some large ship. Nope! I am talking about your boat or vessel, regardless of size or type.

As we continue on with this series of safe boating articles, you will learn about emergencies that can arise on the water with little or no warning. Homosassa Flotilla 15-04 of your U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary wants you to be prepared for those emergencies

I wonder if you, as the captain of your vessel, have really thought about the awesome responsibility that you have for the safety of those passengers who share your boat.

Some of you, I am sure, will say, "My vessel is only a flats boat," or "I do not venture that far off shore," or maybe, "Why would I need a first mate just cruising or fishing the area rivers and lakes?"

You, as skipper, should know your vessel's capabilities, how it responds to different weather and water conditions, and the location and proper use of the various safety equipment on board. You, of course, probably have this knowledge because you are one of those wise skippers who have attended a USCG Auxiliary boating skills and seamanship course and have had a free vessel safety check performed on your vessel.

On the other hand, you might be one of those skippers who meant to do so but just haven't gotten around to it.

No problem. At the end of this article I will give you a couple of phone numbers to call to arrange for participation in both of these programs.

For now, let's assume you do indeed have all of the knowledge necessary to bring you and your passengers safely out of a dangerous situation. Ah, but what if something should happen to you: a disabling injury or other medical emergency? Who will take over then?

You really need to plan before leaving the dock for such an emergency. Select a person you feel you can rely upon. Show him or her the location and proper use of all safety devices. Is the person skilled in the safe operation of your vessel? Does he or she know how to properly operate the marine radio in an emergency?

By the way, you might recall that in my introductory article I mentioned that you need only send me a self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope and I would send you a free emergency radio procedures placard to place on your vessel near your marine radio. That offer still goes.

Please do take some time to consider the selection of a first mate. It really is the wise thing to do.

The special skipper for whom I currently serve as first mate is my fishing buddy and has been for many years. His name is Len Manser and he is the captain of a flats boat named My Skipper (the nickname he gave to Arlyce, his high school sweetheart and lovely bride of 59 years).

I serve as his first mate now, as he has done for me in the past when fishing from my boat. We have encountered our share of emergencies on the water over the years and have assisted other boaters, as well.

Len is a remarkable man. Though legally blind, he knows the area waters almost as well as some of our local guides. Give him a landmark and he will tell you exactly where to steer and what lies ahead and below the surface. When he has a fish on, he can tell you what species and what size it is almost immediately. He ties knots by touch, and seldom does he require help rigging his lines.

Oh, and did I mention that he has had three heart bypasses, is on dialysis three times per week and yes, like someone you might know, has terminal cancer? Yet in spite of these things and taking one day at a time for many years now, he is not a couch potato by any stretch of the imagination.

You will find him on his beloved water at every opportunity, (even if only for an hour or two). Len is a World War II veteran, having served his country as a Navy corpsman.

Very early each morning, (when physically able), he enjoys visiting with the regulars at area restaurants, exchanging fish stories and jokes.

I mention my friend obviously not only because of the admiration and respect that I have for him but because he wishes to encourage others in a similar situation to continue as long as possible doing the things they enjoy. Len feels at this stage in his life that one should not dwell on what cannot be changed but enjoy doing the things you love to do whether it be on the water, in the garden or under a shade tree.

Being outdoors, hearing the birds and feeling the breeze really can help break up another long boring day cooped up inside.

For those of you who do take kids fishing and boating, I say thank you. At the same time, may I ask you to consider taking along a senior or medically challenged person once in awhile. It might take some patience on your part, but they will love you for it, and I think maybe you will feel good about it too.

I wish to thank hospice and the good folks at Magic Manatee Marina in Homosassa for going out of their way to see that Len and others like him continue doing what they love to do. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts with you and a special thank you to you, Len, for being not only my skipper, but my best buddy as well!

This is one of a series of guest columns that are run periodically. Today's column is written by Wilbur B. Scott, assistant public affairs officer for Flotilla 15-04 of Homosassa. Visit its Web site, www.uscgaux.org/0701504/ To contact him, e-mail seacapt34448@yahoo.com or write to P.O. Box 2084, Homosassa Springs, FL 34447-2084.

[Last modified April 28, 2006, 08:07:45]